For The F*cking Fun Of It (An open Letter to the Style Police)
After over 5 years in the personal styling game, I'm starting to gain a bit more notoriety. I'm no influencer, nor do I wish to be. Still, by the sheer nature of giving a damn about you and offering practical advice, men are flocking here.
And that's great. I love to help the great guys that come by.
But along with those visitors are some that I didn't expect.
Some of the internet’s self-appointed "Style Police" have started to take note as well, circling the block, beating on my door, asking all sorts of probing questions.
I use the term police lightly. These guys are more like members of a high-strung neighborhood watch in a retirement community.
You can find these guys commenting on style accounts, and lurking on Reddit and other forums. They post style rule after antiquated style rule, ruthlessly tearing apart anyone's outfit that has a shred of creativity.
The outrage is amusing. You'll find comments such as:
"BLUE WITH BROWN? That’s a no-go bro!” (No, it’s a classic pairing)
Of course, there’s the timeless:
"You HAVE to MATCH your BELT with your SHOES! There IS no other way!" (Plenty of other ways, in-fact)
And who could forget:
"Bro, your pants and your shirt can't be the same color, bro." (Ever heard of a monochromatic outfit?)
These guys live in Gingham check shirts, light tan dress shoes, and can be found exclusively hitting the clearance section at Nordstrom Rack.
They are always the fellas who are the newest to the game. They binged a couple of YouTube videos last month and now, thanks to a false sense of confidence, feel the need to dish out ill-informed style advice to the masses.
So, if you’re here as a self-appointed officer of style, knocking at my door… I’d like to address you formally…
My official response is as follows:
Leave.
Come back with a warrant.
Or, if you're cool, get real style advice.
You’ve come here to tell me the rules.
I know the rules.
I know them better than you.
I teach the fucking rules.
So when I wear a collar spread that's a little too wide, or a tie knot that's a little off-center and unique, or wear white after labor day, I'm doing it on purpose.
Want to know why?
For fun.
Men hate clothing because you nerds have beat it down to a form of antiquated academia that requires flashcards, a protractor, and a looming fear you're always wearing the wrong thing.
You've made the act of getting dressed boring, joyless, and confusing.
No wonder guys aren’t dressing well.
If you’re still reading, you’re likely not part of the aforementioned group. So, here's the deal.
I could walk up to any individual member of this style hit squad and make them question everything by asking just one simple question:
"Why?"
Give me a reason.
Most can't back their arguments with further logic than stuttering: "I don't know, I think I read it somewhere, one time, I think…”
Style CAN be a science, but as any good high school chemistry teacher would tell you - Science isn't about memorizing the periodic table. It's about experimentation. It's about the joy of finding things out.
The RIGHT rules and frameworks have their place, but only in the context that they're making you look your best.
I can't tell you how many men come to me, freaked out on their Style Journeys. They say things to me like:
"Well, I like ___, but I read online that…" or "I really want to wear ___, but this guy on Youtube said…." "My girlfriend says I should ___, but I don't think it’s really me."
Guys are losing their individuality by the second, and don’t seem to care.
What to do?
Revolt! Rebel!
Dammit - Stand up and be counted, man.
You're a unique individual with tastes, preferences, and discernment. You have a life that you've built for yourself based on all that. Let your style be an extension of that life.
Be damned if anyone tries to take away the blessing of creative freedom you get when you’re dressing every day. Don't outsource that to the bro on Reddit. Besides the fact he doesn’t give a damn about you, he likely hasn’t a clue what he’s talking about.
Use frameworks when needed to build a foundation, but please, for God’s sake…
Don't forget to have some fucking fun.
-Patrick
