Dethroner Asks You: How Do You Make Conventional Styles Your Own?
34 Comments Published by Joel December 8th, 2006 in Ask Dethroner, Clothes. Share ThisI’ve been lucky enough to work in an industry that’s pretty supportive of both eccentrics and sloppy, chili-stained nerds: tech journalism. Going into work in jeans and a sweatshirt ain’t a thing, especially if you wash your hair. (So classy!)
Yet I’ve reached a point where I’d like to take things up a notch because I want to. I used to wear suits and similar a lot when I was younger, but through most of my twenties I’ve either worked from home—I’m in my PJs right now; get in line, ladies!—or held jobs where I could do whatever I wanted. Now I would like to snazz it up a bit.
Here’s where it gets tricky: I don’t want to look like a faceless creep nor a sellout, so I’m trying to work in some of the visual elements of my misspent youth into my overall sense of style. Specifically, I’ve got my hair in a sort of faux-hawk-meets-moonshiner cut (my girlfriend calls it a “hillbillyhawk”) that I really like specifically because it’s so anti-fashion—who would cut their hair like this by choice? I’m hoping the contrast of the hair style (which can be seen here; is it really a faux hawk when you actually cut the hair short on the sides?) with more formal clothing will highlight the best elements of both worlds: the fuck-off nature of a dead punk rock culture that I’m happy to co-opt contrasted with genuine attempts at a more timeless, traditional style.
Or I’ll just end up looking like a twat as usual.
How do those of you who have to “look nice” end up injecting some of your personality and independence into the clothes you wear? And what’s wrong with just fitting in?
Bingo! That’s exactly the predicemnt I find myself in. I used to work for a video came testing company; bathrobes and “No Fat Chicks” T-shirts were the company standard.
Now, I work in an executive-heavy area of one of the the state’s largest firms as part of the corporate risk and policy division. Quite a change for me. (There were a few jobs along the way in between those. So I did grow up a little)
When I started, I knew I was going to need to step it up a bit. But I find that I can’t wear ANY of the clothes I used to. What’s more, I don’t want to.
As a recovering theater major, the last thing I want to do is look like a sellout. But there is something damn nice about wearing an outfit that cost more than the computer you sit in front of. It’s like we’re trying to balance a luxury and bohemian lifestyle.
I find myself looking at the people around me thinking, that looks good, but I can’t imagine myself in it. Then I look down and realize that it’s the mirror.
Of course, it helps that I sport a shaved head. Though I think your hillbillyhawk could certainly work. Not that facial hair though. ;)
What you really need is a custom-made double-breasted suit with a Misfits logo’d silk lining. When you find one, let me know where you get it.
Chryst. I think I need to drink more coffee and do more proof reading before I hit the submit button next time.
*grumbles and heads to the coffee machine*
I have two words for a look that is traditional and classy, yet distinctive, anti-fashion, with a fuck-off attitude.
“Rat Pack”
Let me second ThinkandDrive: your hair will work, but loose the beard (sideburns might be okay). But with such a mop on top you’ll need something very sharp from the neck down. Rat Pack will do the trick.
Personally, if I were you I’d rethink the ‘faux hawk’ look for two reasons:
1. it’s not original. Go spend some time at your local mall – most of the kids are sporting this ‘innovative’ look these days. You’re about 3 years behind the curve on this one – yes even with the hair cut short on the sides. Sorry.
2. It’s hard to swallow I know but, you’re not a teenager anymore. Unfortunately, there are times that adults need to be taken seriously. Seriously. Besides, to be seen as an adult continuing to try to fit in with the kids at the mall (see point 1 above), you’re gonna come off as pathetic at best.
You are going for ‘punk’ – maybe a little more grown up punk, but punk just the same.
Punk is not image (see any current top-40 “punk” bands for reference – this is not punk). Punk is attitude + delivery. Punk is punching a guy in the face when he deserves it, adding a swift kick as punctuation. Punk is not worrying about what hair gel to use or fitting in with the out crowd. Punk certainly does not check the mirror before exiting the BMW.
Punk is leading the way, swinging fists in the air as you go by. Punk is daring others to TRY and follow you, not the other way round.
In the end, who gives a flying fuck what your hair looks like. Show me something of substance that truly matters. Then I would take you seriously.
I think I know what you’re trying to say, Chris. (Esp. re: the “punk” ethos, which I am the first to admit is not a visual thing.) But I also think you’re sort of missing the point: I want to keep my own personal style, even if that personal style isn’t in style. The question is how far is too far, which is already clear from the responses that most of you feel I’ve gone personally too far.
Yet, I like it, so blow me! (Is that punk enough? I will kick over my keyboard if it helps.)
