Why do people care so much about clothes
I have spent a lot of time and energy on my wardrobe, but I was just thinking, why? It makes me feel good, but why is this such a point of focus in peoples lives. What does it say about you?
At this point, I feel as if I can automatically know when someone "knows what they're doing" with their style and it can elevate how people view you, but why do you personally do it/spend energy on this?
I just realized when I am going somewhere with friends we often call and discuss what we're wearing, and if you wear the wrong outfit out you can look like an idiot.
I think having a good body no matter what height you are matters way more first and foremost.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about why people care so much about clothes and the impact it has:
Perception and Confidence:
Professionalism:
Fashion and Etiquette:
Personal Branding:
Cultural and Social Norms:
In summary, caring about clothes and investing in your wardrobe can have a significant impact on how you are perceived, your confidence, and your professional success. It is a blend of personal satisfaction, social norms, and professional requirements that makes it a point of focus for many people.
Sources: I believe in dressing for success…But how?, Hey Millennials, why do you hate suits?, What are your thoughts on changing dress code?, Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe, Casualisation of Office Dress Codes
Agree with the body part...definitely helps to be in shape / athletic build first and foremost. For me, I like dressing in my style (not talking about office fashion but nightlife / social fashion) because it, as you said, makes me feel good, more confident, and I just like looking good. Also, as a single dude, I have noticed that from when I didn't really focus on my wardrobe to when I completely re did it (maybe a year ago, no noticeable change in my physique just the clothes I am wearing) I have a lot more success with girls. I think it really helps when you have good style and can let your personality show through the style / your own mannerisms. I think it also just subconsciously shows that you know how to dress, you know what your own style is, and your confident in yourself.
Yea I def agree with the nightlife clothes. What's your style? I like nice sweaters, corduroy pants, khakis, kind of a more upscale/preppy look a little but not traditional. I switch it up with some accessories though that can make it a little more interesting
I have 3 that I rotate through (depending on how I'm feeling / want to look, who I am going out with (i.e., some of my friends dress super preppy, others don't), and where we are going (nicer places = nicer clothes...trying to match the vibe of the environment I am in).
1) Preppy. Agree with you - not a sweater guy but definitely a 1/4 zip, some Charles Tyrwhitt, Polo ralpha lauren or Zara pants, a long sleeve polo if I don't wear the 1/4 zip or regular polo + 1/4 zip, then a barbour jacket or some more preppy bomber on top + sperries or regular nike shoes. Always wear a belt and watch too with this. I wear this a lot with my preppy friends and if we are going to maybe a nice bar / not really a "party" environment.
2) Mix of "workwear" and "vintage" aesthetics. Had to google to find how I wanted to describe this. Definitely leans more "workwear". I've got a couple pairs of boots I like to wear, some really nice Chinos with tough fabric and subtle patterns. Think brown / black boots + brown / navy / green pants. Will wear a chain with this (usually my cuban link and a matching bracelet or a watch with a stainless steel band). Will have a simple shirt + either a hoodie or simple sweater / quarter zip (usually black or navy depending on the pants) + a big bomber. This is my go to for night clubs, raves, that kind of thing. See the image I found online below. Not exactly what I'd wear but the vibe is there.
3) "Streetwear". Have some YoungLA / other more "gym" brands that are good to wear for the street. Darc Sport and Fear the lamb are brands I own too. Definitely for more casual locations or "gritty" parties. Lot of fun wearing this though. Always have a chain, never really wear a watch. Shoes are typically nike blazers.
As you can tell, I am very much into fashion. If you have any brands or suggestions I am always open to looking at new clothes / expanding the wardrobe
Really liking all of this - my style def leans preppy/upscale but that's just the scene that I've been in more often these days, want to try more of that workwear aesthetic.
Pants are a big deal to me - you can do so much with textures/colors/materials that change a fit entirely. I've trying more textures - corduroys and 'heathered' pants (white pants below for example, they just mix in some darker fibers that makes it look a little more interesting). I like layering as well to add more colors/textures
I really like merino wool - I can do crew neck or polo style sweaters, along with textured pants (corduroy or 'heathered' are my go-to's), you can get a nice textured fit for nice evenings out using these. I like 1/4 zips but just overdid them a while ago so taking a break for a bit.
