Why Dress Up, in A Dressed Down World
Dear Reader,
The question “Why dress up?” is one I have always pondered. So why does one do it, especially when the question is usually followed by “no one else does”? The answer can be both simple and quite complex depending on who you are and where you are on your menswear journey. As for me, the answer is quite simple. Since I’ve been into classic menswear for so long, it’s almost second nature to me. At this point it’s who I am.
So why might you the Reader, want to dress up in a dressed down world?
Confidence: Confidence is perhaps the number one reason why people begin to dress nicer. It’s a simple and proven fact that when you look good, you feel good. Dressing nicer allows you to gain confidence through wearing clothes that flatter your bodytype. Unlike casual wear and streetwear, which prioritize comfort over flattery, proportions, and practicality.
Lasting First Impressions: It is no secret that people form judgments within seven seconds of meeting someone for the first time. That being said, the best way to make a first impression that will last requires two things. The first is a being handshake. This tradition dates back to the 9th century BC when the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III clasped the hand of the Babylonian king Marduk-zakir-shumi I to seal an alliance, thus sealing it into tradition. The second being confidence, which goes back to the aforementioned point.
Enhanced Mood, Focus, and Productivity: Ah yes, the big three which plague the working atmosphere, ruins the day for the boss, and leaves the day of you The Reader in shambles. So What might one do to prevent this work place disaster? The correct answer would be to dress in a way that it simply doesn’t matter what your coworkers say, or do, because you feel so good about yourself, that nothing will stand in the way of you preforming to a higher standard in the work place, thus working towards that most desired promotion.
Encourages Better Social Interactions: When one dresses appropriately for every occasion people begin to subconsciously view you as one of their piers, even if you are a novice. It is only natural that when one is considered as a pier, they will find themselves in conversations they never thought they would have. I’ve had many conversations with the elderly, veterans, businessmen, younger people, and anyone in between because of this simple fact. So to put it simply Reader, when you put your best foot forward, others will always notice, and be compelled to put their best foot forward aswell.
As I now come to the end of our discussion, I want to leave you with my final thoughts on the things we have discussed.
Confidence.
Lasting First Impressions.
Enhanced Mood, Focus, and Productivity.
Encourages Better Social Interactions.
Notice how all of the reasons to answer the question “why dress up, in a dressed down world?” go hand in hand together. Notice how if you remove one, the tower begins to fall. In my future letters you will begin to see how important this foundation is, no matter how simple.
Most importantly do not fall into the trap the ensnares so many, the trap of being vain. When someone gives you a compliment, which you will most likely receive a host of compliments, it is of the utmost importance that you say thank you, and mentally move on. Because if you begin to dwell upon the compliment, it is quite easy to fall into the trap of vanity.
Thank you my dear Reader for reading this letter, may it find you in good health.
until next time,
Ian A. Goodwin
