What To Wear

I remember going to a wedding, a little over a decade ago. As one would expect, most of the people present had made a sartorial effort, dressing in what is - or was - universally accepted splendour for a special celebratory day.

I distinctly recall one gent arriving in a casual shirt and jeans. For the wedding. Not the reception, the actual wedding, spoken vows, bridal walk, the whole nine yards. He stood out, to me, because of his lack of sartorial effort.

 These days, I doubt anyone would notice. ‘Smart’ casual is the uniform of the masses. A t-shirt worn with a suit, no longer the preserve of Don Johnson. Not that many modern-day fashionistas can recall the actor in his Miami Vice pomp. That is if they even know who he is.

Back then, in the mid to late eighties, Johnson’s James ‘Sonny’ Crocket was viewed as edgy. His pastel-coloured suits and t-shirt ensembles contrasted with partner, Ricardo Tubbs’ - played by Phillip Michael Thomas - sharp-suited, tie-wearing, dapper conservatism.

These days, Johnson’s retro edginess would barely be photograph-worthy. Streetwear has had a profound impact on fashion and modern-day culture and sensibilities. The culture of office dress outside of, the most conservative of professions, has all but disappeared.

Post-Covid, with the advent of ‘working-from-home’, dress down Friday is now an everyday event, the lines between work attire and casual, home, attire blurred to the point of extinction. With so many of today’s professions not requiring a particular dress code, for many, they do not exist.

With that in mind, it is up to the individual to construct their look; present their armour. Though we may have all heard the phrases, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ or ‘appearances can be deceiving’, human beings are hardwired to assess - judge - on initial impression. It is a protective mechanism.

Even with sporadic social media moments of people preaching kindness and inclusivity, we are visual creatures first. The reason many of the most prominent ‘influencers’ are successful and popular is their appearance. What they do and say may inspire or even, repel, but how they look sparks the initial attraction.

How one dresses matters. Back when flying was not as common as taking a bus, people used to dress to fly. Old films from the fifties and sixties of young men and women disembarking from a flight, or any other vehicle, show people dressed with a notion of impressing; putting their best foot forward.

Admittedly, dressing comfortably in a flying submarine is a stylistic trend that was welcomed. That being said, comfort does not need to be slovenly. Of course, what is considered ‘smart dress’ is open to interpretation, especially nowadays.

In some quarters, the irrepressible slider is considered acceptable attire. The fact that it was popularised through the ghetto culture of hip-hop, acutely spotlighted in the seminal nineties classic, John Singleton's Boyz n The Hood, is of little import.

The character, Doughboy - played by the rapper Ice Cube - represented a ghetto/urban, impoverishment. He was street-cool and could hustle, but his attire was a reflection of his environment. The sliders he wore constantly, a placeholder for better footwear. Possibly for an occasion that never happens.

This is just an opinion but, outside of the shower, swimming pool or steam baths, sliders are not suitable attire. Ever. They were never meant to be. They were always inexpensive, quick slip-on footwear for the aforementioned, for usage over a short period.

Understandably, not everyone is enamoured or cares much for the whims of fashion. Even so, many of us identify with some group; some cultural norms. Whether it be musically, academically, financially or in some niche aspect, one’s apparel is, in some regard, part of that identity.

What you wear, shows you care; about your appearance, how you want to be regarded and respected. The right outfit raises one's confidence and makes one feel good. it is not about the cost of the outfit. Too many, in this social media-flexing world, equate expense with class and quality.

The notion of cost equating to quality and/or refinement is somewhat propagated by the 'influencer' culture, as well as being popularised by television dramas such as Succession, pushing the notion of a five hundred dollar cap being an acceptable purchase. One should not go into debt to dress well or follow a trend.

There are ever-increasing fashion labels and established retailers that sell perfectly acceptable, stylish and affordable clothing. Unless you are fortunate enough to be in the upper echelon of earners, spending a month's rent on an outfit is foolhardy.

With so many obstacles in life that are outside of one’s control, dressing well - at least as a functioning adult - is not one of them. Your clothing is your daily armour. Choose wisely.