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The glory of the style guilty pleasure

November 3, 2011 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Style Poll:  What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to style?

That’s mine.  An old thrift store t-shirt over a long sleeve tee from Target.  Usually both are wrinkled to hell because I either forgot them in the dryer, half folded them and left them in a laundry basket, or shoved them in a drawer that was too full.  There are holes in the t-shirt, and yes, I know it makes no sense to put the short sleeve over the long.

But I don’t care.  Because I love it.

It’s a great idea to put a little extra effort into your off-time style, but those who can’t think of a single guilty pleasure risk being a little too dressed up a little too often.  Someone who feels actual guilt about their guilty pleasure takes clothes way too seriously.

Maybe it’s the thing you put on after a really long day.  Or maybe it’s that item of clothing you’ve had for fifteen years that you still love and can’t bring yourself to send to Goodwill.

We all have one.  What’s yours?

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing Tagged With: guilty pleasure, style poll, t-shirt

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Comments

  1. Blaine Stewart says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    Hoodies. I love them. I know they don’t look “wonderful” — but dear God they feel so good.

  2. Kevin Brown says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    That look is very college circa 1995. Maybe you could throw a plaid flannel over top to complete it.

    Sometimes I go out in my pajamas. Usually when I wake up at 11 on a sunday.

  3. Richardshelly says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    A green Converse t-shirt my dad bought me ten or more years ago

  4. Guest says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    I have these terrible sweaters from American Eagle. They’re this huge, loose knit that looks like chain mail, are grey like chain mail, and pretty much can’t be washed except in the sink, so they get longer and longer. The arms go to my fingernails. But they are still the softest sweaters ever, and the best movie day on the couch clothes I’ve got.

  5. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    The skins of my enemies. I just can’t stop collecting and wearing them as shirts. Alas.

  6. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    My black Jack Purcell’s. They’ve been to four different countries, are beat up as all hell, and look great (and are super comfortable – sorry, wingtip shoes, you have to take a break once in a while).

  7. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    Casual caps. Flat-bill, trucker, visor–all have been worn within the last year. 

  8. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    The occasional weeklong go-to-hell pants binge.

  9. JRok says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    My Forever Lazy Onesie…all I have to do is unzip my keester when I have to go as advertised!

    https://www.orderforeverlazy.com/?tag=im|af|hp|tp

    haha…the commercial kills it

  10. Frank says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    In high school, I had different colored thermal undershirts I used to serve this very purpose.  I guess if I had to say my “guilty pleasure” would be hoodies… currently in the market for a slimmer one to replace a ton of huge ones I tossed recently, suggestions?

  11. Mike N says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Old t-shirts, long sleeve or otherwise. Collected them at events and such through college, nicely broken in and soft. Can’t help wearing them (even if it drives the wife nuts b/c there are holes in the underarm)

  12. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I would try Gap. I picked up one on sale last year. It’s slim and you’d be surprised how dressed up it can look. Going through the store now I see similar items. I’m pretty sure they’re all zip up, but I prefer that to the pull-over anyway. 

  13. Chrislandis93 says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    maternity pants.  sooooo comfy.

  14. Jason says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    I kept a bunch of those too, but mine are stored in a plastic box, not worn anymore. 

  15. j.r. says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    i wear old reebok pumps – black, white, purple, and blue. They are huge and very 90s….. they do not belong on anyone 25 or older, but i still love them…..

  16. j.r. says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    i’m interested……

  17. BenR says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    My secret identity is as a winter outdoorsman. So I’ve got a lot of stuff in my wardrobe that wouldn’t impress anyone at Style Forum – knee-high hunting boots, Gore-Tex ski shell, softshell jackets, fleece jackets, insulating jackets, technical long johns, knit ski caps, balaclavas, gaiters, those Burton snowboard pants that look like jeans, plus about a thousand pairs of $10 Kinco’s gloves in various states of disintegration. Yeah, I am one of those guys who wears a red ski jacket and Kinco’s gloves.

    http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/media/sam/09_10/3rd%20TR/IMG_6490.jpg

    I’ll admit to occasionally wearing some of these items in “the real world” as well.

    I do the old t-shirt over a long-sleeved shirt as well, but I generally save that for lazy weekends around the house.

    Or for wearing under a few layers of jackets….

  18. BenR says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    I look pretty awesome in a pair of cold-weather running tights, too. Especially when it’s REALLY cold and I bust out the wool-socks-over-tights look.

  19. Matthew Watson says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Thick, old, too-big flannel shirts, with jeans. Nothing feels better for around-the-house.

  20. Tat says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    I still rock my Pumps as well. hah I have the original ones, and some baby blue ones with white in them. I also still rock my occasional Air Jordans, Nike Airmax’s and Nike Airstabs. But those are on super rare occasions. I jus wont ever get rid of em.