One brand I picked up recently is Luca Faloni - really stylish/high quality Italian boutique but def a more reasonable price point than some of the other shops in this category - pic of the blue sweater below is from them, it's cotton so this is for warmer weather events / goes well with linen or cotton pants and a nice stainless steel watch. Mango, SuitSupply, Luca Faloni, Club Monaco, Massimo Dutti, Bonobos, Banana Republic are all in my rotation right now off the top of my head.
For house parties / more grimey environments I'll usually just do a black or white tee, a decent pair of pants (chinos or jeans - finally found jeans I like (Madewell 1991 Loose Straight pants), Chuck Taylors or Vans, and maybe a gold bracelet. Want to do more here.
I have 2 nice watches at this point, picked up a Cartier santos recently, want to wear it out on a Europe trip at some point feel like that'd be sweet.
I'm also tall / decently lean and not too bulky so I feel like that influences my aesthetic.
Do you have any recommendations for T-shirts? Want ones that look good w/ broad shoulders/chest but that aren't tight around the mid section and waist. Been having too much trouble finding something in this fit.
I'm the same guy who talked about the 3 styles above. Firstly, appreciate all the brand reccs. +1 SB. Have never heard of these before and on first glance wow love it. Also love the heathered pants and merino wool. FYI, I am also tall and lean (6'0 - 6'2 ~190-200 lbs with ~12-14% BF(keeping ranges to protect anonymity)), so the style reccs should work for your build as well if similar.
I guess I'll go more specific here in brands I use a lot too:
Bombers / jackets:
Barbour (basic / preppy), Zara (good bombers here and also puffier coats), Young LA (cool jackets / bombers, only one heavy coat I really like, will add image below), slowear (expensive but super high quality, don't personally own any jackets from here but bought a couple pairs of pants, love the jackets they do have). If you are looking for some "sweaters" / light outerwear, would really reccommend Young LA for a street aesthetic. The crew necks go well with heavy bombers and some chinos + a chain.
YoungLA Jacket (I just bought one in a different color):
Pants:
Love all the names you mentioned. Also wear some Faherty, Burberry, Slowear (as mentioned above), YoungLA / Darc Sport / Fear the lamb ("gym aesthetic"), and some generic knock offs of the popular brands (i.e., Polo ralph lauren, Hugo, etc.). Honestly you can find good chino's everywhere. Will definitely look more into your recommendations though.
Shirts:
Two brands by far my favorite: Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle. I love simple shirts with just a logo and nice fabric. I wear these brands all the time. Get good dark colors from A&F and more pastel from AE. Also when wearing more preppy, a lot of the names I listed above (Polo, Zara) I also have shirts from. My most "preppy" stuff comes from Polo / Zara, more laid back shirts are AE and A&F. Honestly, this isn't as huge of a piece for me because I usually have a jacket / hoodie or something over it (even in Spring). Only in Summer do I have no second layer. See below for some examples:
A&F:
AE:
Watches:
Personally, I own a couple Tissots (PRX, Powermatic 80's, Chronographic), two Orients (just basic watches) and a Hamilton white face scuba. I just cycle through to match the colors / vibes and will wear a simple chain and / or bracelet to go with the watch.
Shoes:
I own Nike mid-top blazers x 3 colors. Low tops x 2 colors. Sperries x 2 (white and brown) Boots x 2 (dark and light brown boots, 1x redwing 1x Timberlands). Looking to get a loafer / moccasin shoe for the preppy look but honestly I am probably overkill here.
Thinking this is pretty comprehensive of my wardrobe. Hope this helps!
Thanks dude - yep similar build, I'm 6'2" 195lb. Love these T's, also wear some J-Crew for plain T's they actually have some nice stuff in medium/large for relaxed and slim tall shirts (called the broken-in T's). I've also gotten in to fragrances recently and have really been liking Tom Ford, make some good oud/tobacco wintery type fragrances that elevate your whole outfit as well imo. Def going to integrate some stuff inspired by your wardrobe in the coming months, appreciate it.
Finance is just high-stakes cosplay for people who peaked in Model UN. Your fit is your costume, and the better you dress, the more convincing your character
Clothing is a form of self-expression and can impact how we feel and how others perceive us. It’s not just about looking good but also about confidence, professionalism, and even social belonging. Whether it’s dressing for an occasion, signaling personal style, or just feeling put-together, clothes play a role in shaping first impressions. That said, I agree that fitness and posture can enhance overall presence just as much as style does.
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