need work wear
Hi, I'm new to this and have no concept of what good fashion is, at all, people constantly make me feel stupid about it (mostly because I'm an artist)
I have $100 to spend, live in Brooklyn NY
The reddit post "step by step intro" says to pick one thing I already wear, then later implies it should be something that looks good on me
Nothing I buy looks good on me
All my clothing purchases are functional only,
But I'm tired of being made fun of by my family and the internet.
Between my shoes (black leather dress sneakers)
Shirts (white, or light colored button down Oxford)
And pants (I have no idea what they are called, but they're always long and black)
What should I pick?
What should I buy?
17 Replies
pics of you would help because from the written description a) that seems like a solid fit b) that people who know you should recognize serves a functional purpose
the reddit post has good intentions but is maybe a little outdated in thinking. it could help to start at the end instead - what are some outfits or items that you think are cool to wear and why?
if you need inspo check #waywt or #inspiration or social media in general
also were you planning on keeping your current functional clothes? if not, did you have any specific needs for clothes (no open toed shoes, no short sleeves, needs to be lightweight or heavyweight etc.)
that seems like a lot of legwork but gets you towards an ideal situation of you being comfortable enough in your clothes to the point where others' criticism isn't as impactful
The only outfits I personally think are cool to wear are costumes, like pirate outfits, or stuff from late Renaissance, or Baroque/Rococo style.
I do also realize that that would make me look like a weirdo on most days, which is why I don't do that
Here's a picture of me today. (And most days)
I just need the same colors, and the shirt to be button down long sleeve.
My wife once got me everything slim fit, and everyone said it looks good, but I was constantly uncomfortable.
I can suffer through shirts and pants, but not shoes, if the shoes aren't feeling really good, I can't think properly
@zeometer thank you for replying by the way
1) the shirt doesn't fit that well, and is a dress shirt that won't always look that great outside suit/tie contexts. An actual button down collar oxford cloth shirt in white that has a more intentional fit (either purposely oversized or slim or just a regular fit that works for your body a bit more) might look better. Can you wear a button down collar or are you tied to a dress shirt/cutaway collar?
2) the trousers don't fit well. They're too long to be that slim/the stacking around the ankles doesn't work. A straighter fit might be better/so might a skinnier fit.
3) the shoes are just bad. I would be inclined to wear something that's just black if you must wear sneakers with this (sneakers are hard cos the rest of the clothes are relatively "formal" coded), otherwise black leather shoes can be very comfortable if sized correctly: a chunky black derby or loafer might be a way of inserting a little "trend".
Echoing everything pancake said.
Also I’m not sure as to the actual mechanics of your Tzitzit (?), but tucking your shirt will likely be a good move for you.
Some nice black straight chinos with a mid rise combined with a white or off white tucked shirt in a fabric that’s a little more casual (Oxford…) and some black leather shoes like derbies or brogues (Chelsea boots for the colder months) will achieve the same look you’re currently having while making you look more put together!
1) yeah I can wear that, I need to Google the differences between button down collar and dress shirt now
2) is it the length? "Straighter fit" is a style? Or a length? I'm not sure what it means
3) I don't need sneakers, I just need to be able to bicycle with whatever shoes I'm wearing, or boots.
Any shoe brands you recommend?
How do you know about tzitzis LOL
It's a tunic, so I could keep the strings at my sides if I tuck in like you recommend
Straight refers to the cut of the pants, meaning they are the mostly same width for all of the leg. That makes them somewhat wide at the bottom if they fit right. This will allow them to fall nicely over your shoe instead of stacking up above it. You should find plenty of those at the GAP, J.Crew, Uniqlo, Abercrombie or similar.
A button down collar has buttons that keep the collar in place, it lends itself to being worn without a tie. Oxford is a more casual weave of fabric, it will look less out of place for everyday wear without jacket and tie. Poplin is also an option if you prefer a less heavy shirt. Second hand Ralph Lauren is plenty cheap!
For boots I recommend looking at Blundstones, they’re accommodating as well as hard wearing. Regular shoes I’ll pass the ball to someone else.
I also recommend you get one of those clips for your trousers so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
Also, without wanting to go too deep into cultural specifics that I don’t know much about, a hat might add a cool touch to your outfits. It’s something I have seen older Jewish men (not insiunating you’re old) pull off quite successfully!
When I go out I usually wear a blazer and fadora, I'm indoors right now.
I guess I should have shown my complete outfit
Here you see what I mean by straight cut pants as well as button down collar!
Those are all things easily found in a variety of sizes at thrift stores for little money.
(Turn ups for pants of course optional)
For your blazer it’s somewhat important to make sure that it’s not an orphaned suit jacket, because usually people will be able to tell. Again a blazer is something that’s easily gotten at second hand as well.
Fedoras imo look cool in those black and white type looks - just make sure it’s not one of those with a super small brim. A classic one will serve you best, with maybe the possibility to change to a tight weave straw hat with a black band for summer.
I hope this isn’t all a bit much for now.
It’s pretty easy to get some good outfits together with some basics. I’m sure you’ll nail it!
Also you’re probably in luck, as slim fits are somewhat faded out of fashion right now. You’ll find plenty of roomier clothing in stores.
Make sure you’re comfortable but also remember that especially leather shoes need a few wears to fully break in, so some snugness (not tightness) for those is normal.
I wish I could wear a straw hat. In my community,
wearing a straw hat here is like saying "I'm old and richer than any of you" which is not what I want to be saying
Fair enough! In the end you’ll have to know what works best for you and life in your community!
Feel free to post again if you need some more or additional advice or a fit check for some new pieces!
i wonder if it's specific types of or specific pairings of straw hats which make this comparison
the question of what do we want to signal about ourselves with clothes vs what other people assume is a complex one sometimes and each person has to make a choice for their own selves
these might be good reading in that regard https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1274034945286996069 https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1267874348836851733 and https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1268236736694321265
it's also possible to find clothes that are comfortable and that you like - it does take a little bit of experimentation and a little bit of inspiration (again, check out other people's clothes) but is fully possible, even if you find you want to try out a different look entirely
No, it's the fact that it's made out of straw, which is weird because it's cheaper than rabbit felt, but to Hasidic jews is seen as a status symbol that you are "really rich"
True