Where will you stylistically be come 2016?
Top Photo Credit: Nieve44/Luz
Four years is a long time. Long enough that things can drastically change in a person’s life to such a point that they’re unrecognizable from one 4-year-period to the next.
Here’s the deal. We’ve secured the domain name through 2016. Reminders have been set so that once the next leap day comes around on Monday February 29th 2016, this post will be reposted as a “Dappered Classic.” We’ll then all be able to look back at this virtual time capsule to see if our personal style predictions were right.
Take a look back at where you were, and look ahead so you can set some goals for where you’ll be. Answer these questions in the comments if you’d like to go on the record:
On Leap Day 2008 I was: ________________________
On Leap Day 2016 I will be: ________________________
I’ll (Joe) go first:
On Leap Day 2008 I was: Without a tailor, owned one suit, and it fit like a garbage bag.
On Leap Day 2016 I will be: Within my current, healthy weight range of 160 – 170lbs.
Where were you four years ago? Where do you think you’ll be? Go on the record in the comments below. And now, the full explanation in case you’ve never thought about it. Makes perpetual calendar watches all the more impressive.
Meanwhile, a couple of leap-day sales worth looking at:
- Banana Republic
is doing 29% off full priced items w/ BRLEAPYEAR, but there are plenty of exclusions and stock seems low. They have replenished stock on their crisp grey cotton blazer though.
- Lands’ End Canvas has a nice full price tops/bottoms for $29 sale going on, so that includes their basic white and light blue oxford. Nice catch R.C. in the comments…
- Express just launched a $25 off $75 with code 1129.
- J. Crew is doing another extra 30% off Sale and FACTORY stuff w/ OURTREAT . Sale is decimated, but Factory seems decently strong.
On Leap Day 2008 I was: nearing graduation and had no idea about personal style or what body types were (engineer)
On Leap Day 2016: I will have perfected my personal style and and be recognized for it
I would also like to add that I think your prediction is a little weak since it predicts something that is already true.
He’s challenging himself to maintain a healthy weight, which isn’t an easy thing to do when your metabolism is slowing down.
On Leap Day 2008 I was: in high school and knew nothing about style.On Leap Day 2016 I will be: an engineer-in-training, working at a civil engineering firm in the New York area, and have a solid wardrobe that will last me through my 20s and beyond.
cool video
Make it three engineers!
On Leap Day 2008 I was: wearing tight vintage shirts and emo jeans, still owned white socks, had the same one terrible Men’s Wearhouse suit that fit awful and didn’t own any Allen Edmonds.
On Leap Day 2016 I will: finally have the courage to rid my wardrobe of everything I never wear, regardless of nostalgia, and still have a body I’m proud of.
On Leap Day 2008 I was: about 220 and had to wear my dress shirts with the top button unbuttoned and pants unbuttoned b/c they didn’t fitOn Leap Day 2016 I will be: maintaining my current weight range of 150-155lbs and own all of J.Crew.
2008: In college, wearing baggy chinos, untucked button-downs and flip-flops – even in February.
2016: Keeping trim in suits and ties, and possibly with a wardrobe deep-enough to justify the Tom Wolfe white suit I’ve always wanted.
On leap day 2008 I was: Dressing in ill-fitting shirts, faded jeans, and wearing the same pair of ugly shoes every day.
On leap day 2016 I will be: Standing out as the best dressed man in the room with a unique personal style, have at least 3 pair of shell cordovan shoes, and have mirror shines on at least 3 pairs of dress shoes.
2008: wearing Hollister Tees and cargo shorts
2016: Second semester senior year Air Force Academy, entire wardrobe tailored when not in a flight suit
2008: Junior year of college, still wearing screen-printed tees sized 2XL and jeans sized “32-32” BTW I’m 5’7 and 140 so…
2016: Have a more fulfilling job affording me the ability to consistently see a tailor and start teaching my son (who would be 5) the basics of men’s style.
Also, I find it interesting how many engineers seem to be avid readers of this site as well as how many guys are taking a deep interest in shedding weight…Just some stray observations
2008: First year of undergrad, was semi-aware of style but had my facts wrong. I had a mess of hair that was too long and though a fraternity was my life.
2016: Will have graduated law school, hopefully continued my Summa Cum Laude from undergrad, and have landed a nice big-law job in a big city.
2008: Lived in ripped baggy jeans and A&F button-ups during first year of law school
2016: Live in tailored suits from Isia!
On Leap Day 2008 I was…Weighing in around 290 lbs and owned around 45 pairs of shoes (Nike air max, Jordan’s, etc.). Had no tailor and no personal classic style
On Leap Day 2016 I will be…Below 200 lbs. Will own close to 90 pairs of shoes, with more emphasis on dress shoes (which I have probably around 15 atm) And increase my suits wardrobe from my 6 I have now to around 15 with immaculate tailoring.