I find myself in the same spot. My style in college/early work was grunge/punk – punk w/o leather. But, now as a father and a slave to the corp paycheq, I do try to look nice, but with my own style. A few years ago, dressing a suit up with a coloured shirt and a funky tie was the way to do it. Now, thats dead, as even my father is doing that. Rat Pack seems right, although with the years/beer that I have on me now, not sure if I could pull it off. As for the hair, I am with you, I like the ‘hawk. I had the spiked ‘do after I cut off my hair, but still trying to figure out whats best there too. So, let me know if you figure it out.
Thank you for your dissertation on what punk rock means to you. For your next feat, perhaps you can tell us how the Murder Junkies were more punk rock than Minor Threat because G. G. Allin shit on stage. Hardcore, man!
Think Duke Ellington. Think Charlie Watts. Wear a hat. The Makins brand is way cool http://www.makinshats.com . Wear a sports jacket with your t-shirt and jeans. Wear a suit but skip the tie and dress shirt and wear a turtle neck or mock turtle neck or t-shirt with it. Wear a long dark overcoat with a colorful silk or cashmere scarf. Make sure all of your clothes fit right and are comfortable. Nothing makes you hate dressing up more than collars and waistlines that are to tight or itchy fabrics. Many women judge men by their shoes. Find a few pairs of stylish, comfortable shoes. Thift stores are kind of played out. I have better luck finding cheap, cool stuff at outlet stores like Nordstoms Outlet and Marshalls.
Have fun, express yourself, make your own look that expresses your romantic side and paints a picture of who you are or want to be but avoids pigeon holing in a certain looks from the past like punk, retro-swing, etc.
Joel, I think Chris’ point is that your hair is in style. Not “cutting edge” style, where no one is doing it but it looks awesome, but “everyone does this now and it’s not new” style.
I think style is an 80/20 split. 20% of how traditionally in style the clothes are (I wouldn’t go overboard and try to do what celebrities do) and 80% of how comfortable you feel in them. If you feel like you’re trying to present an image you’re a lot more likely to look like you’re selling out. If you’re trying to be yourself then you don’t have to worry about it. I don’t know how good I am at the 20%, but I carry myself very well so I define whatever look I’m going for, whether it’s a suit or a Hawaiian shirt.
As a qualification I’m a pre-bar exam lawyer working as an associate. The way I Keep a sense of individuality and personal style in my dress is in my choice of shoes belts and ties.
Those are the biggest things that I use to set myself off. Shoes… No one in my opionion does a better job for the money than Kenneth Cole. For example, in my youth I was a little bit of a hoodlum I incorporated a my personal style with a pair of motorcycle dress boots from the afformentions designer.
Belt buckles are a great way to show off personal style; however, don’t get crazy a gaudy belt buckle is a turn off.
Ties are great becasue you can find a tie that has a peice of your childhood adolescense, or college years. Conservative is the key; having a tie that has a crazy graphic in blazing technicolor will only distract. A subtle symbole, a nightmare before christmas tie is a great way to show your individuality.
A) Lemmy from Motorhead called, he wants his facial hair back. Lose it. Sideburns are OK, the VanDyke seems to be making a strange comeback, but that “everything *but* a goatee” beard works on the Triple H and…well.. nobody else.
B) Rat pack might work, but that’s a whole bunch of steps up the fashion ladder and can be a day-to-day hassle. Consider modern slacks and dark dress shirts (deep blues, indigos) but use your tie (find a designer you like online) to add a bit of attitude. This would also work because there’s a number of nice designers doing sportjackets and suitcoats with “edge” these days.. working with fits and screenprinting and fabrics to give them a bit of punk edge. A few key slacks, a few ky shirts, 3 or 4 ties-with-edge, and 1 or 2 “rockish” blazers/suitcoats gives you a *ton* of versatility
For where you are at in life (company owner) and what you do (this) you can sport any head/facial hair you want- and you should- it’s part of what is expected of someone in your position- in NYC at least…
I would try a starched shirt, tie and preppie-ass sweater vest with pressed jeans or nice carharts and boots/docs- cept you keep the boots well polished regardless of wear. I think at this point the old tweed/cord blazer over dress shirt/tie is a classic with well kept jeans as well (go charcoal/black). Probably try to stay awy from t-shirts/bagy pants for a while…
I think the rule of thumb is “party down below, but belt to collar its all bussines.”
And you make sure everything is clean/pressed/tailored as it should be ie: If you find a sweet blazer at the thrift- make sure it fits and you fix it with matching buttons etc.
