Movie Style Guy: Intro to Retro

Posted by Robert Fure (robert@filmschoolrejects.com) on February 28, 2008

What’s up cats? With Will Ferrell’s newest jaunt piece Semi-Pro butt slapping and sweating its way into theaters with that 70s groove going on, now is as good a time as any to remind you that retro is always current. Say whaaaaaat?

Previous decades have always been laughed at and lauded for their looks, perhaps none so more than the psychedelic seventies. But tack on a decade or so and one was old becomes new again and 1974 is on the phone baby, and they’re saying try me on for size. Just check out the trailer for Semi-Pro to get a taste of the age and be safe in the knowledge that almost anything you see, when worn confidently, can be worn in this day and age.

Accessories such as wrist bands and sweat bands are fairly popular right now, so dust off the old gym bag and dig out those retro colored cloth bands. We’re looking for some pastel colors, or some funky orange and purple over white. Strap it on and rock it out without shame. Big glasses are huge right now (ha! in all ways) and the shades of the time, including aviators and other novelty glasses may look stupid, but if they’re you’re thing, you put them on proudly and hit the town. Just take them off when the sun goes down or I will slug you.

The shin level coat is back too, hell throw some fur (maybe faux) on there and you’re groovin, baby. In all areas, jackets especially included, the pastel colors are back. Focus mostly on blue as you’ll blend in everywhere without being too much of a joke. Turtle neck sweater? Too warm for that, but if its cold where you live - yes please! Feel free to accessorize, though the ascot may be a little bit too much, even today.

On the athletic courts, the sky is the limit. Throwback jerseys are huge and short shorts are less gay than ever. High top sneakers such as Converse All Stars are a hit, so lace up and shoot some hoops. High socks are even alright, but you won’t see me wearing them. Paired with the proper attire, the throwback jersey can be worn out, though the short shorts are for athletic activity only - and maybe in the bedroom if you’re into that kinky stuff.

Most importantly of all, though, for true Semi-Pro style, you’ve got to rock the hair. You don’t have to go full ‘fro, in fact, it may be risky. But hair a little longer, a little wavier - alright. More importantly though, as you know if you’ve read my other columns - facial hair. It is back, baby! Mustaches, partial beards, goatees - the sky is the limit. But if you want to look like you belong on the Semi-Pro team, you need to rock sideburns, no questions asked. Just let ‘em grow, baby. Women never complain about sideburns and they give you a little bit of fun on your face without being overly distracted.

So what are you waiting for? Hit the vintage clothing shop and fill up that wardrobe! Grow that facial hair and slip on those shades. That Movie Style Guy, he is a mean mother f-Watch yo mouth! Hey, I’m just talkin bout Movie Style Guy.

Read more articles by Robert Fure