  21. Josh M says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Band t-shirts.  Nothing gets more compliments with less effort.

  22. LazyWriter says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    An old pair of beat-up grey Vans classics with holes on the top of the toe area on one of them.  They are the most comfortable shoes I own.  

    I love Vans.  They are simple, comfortable and come in many colors.  I sometimes feel like I should move on from wearing them since I am 30, but I think they fit my style without looking too much like a Hipster.  I often will wear them with Gap skinnies (Gap skinnies are usually not as skinny as the Levi’s) or slim fitting pants (sometimes cords) with a button up and V-neck sweater combo.  I think it gives off a laid-back feeling with the outfit. 

    So anyway I guess Vans are my guilty pleasure.

  23. Eric says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    I have these old, baggy, paint splattered cargo shorts I’ve had for many years that I wear during the summer a lot. They’re not amazing looking but they are so damn comfortable and breathable. I haven’t gotten around to finding a replacement and probably never will.

  24. Isis says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    A seriously too-big-for-me striped sweater that I’ve had for more than a decade and that goes to mid-thigh and about six inches past my fingertips.  It’s my I’ve-got-a-cold-and-don’t-wanna-go-anywhere uniform, over pajamas.  Usually while wrapped up in a down comforter on the couch and watching old movies.  Far from fetching, but so comfy!

  25. Joe says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Yes!  Those are awesome.  Are they vintage or the newer releases?  I see those on Jackthreads every so often.

  26. Bob says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    1.) Thrift store tshirts:  Love ’em.  Seriously, I can’t ever see giving that up.
    2.) Baseball hat:  When I don’t feel like wetting my hair, using product, and combing.
    3.) Vans authentics beat to shit w/ holes:  They just look better that way.

  27. Josh says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Basketball Shorts
    College T-shirts – Gotta rep the Buckeyes.
    And since I live in NY, snow country. The above, with hiking boots and a carhart jacket for walking the dog all winter. 

  28. BenR says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Oh – this Billabong t-shirt I got as a freebie one time. It has some moronic graphic print on it but I swear to god it’s the most comfortable, best-fitting t-shirt I’ve ever owned. It actually makes my upper body look muscular, which if you’d seen me in person, you’d know is no mean feat.

  29. Matt Court says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    If it’s ’95, the plaid flannel would be tied around his waist.

  30. Matt Court says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Hopefully you decapitate them first, to hasten the quickening.

  31. Guest says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I picked up an Alfani hoodie from Macy’s that fits me really well (tall / slim). You could also try H&M.

  32. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Boy Meets World.

  33. JK says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I get more compliments and attention for my Adidas Sambas than anything else I own.

  34. steve says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    a black Hugo Boss sweater with a zip up collar. Yes, it’s a BOSS, but I treat it like a ugly dog for the past 10 years I’ve had it. I rarely wash it, so it’s wrinkly and it stinks. I roll up the sleeves or let them drag a bit too much so the edges are tattered. With the collar up I look like a douche. With the collar down I look like a prep.

    but I love it. wear it over a button up, a polo, a t-shirt, or nothing underneath. Chinos, trousers, jeans, shorts it seems to go. boots, clogs, loafers, trainers, flops, even bare feet at the beach. it’s my armor, my weapon, and shield.

  35. BenR says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Buy a mesh sweater bag and wash that thing (cold, delicate, lay flat to dry). Stink no more! Ratty old sweaters = good, smelly old sweaters = bad.

    http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-LBG-01144-Sweater-Wash-White/dp/B001F51AP8/ref=pd_sim_hg_4

  36. The Deke says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Flip-flops!  I go through a pair of Rainbows a year.  I know it’s a faux pas, but I love wearing jeans and my hemp rainbows on a warm, lazy day. 

  37. Chet "The Rocket" Steadman says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I regularly wear these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/REEBOK-20TH-PUMP-EASTER-US-11-RICHES-BODEGA-HUF-UNDFTD-/320604460029?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item4aa583d3fd#ht_3565wt_1139

    Of course, I bought them at retail, and not $500 for a used pair.

    They don’t belong on anyone at all, but I love them too much to stop wearing them. 

  38. Donald Lee says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Knights who say Ni shirt I got my freshmen year of high school.  

  39. Sean Fitzgerald says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    My red an white pumas! I swear when I wear them I can physically feel the ground since the sole has been so worn out, but I still love ’em. The main problem is that I can only wear them during the summer since they are made of such a lightweight fabric.

  40. guest says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    So long as you wear it LIKE A BOSSS

  41. Joe says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Not to go all Grandpa Joe, but, they don’t make t-shirts like they used to.  Best fitting, best quality, best material t-shirts are almost always at the thrift store.