By doing your own thing, but keeping it clean, neat, tidy/shipshape you send the message “I care about how I look, not about how you think I look -you square-ass khaki wearing biotch!”
Just my $.02
PS- ever seen “cabin boy?”
Ok maybe my punk references went a bit too far from what you were looking for. ;-) I was approaching it more from what you said: ‘I don’t want to look like a faceless creep nor a sellout, so I’m trying to work in some of the visual elements of my misspent youth…’
Just remember – It’s not the image, it’s the ‘Joel Experience’ that’s important – that’s all I’m saying. I doubt the misspent youth had anything to do whatsoever with what hairstyle you had at the time.
Kingturd nailed it though. His 80/20 rule is good advice I think – easy to live within for the modern guy. Don’t try to be a celebrity and overdo it. You’ll come off as a schmuck.
You own your skin, wear it as you see fit – not what everybody else is doing, a la faux hawks or 50 cent hats. I’m in the opinion that the more you have to prepare the image, the less it is truly you. A signature style happens, it isn’t created.
but if kicking over your keyboard helps in the inspiration dept., by all means…
Worst. Haircut. Ever.
You should check out the Sartorialist, a really good street fashion blog which focuses on the personalization of styles. A really good resource that I’ve adopted as my guide to lookin’ fine for the ladyfolk.
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
I don’t mind the hair up top, but the stuff on your face will find me in my nightmares. Fortunately for my life (but unfortunately for my bank account) I haven’t bought into the corporate suit culture yet. I’m in a similar position to you in how i HAVE to dress, but I CHOOSE to dress much nicer. This includes wearing a decent pair of slacks/deep blue jeans, a button up, and tie on most days. (ok… today I’m sitting here in a track-suit, looking all eastern-bloc-living-in-LA mafia.) To keep it fresh and young I’m sporting short-sleeve uniform style button ups with a tie during the summer months, and in the winters I try to use vintage ties with some sort of wool or poly/wool blend. I used to wear a sport-coat every day, but the hipsters/nme crowed played that out. Skinny 3-button jobbers were tired when I thought I invented the look in high-school and now they’re just annoying.
Shoes are where you can really show off, though. I either buy high-end dress shoes and then wear them everywhere for months until they are beat up, or luck out and find a pair that are already worn in at a thrift store. The pair I’m currently wearing are a sweet deep-brown, and are well-made. I bought them in some spanish thrift store for $2 and then got drunk and was running through a bonfire all night in them. Now they are half the original brown, and half charred black — but they still look vintage and classy. I’d probably wear them for almost anything but a prom, funeral, or wedding. My grandma complimented me on them on thanksgiving — and she’s like the Miss Havisham of the midwest.
Oh… and as far as finding that double-breasted, silk-lined with misfits logo suit — volcom sells about the closest thing you’ll find, tailored just for you in at least one of their LA shops. Good luck.
You guys might talk me out of my haircut but anyone who can’t see the real power of my beard is beyond help!
yeah, i’ve gotta say, nowhereman only sold me more on the beard. I’ve been finding alex’s fake Lemmy warts all over the house if you want to take it to the next level.
I just pick what I like and go with it. Sometimes I get harrassed at work for stuff (recent Fu Manchu mustache) but I get the opposite comments when I go out.
Punk or not punk. Indie. Blah. I mean at this point, everything is mixed and mainstream. Hot Topic anyone? As long as the dress code allows it, wear what you want as long as it looks good. The ladies usually help out on that one.
Keep in mind the environment, try to find one of kind items, make sure everything FITS.
Keep the beard.
Keep the beard. And the haircut.
For fuck sakes, they’re yours.
If you don’t like them, then change them.
If someone else doesn’t like them, flip’em the bird.
I think you need to take it to the next level. You’re ready, grasshopper; style is a zen thing, really, and hence, the more personal the style, the closer to Ultimate Consciousness.
Cutting your own hair was a very good start, it puts you very much on the right path; the next step for you is cutting your own hair without a mirror, eyes closed, or (like Laurie Anderson) while on the phone. Perhaps some combination of all three.
As for my Lemmy warts, Kat, there were only two! How could they be found all over the house? They must be crawling from room to room like little heavy metal critters….
Keep the facial hair. Being the one who has to kiss on you and been seen with you, if it looked funny, or bad, I would be the first to let you know. But I really like it! It’s soft and fuzzy, and has that ’southern-rock’ look. This is good(to me).
The hair; the first day you cut it, I’ve got to say, I was iffy on it. But then you sheared up the sides a bit and now i’m a fan! That picture makes it look a little more pedestrian/punky than I think it does in real life. There is a little more ‘unf’ and messyness to it in person, and a little less hawk.