On Leap Day 2008 I was… just about to graduate college. My style was already evolving from the style of the “college kid” to a “mature, working adult’s” style. I wasn’t there yet. I was getting fat, because the metabolism that served me so well for most of my life was sputtering out. I didn’t exercise. Didn’t care much for how I looked.
On Leap Day 2016 I will be… in shape (I already am now, but I want to be in the best shape of my life by then. I want to invest in a few quality suits. And shoes. And an heirloom-quality watch. Be graduated from grad school and be in my dream career. And be married to the woman I’m in love with.
Here’s hoping! To all of us.
On Leap Day 2008 I was: Just about to graduate from Undergrad (Biology). I wore flat front shorts and pique polos (slim fitting) with flip-flops (hey, I was in the central valley of California, it was already in the 60s & 70s). I owned no suits, dress shirts, dress shoes. I had no real understanding of “adult professional” style, but I was learning how to develop a casual style. I had been working out for ~1 year.
On Leap Day 2016 I will: Have graduated from Pharmacy school (2015) and be living in Southern California with some of my best friends. I will have maintained my ideal weight (~170-180). I will own a solid wardrobe and have developed my own personal style. Well fitting/tailored shirts, suits, pants. A nice collection of 10-15 pairs of shoes (casual, dress, and the like).
Whereabouts in the central valley? That is where I reside.
On leap day 2008 I was: Finishing my Junior year in college in baggy jeans and ironic t-shirts that were somewhat fitted ironic t-shirt or a polo button up in a size too large. The only suit I had came from JCPenney in a 46 or 48L for reference I am 5’11 and weighed about 220 (former football player but I’m pretty sure it was quite oversized).
On leap day 2016 I will: have successfully broken in my pair of raw Levis (jeans and jean jacket) to a point where I’m beyond satisfied and will have successfully found a stable weight between 180 and 210… My suit wardrobe will consist of custom suits that I purchased while living in China and fit perfectly this time, because I now know what proper fit looks like.
In 2008 I weighed about 20 lbs more and wore a uniform of jeans, casual shirts or organization t-shirts, and sneakers or Skechers boots (which, I’m glad to say, were less awful than you are probably imagining). I had some sense of style (in my head), but I was in college and I was dirt broke. I owe a lot to Old Navy, American Eagle, and Target. Maybe they aren’t objectively very awesome retailers, but if it weren’t for their sales and clearances, I’d have owned no clothes at all.
In 2016 I hope to be where I am now, but more and better. I will be a practicing lawyer with a bit of experience under my belt, so hopefully by then I’ll have managed to acquire a couple more nice suits.
Very off topic. But Lands End Canvas has a sweet deal on today: $29 shirts and pants.
http://canvas.landsend.com/canvas/index.html
Wow, that’s literally exactly what I was going to write, word for word haha. Maybe I’ll see a stylish Andrew around when I start at a civil engineering firm in the future.
Awesome. It’s good to see fellow engineering students reading this site. It gives me hope, as most of the engineers I’ve met don’t exactly dress well.
Leap year 2008: I was about to graduate from Auburn University with a degree in Economics. I had a classic college kid look (trying to be adult, with blazers that were too big). I weighed the most I’ve ever weighed at 200.
In 2016: I will have finally cleared my student debt, maintained my current weight of 130-145, have a wide variety of well tailored suits, dress shoes, and other style accessories. I’ll be a professional stand up comedian, and doing cinematography, and writing.
In 2008: A few months shy of graduating high school. Generally could be found in baggy jeans (though dark washes), t-shirts (mostly…quicksilver or band shirts (actual bands and my high school affiliated shirts), hoodies, and Vans. Not even a blazer. Height…5’10”, weight…230.
In 2016: Teaching my final year of English at a respected school in either SC, NC, or GA while wrapping up my Doctorate in Composition and Rhetoric. Scouting out collegiate positions. Style wise: Fully embrace my inner shoe/boot whore, 3 suits, 6 or 7 sports coats/blazers (high school teaching jobs generally frown on someone rocking a suit for some reason), and a weight between 170-185. Not quite “ideal” according to medical charts, but I have a large frame.
In Leap Year 2008: My suits were too big and I never even heard of the concept of a slim fit shirt or cap toe shoes.
In Leap Year 2016: I will be in my second year as an attorney and i will own a suit, shoes, pants, and shirts for the various occasions in my life.
On Leap Day 2008 I was teaching school children in Kyoto while wearing wacky Threadless t-shirts and Uniqlo jeans.
On Leap Day 2016 I’ll be training staff in Tokyo while wearing trim tailored suits and Allen Edmond oxfords.
Also, 29% off all full-priced items at Jack Spade. “LEAP29” at checkout.
H…hey! *I’m* Derek!
(kidding obviously)
In 2008, I was 230 lbs and didn’t think too much about fashion/style because that is kinda of a contradiction in terms when your really overweight
In 2016, I will hopefully stay at 170 lbs, because I’ve replaced my entire wardrobe for current weight! Don’t want to spend that money again ..
