Looking your best is a great feeling. But being dressed to the nines at every single moment? That’s taking it too far. There are many situations where it’s plenty acceptable for us to look like a stylistic dumpster fire. Sometimes it’s smart to remind yourself that in order to “clean up real good”, you have to get dirty first. Keeps you in the realm of reality. Feel free to dress it down… way down… when confronted with these circumstances.
If you start your workout before 6am, don’t even worry about combing your hair. Deodorant? Yes. No smelly tees either. Matching socks would be nice (but not required… it happens). You want to be courteous to those around you at the gym, but look… if you’re lifting weights while the cows who share your time zone are getting milked, then you’re not there for a fashion show. Wear what works best, get in, and get out.
Sticky floors and leather soled shoes are a nasty combination. That, and getting up from watching Taken 2 only to realize you now have gum embedded into the tail of your super 130s wool suit jacket is all kinds of unfortunate.
Camping or circus, now’s not the time to think about how your clothes look.
Surprisingly, Costco isn’t a half bad source for affordable style (some swear by Kirkland’s dress shirts), but shopping there can be an all out battle. Especially if you can’t get out of there.
A power suit will only exacerbate this kind of awkwardness. Better to discuss such things in t-shirts and jeans over a grilled cheese sandwich. And try not to use the word “exacerbate” in the conversation. Might give the poor kid a heart attack.
What are you doing there anyway?
Lotta fluids at those things. More fun than Black Friday shopping every time.
Blend in.
You’re going to use bleach at some point. Maybe it’s in the soft scrub or some other cleaner. But the likelihood that you’ll get it on a favorite pair of casual shoes, or that t-shirt that fits perfectly, or whatever… it’s so high that it’s best just to wear that pile you’ve been meaning to get to the thrift store.
“Well get a load of James Bond over here!”
Being the always-dressed-up-guy in your circle of friends who then goes as James Bond for Halloween is awfully cheesy (yet if you’re somewhere in the middle, there are a few well dressed options with a decent factor of ridiculousness). Now’s the time to go full Sponge Bob.
Your turn guys. You can’t be well dressed all the time. In what scenarios are you more than okay going full dirtbag? Does it involve a style guilty pleasure? Leave it all in the comments below.
From Target clearance t-shirts, to 43% off Brooks Brothers 1818 line Italian suits.
Linen-wool sportcoats, UK made dirty buck chukkas, and longingly looking (very) forward to fall.
In person with BR's flagship suit separates.
Significant savings. While they last. Which usually isn't very long.
One of the best affordable watch releases in recent memory. Yours to win. Perhaps.
Nordstrom Rack extra 25% off clearance, Billy Reid Summer Sale, Allen Edmonds, etc.