As for clothing, I have a hard enough time dressing myself in the mornings(but you know that). All I can say is please, PLEASE, no kitchy/goofy ties. There is nothing lamer. Not that I figured you would, ever, but it’s been suggested by a couple of folk on here.
Also,
Pick a subtlety and refine it to excess.
Personally, I just ikeep an eye out for things I like on the sale racks. I don’t wear goofy ties, and guys in hats are probably desperate for attention which keeps me form reccomending them, but I am a fan of bright colors (I have an orange tie from j. crew which is pretty nice) and fun socks. Socks are often ioverlooked or dulled down by thiose fearful of deviation from the norm, but stand to earn you more praise than they will censure. Plus, they’re fun, and not slap-in-face obvious like those awful ties.
Then again, my personal style is to look like as much of a sell-out as possible. The only way to destroy the system is from the inside, you know.
A couple thoughts here, use what you choose.
I sorta like the faux-faux-hawk; I think the whiskers would be sharper if clippered down to the point of being a suggestion of whiskers…something to come, which may not arrive. It’s a complete Don Johnson/Miami Vice dealio, but it actually still works.
I’m gonna disagree with the majority and side with the opposition. DO NOT USE ACCESSORIES TO EXPRESS YOURSELF…that shite is played out. That’s the old fart strategy. What next…zany suspenders?
Spend your dough on classic, high-end accessories.
A classic shoe and vintage silk tie will be remembered; some “interesting” shoe and “creative” necktie will be remembered as well, but not in the same way.
So, uhhh…keep your basics, take them up a flight, but take your accessories up a couple flights. That tatty old Ramones t-shirt looks sharp as heck tucked into a nice pair of vintage pinstripe trousers and Prada loafers.
Go for the terminal points. Where limbs end. Your neck, your wrists, your ankles, your waist. Put something nice and fine there for boys and girls to look, and fall in love with…aaaaaah.
Ugh! not me!
(not until ya trim dem whiskers.)
I say keep the hawk and facial hair. If I could grow a decent set of facial hair, I’d personally rock some mutton chops.
Forget the hair.. what the hell is going on with the CRT monitor in that picture?
It’s a little more informal and might be considered part of the Rat Pack look, but I think that a modified rockabilly look can work in a relaxed corporate setting. Bright bowling shirt or short sleeve button down with black slacks and docs or combat boots. Also, it would work with the hair. It’s probably not enough for the more formal days, but it works for an everyday look pretty well.
Wear what you like. Don’t dress like an idiot (not saying you are, just saying). If you’re trying to stand out, you’ll probably stand out for the wrong reasons. Be happy with who you are and what you like to wear, within socially acceptable boundaries (ie: no PJs to the office). Screw the rest.
Luckily I can wear what I like to work, but I too get tired of t-shirts and jeans and sneakers sometimes. Actually I’ve considered this question a lot when I thought about taking a job at a business-casual place. The ‘easy’ solution is simply getting funkier versions of what everybody else is wearing: plaid and striped pants, less traditional shoes, wacky-colored socks, ‘different’ shirts, cool coats (tweeds, plaids, etc.). Argyle sweaters are good if they look good on you. Shirts that have “shoulder straps” are easier to find now. Western shirts? They’re probably out of style but I don’t care.
I say ‘easy’ because the idea is easy, but finding the stuff is not. For every cool pair of plaid pants there are 100 repulsive ones. My trick is to look for more subtle patterns.
If you don’t have a dress-code but just want to look nicer:
- sneakers with nice pants (but this is very dependent on the pants, sneakers, and the combination thereof)
- I like zip-up sweaters over t-shirts a lot
- layering: long sleeve t-shirts over different colored t-shirts can look nice
- leaving your shirt untucked assuming it’s short enough is a must. I hate tucking in my shirts. If it’s done right it doesn’t look sloppy, and you look a hell of a lot less uptight.
GOOD LORD there are some terrible suggestions on here. wacky colors? bowling shirts? shoot me now.
the key for me is to keep it basic, but buy great fits. when i’m not at work (where i have to do the suit thing), i’m always in a t-shirt and jeans. the key is to buy very nice things that fit well. usually, i wear plain t-shirts, sometimes layering them to make good color combinations. for example, a dark brown heathered shirt with a pink one underneath. for jeans, as long as they fit well, and don’t go crazy with the dying and color, you should be good.
No real comment on any of the matters at hand. Just wanted to say nice usage of the word twat. It doesn’t get used enough lately and it’s good to see it here …
Wear a pair of tight 505 Levis, with a 3 row pyramid belt, with the buckle to the side. ( far left )