Life — July 24, 1924 — page 22: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a humorous instructional diagram showing how to wear a polo coat and matching vest. The nine panels depict a sequence of scenarios, likely satirizing different social situations and the wearer's attempts to maintain proper appearance with this outfit. The progression appears to show a gentleman in various states of dishevelment—removing the coat, adjusting clothing, interacting with others, and ultimately engaging in active pursuits like polo or horseback riding (shown in the bottom panel). The satire seems to mock the impracticality of maintaining a refined, fashionable appearance while actually *using* the garment for its intended purpose. The final scene shows the coat completely compromised during vigorous activity, suggesting the gap between fashion ideals and real-world practicality—a common theme in Life magazine's social commentary.