2008: I was working in the produce dept. of a supermarket and wearing flannel, cargo pants, and hikers off-duty.
In 2016, I will be carrying my stuff around in quality leather bags, have finally figured out and mostly filled in the suit department, summer and winter, (have thrifted, have Indochinoed, still looking for the best option) and will have continued to slowly build a small, quality shoe library, as well as given myself additional casual (but still adult-looking) options as well.
In 2012, I’ve accumulated a decent amount of stuff, some of it quality, some of it not. I hope to now eliminate the junk and only add quality stuff that will last (which is why Allen Edmonds recent donation/sale was so perfect).
On leap day 2008 I was: A single, fresh out of High School guy trying to figure out how to be an interpreter. Also, I didn’t know anything about style.
On leap day 2016 I will be: A still married, healthy 190 lbs guy close to finishing a degree for a new job field, with a closet full of tailored clothes.
don’t do it
Leap Day 2008: My work wardrobe consisted of pleated chinos, Dockers casual shoes and polos with fabric love handles. Casually, I wore jeans, t-shirts and New Balance running shoes. My suits were too big. I thought loafers were high end dress shoes. In short, I knew nothing about men’s style. I was approx 205 lbs, married to a 3rd-year med student, and had no kids.
Leap day 2016: I’ll be settled in Greater Cincinnati with my awesome doctor wife. Trying to pull off the “trophy husband” look, I’ll be down to my target weight of about 150 lbs, and will be regularly running 5k and 10k races. I’ll have 3 kids, with #4 on the way. My closet will finally be organized, and contain only quality, tailored items.
Anyone know if that lands end deal is instore too? I want to make sure I get the proper size. I’d love to go to the store if it is.
I grew up in Tracy. Went to school in Stockton. Currently in Vermont.
Hey, I have a pair of Sketchers boots that I love and think are quite stylish.
I live in Fresno.
On Leap Day 2008 I was: Just starting a new job working for an isp, making decent money in a struggling economy. On weekday i work shirts and ties nothing was tailored to my slim build but I could color match. On weekends when business casual was in effect I wore regular fit Ralph Lauren polos, levi 559’s and a hoodie.
On Leap Day 2016 I will be: enjoying the fruits of my various business enterprises with a beautiful girl on a beach somewhere, cuz I don’t do winters in New York anymore lol.
Leap Day 2008: It was my first year of high school and I was often seen in a size Large hoodie from Champs and size 32X32 baggy jeans from Anchor Blue. My perception of style was just that… ill-fitting clothes from random mall shops. I’m 5’6” and 135 lbs, and I was probably shorter and lighter back then.
Leap Day 2012: First year of college, starting to acquire a sense of style. Started reading GQ, Dappered, and some random fashion blogs. I got a pair of nice lace-ups, Clarks, fresh sneakas, and a good collection of casual button-downs. Bought my first sports jacket
https://dappered.com/2012/01/weekly-wrap-up-1-2-1-6/, and started to size down on clothing (L-XS/S, 32X32 – 30X30). Bought a couple pairs of dark rigid 511’s (Sorry Joe, the 501 just didn’t work for me) and started going to the gym more often.
Leap Day 2016: First year out of college, making some money. Sporting a pair of Allen Edmonds, and rockin the suits.
On Leap Day 2008 I was: frantically trying to figure out how I was going to graduate the next year. I owned two suits, one of which didn’t fit, and most of my clothes were tshirts and torn up jeans. I was the most out of shape I had ever been at 200 lbs.
On Leap Day 2012 I will be: a managing partner of a successful restaurant. I will own at least 15 perfectly tailored suits, 30 or so tailored shirts, and close to 75 ties (never too many combinations). I will also have maintained my current weight of 150-155 lbs.
Good luck everyone!
Make that 2012 a 2016. Stupid me
A day late, but whatever…
On Leap Day 2008 I was wearing respectable, but boring clothes, and only suiting up or wearing ties for special occassions. I had not yet met my future wife or bought my current home and I was working at a stable, but unexciting job as a software developer.
On Leap Day 2016 I will be making use of my MBA and have at least 5 pairs of dress shoes, 5 suits, and (at this rate) 40 ties. I’ll have had my first kid, visited AT LEAST one new continent for the heck of it (Africa, Asia, or South America), and be working on saving up for the house I’ll grow old in.
2008: Senior year of undergrad. Searching for graphic T’s I actually liked (never found them). Was in the process of losing 30 or so pounds of fat. My close had been ill-fitting before, so they were horribly big.
2016: Will hopefully be 3 years into a professional career, so I’ll probably be focusing a lot of suits, sport coats, and ties.
I have to say that my situation is almost the same, except that I am into mechanical engineering( let’s be gentlemantly and not start a debate about the different engineering disciplines)