  42. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    I *have* been doing this since the dawn of time.

  43. MSUdawg says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    My Adidas Samoas, A long sleeve baseball t, my 7 yr old worn fitted baseball cap, and a light pir of gap vintage fit…just for running to the grocery or playing with my 2yr old son on campus on a saturday afternoon

  44. Joe says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnJt9p-sHho

  45. Alexander W. says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    My off-time quick winter look: beanie, hoodless zip-up fleece, sleeves pulled up, t-shirt, gym shorts, and Chucks. So what if my legs are cold? Head and feet are warm.

  46. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HykXoTTgdQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

  47. alliedfarces says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    I have an old midnight blue adidas zip up sweatshirt from a ten years ago. It’s got only a thumbnail-sized logo on the chest, and great build quality (both of which they need to go back to in their apparel). Over the years it’s faded, which looks great, and gotten some holes along the seams of the arms and the cuffs. I took it to a tailor, and the lady seemed confused as to why anybody would want to save it, but she sewed up most of the holes as best she could. I don’t wear it out for anything more formal than grocery store runs, but I’ll keep it around until one of us dies.

  48. j.r. says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    they are new releases… not sure how long ago I bought them, but definitely post-y2k years.

    here they are: http://www.searchyoursneakers.com/reebok-court-victory-pump-bring-back-package.html

  49. Laser20 says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    My fairly new A.P.C. New Standard jeans I found at Goodwill store for $9.99

  50. Joe says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    I guess they’ve been trying to remake the original and it’s slated for 2014?  According to the interwebs.  Blasphemy?  (Half the awesomeness of the TV show was the intro music.  Queen yo.)

  51. Steve says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    I bought a distressed Batman t-shirt because the one I had previously actually became distressed and ragged from so much use.  I try to sneak it under my clothes when I want to feel like a superhero

  52. John says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    fall/winter – Hoodies. Distressed comic book superheroes t-shirts. 

    summer – Birkenstock Jesus sandals. Cargo shorts. 

  53. Andrew Strang says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Watertown, WI! I played basketball tournaments there as a kid!

  54. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    I think mine would have to be my beat up, holey cargo shorts. I don’t wear them out, but I usually have a pair on Saturdays and Sundays after I wake up. They are comfy hold a ton for if I’m working in the garage.

  55. Jim Gooch says

    November 4, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    The kinco’s are real.  Stupid warm, perfect for that kind of thing (and if you’re reading FIS, you’re my guy).  We wore out pair after pair when I was a snowmaker.

    Outdoor chic, baby.  It’s its own styleforum.

  56. Joey C says

    November 4, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I have this raddy pair of Addidas basketball shoes that make my feet feel so damn good. And I picked up a pair of desert combat boots from the factory (Bates) before I quit working there. I wear them when I want to feel a little extra manly.

  57. JD says

    November 4, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    I have noticed more than a few Wisconsin references since I’ve been following Dappered. What is your tie to Wisconsin – current resident, alumnus of the university, born there and lucky enough to escape?

  58. Anonymous says

    November 4, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Target has Mossimo hoodies that have an athletic fit and fit pretty snug.

  59. Guest says

    November 4, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    I love my Abercrombie Hoodies and Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers. http://www.sanuk.com/hemp They’re sandals with a shoe upper built on top. Most comfortable shoes I have ever put on my feet. I have them in Hemp, boat shoe, and lined boot for winter… Oddly enough people ask me where I got them all the time. 

  60. Cannon says

    November 5, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    My hoodies around the house. And my Nike Baselines that I wear far too often. Both items have a time and place that I like to spread a bit farther since I like them so much.

  61. Paul Stagg says

    November 5, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    I too like the old tshirt over a long sleeve tshirt – I’m wearing a white long sleeve t with an old red Inzer tshirt over it right now.

    I’m also a fan of cargo shorts and a hoodie.

    Both are for lazy days or days I’m only going to leave the house to go to the gym or run to the grocery store.

  62. John says

    November 5, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Why do people always say that about the Midwest? Like seriously.

  63. LW says

    November 6, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    Chuck Taylors on my motorcycle. Murder if I came off, but so comfy to cruise around town in.

  64. Gordon Freeman says

    November 9, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    logos/ brand flashing/ ralph lauren polo (all of it)…  bad habit from high school, and i ****ing love it!

  65. Mark Thomas says

    November 9, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    My guilty pleasure is probably my topsiders. Not that they’re unstylish for casual wear, but I probably wear them a bit too much. Just so comfy and easy to slip on when I’m hitting the grocery store.

  66. Drew Conway says

    February 1, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    Running shoes for the win.

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