3 ms·

I'm glad to have figured out at the age of 20 or so that dressing well (or at least reasonably) is a small investment of time and money that pays off hugely in

by hugh3 16y ago

I'm glad to have figured out at the age of 20 or so that dressing well (or at least reasonably) is a small investment of time and money that pays off hugely in the long run in terms of how other people treat you. If you're smart and poorly-dressed, you're that useful freakshow. If you're smart and well-dressed, you're the master of the freaking universe. General principles: a) Spend some damn money. I'm not gonna tell you how much, but if your spending on clothes is way below average for your age and income bracket then you probably look like a slob. If you earn $100K a year and your pants cost $15 then you have a problem. b) No free t-shirts. In fact, no t-shirts with logos on them. In fact, no visible logos on any of your clothes at any time. Legible words are generally a no-no. c) When in doubt, plain colours, nothing too garish. d) Fit is everything. e) When in doubt, read magnificentbastard.com

thomasgerbe 16y ago
"If you earn $100K a year and your pants cost $15 then you have a problem" Disagree. If you go to second-hand stores or flea markets, you can find great deals. And in fact, you constantly wear vintage, that's a specific style that speaks just as loud as wearing a luxury brand. That said, you are right about fit. I think it's actually better to get cheaper stuff but spend the 'savings' on tailoring because that has much greater benefits than the brand.
samlevine 16y ago
If you're already making $100K a year you don't have a problem to begin with. If your lack of ability to make friends and influence people prevents you from making said money in the first place, then yes you may have a problem.
pstack 16y ago
Alternately, if you have the talent and personality, nobody cares what you dress like. At worst, you're eccentric. I have a hard time believing there is anyone out there in the world who doesn't have the basic common sense to dress themselves well enough to make it at a job interview, a date, or some formal or semi-casual event. Nobody really needs help figuring out the four pieces of clothing that are appropriate and look fine on them, do they? If the advice they're paying for is that basic and simple, then I'm going to start a service where for only $10, I tell you to throw away your stupid junior high school AXE and replace it with something like a nice Bvlgari. Look at Henry Rollins. Smart guy. A bit eccentric. Looks fine. Does it take a rocket scientist or a hired-hand to tell you that a nice pair of pants and a plain black tee shirt is a good look? Or that untied Converse and sweatpants isn't the way to score points with people who don't know you, yet? Also, there's a world of difference between "let me dress you like you're my Ken doll, because you have to be hip to the latest fashions in this quarter's fashion magazine" and "hey, don't dress yourself like one of the Kids of Whidney High".

by hugh3 16y ago

thomasgerbe 16y ago

"If you earn $100K a year and your pants cost $15 then you have a problem" Disagree. If you go to second-hand stores or flea markets, you can find great deals. And in fact, you constantly wear vintage, that's a specific style that speaks just as loud as wearing a luxury brand. That said, you are right about fit. I think it's actually better to get cheaper stuff but spend the 'savings' on tailoring because that has much greater benefits than the brand.

samlevine 16y ago

If you're already making $100K a year you don't have a problem to begin with. If your lack of ability to make friends and influence people prevents you from making said money in the first place, then yes you may have a problem.

pstack 16y ago

Alternately, if you have the talent and personality, nobody cares what you dress like. At worst, you're eccentric. I have a hard time believing there is anyone out there in the world who doesn't have the basic common sense to dress themselves well enough to make it at a job interview, a date, or some formal or semi-casual event. Nobody really needs help figuring out the four pieces of clothing that are appropriate and look fine on them, do they? If the advice they're paying for is that basic and simple, then I'm going to start a service where for only $10, I tell you to throw away your stupid junior high school AXE and replace it with something like a nice Bvlgari. Look at Henry Rollins. Smart guy. A bit eccentric. Looks fine. Does it take a rocket scientist or a hired-hand to tell you that a nice pair of pants and a plain black tee shirt is a good look? Or that untied Converse and sweatpants isn't the way to score points with people who don't know you, yet? Also, there's a world of difference between "let me dress you like you're my Ken doll, because you have to be hip to the latest fashions in this quarter's fashion magazine" and "hey, don't dress yourself like one of the Kids of Whidney High".