Friday Fashionista: Know They self, Know Thy Style

Scott's Take weekly feature on fashion, from Scott pal MattyDale

What is the image you convey in your appearance?

What is the image you have of yourself?

What do you want your image to be?

How you dress has a great deal to do with how people perceive you. A politician for instance is forever donning the black suit with a pin stripe shirt and red or blue tie. I don’t think I need to tell you how you view politicians. And on the converse, a male escort typically is wearing something tight-fitting, yet easy to get out of when duty calls. Please note, I did not reference politicians and male escorts to be witty – it was just a coincidence.

Certain careers can be limiting to one’s wardrobe, and DC is not exactly a hot bed of fashion like New York or Paris. However, we can still pursue and convey our own sense of self through our style. First, if your career truly dictates your appearance at all times either go no further or get a new life! Second, what defines who you are and what makes you tick? It’s okay to let that come through in the way you dress for work AND especially in play.

If conservative business casual is the way, then trade the pleated pants for flat front trousers. If you have to wear a suit, go with a good old trusty three button jacket (leaving the bottom button undone). Mix it up with a shirt that – god forbid – is not blue with a white collar. As Richard Gere said in Chicago, “give’em the old razzle dazzle!” In DC, so many guys get caught in the conservative rut. Cut loose a little. Show that you have something else in the closet!
For those of us with more flexibility, let’s not lose our heads, but it is good to experiment and try new things. A few tips.

• Find a store you like and trust that will help you with some interesting pieces that convey the “you within.”
• Be reasonable. This is not an excuse to run out of the house wearing clam diggers and a rainbow feather boa! Accent accordingly with an interesting jacket, a nice belt or a wrist cuff. No need to be the next Liberace!
• Check out the men’s mags – some tend to show off things that are too trendy that will be yesterday’s news in 60 seconds. But there are always good tips on good basics and some nice pieces and where to find them.
• Talk to your friends – “Where did you get that?”

The most important thing to remember - don’t lose sight of you. The pieces you chose should be an extension of yourself –they should not define you.