A few years ago I was the teen guy who couldn’t quite get out of solid tees. They were usually black and accompanied by whatever jeans I could pull out of my closet. At some point I kicked that (well, almost, I wore a plain black tee yesterday, urm, but yeah,) I kicked the habit and started dressing in nicer tees. Yes, a SINGLE step up!
At some point last August I realized I wasn’t quite comfy being the guy in the tee. I hate polo-styled shirts and only own one, which I’ve worn once. So I took a step into dress-shirts and ties.
Now at every social occasion I’m usually wearing one of my many nice shirts, and ties. As of lately, unless I know I HAVE to dress-up, I tend to loosen the collar and tie, while rolling up my sleeves, and pairing it up with nice jeans lately… you know, so I won’t look like a total dork. Even like that, I’m still usually over-dressed.
I even go to class randomly wearing my spiffy get-up –so to speak, for no apperant reason which gets people asking what I was doing before I got to class; “Job interview today?”
So the question is, should I ease up or not give a damn? I tend to get a lot of compliments on what I’m wearing, but I also feel weird standing next to those my age that are wearing torn jeans and a shirt straight out of Hot Topic.
Quick fact: My favorite tie just happens to be purple.
In my opinion, you shouldn’t give a damn about what other think. Like it or not YOUR style is conducive of success and your comfort in your clothes will be projected in your image.
Many years ago I was starting my career an had recently been promoted to a management position. In my previous technical role I had been in a jeans and polo mode. The head of the division pulled me aside one day and made one simple comment–”It would be nice to see you in something other than jeans ones in a while.”
For me the message was clear, as a young manager I needed to do more than just work hard; I needed to project a professional image. From that day forward I made the shift.
Your style sounds like one that will work well among professionals. Stick with it.
Good point, Marc. I guess I did go from acting the part to acting AND looking the part. Also, in the post I forgot to mention that I also have noticed that when I’m actually dressed well I also tend to get attention before others, even if its just someone saying good morning to me before the guy next to me.
I’ll put up w/ the peer-weirdness.