What Shall I Wear Today?: A Reflection on Men's Fashion
"High Fashion"
The piece above is a perfect compliment to what I had just posted yesterday. This will be a reflection on choice of attire. Like I had said previously, there was a time when I had rejected my jeans and t-shirts. I had fallen in love with the principles that I had learned from the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP). Good ideas, at the time. When I was in high school, my old friends and acquaintances can confirm that I went to public high school wearing slacks, button up long sleeves, and ties. I even carried around a brief case rather than a backback. It was a style I was attracted to at the time. I don't know if it helped me with my grades, as I was not the stellar student then. But, after leaving much of what can be described socially as "traditionalism", the jeans and t-shirts came back. I was comfortable. I wore the suits, and formal attire still, but less often than my jeans and comfy shoes.
I recently shared with my college students that I do notice a difference when I wear a suit versus jeans and casual button up shirts to teach. You would think that I would be more effective dressed up than not. But, it is my experience that when I am comfortable with what I am wearing, I plan my lessons better, I am more conversational in approach, I have more spontaneous story telling and example giving, and perceive a much more positive response from my students. When I had an evaluation last night, I wore slacks, dress shirt, but no tie. I was certainly sweating up a storm. Perhaps I would have fared better wearing my jeans. On the other hand, when I substitute teach at high schools and middle schools, I command much more respect and authority when I am formally dress than when I dress like them.
I don't wear shorts often, but that is mostly due to my very attractive legs, and I don't want to be a near occasion for sin for the ladies, and these days, some men. I jest. Here is my opinion. What are your goals for the day! Are you on vacation in Florida? If so, does it make sense to wear a suit? Are you going in for a professional job interview? Does it make sense to wear your $175 pre-torn, pre-shrunk, pre-worn out jeans and sandals? Depending on your goals, choose your attire accordingly. Don't let social convention or even tradition dictate what you should and should not wear. Form your conscience, know what is inappropriate, and wear what is comfortable for you.
Laurence G.
This above reflection is thanks to the very wonderful and beautiful lady in my life. She has helped me grow in many ways, emotionally, relationally, socially, intellectually, psychologically, and most importantly, spiritually. I love you very much, my sweet Veronica!
I recently shared with my college students that I do notice a difference when I wear a suit versus jeans and casual button up shirts to teach. You would think that I would be more effective dressed up than not. But, it is my experience that when I am comfortable with what I am wearing, I plan my lessons better, I am more conversational in approach, I have more spontaneous story telling and example giving, and perceive a much more positive response from my students. When I had an evaluation last night, I wore slacks, dress shirt, but no tie. I was certainly sweating up a storm. Perhaps I would have fared better wearing my jeans. On the other hand, when I substitute teach at high schools and middle schools, I command much more respect and authority when I am formally dress than when I dress like them.
I don't wear shorts often, but that is mostly due to my very attractive legs, and I don't want to be a near occasion for sin for the ladies, and these days, some men. I jest. Here is my opinion. What are your goals for the day! Are you on vacation in Florida? If so, does it make sense to wear a suit? Are you going in for a professional job interview? Does it make sense to wear your $175 pre-torn, pre-shrunk, pre-worn out jeans and sandals? Depending on your goals, choose your attire accordingly. Don't let social convention or even tradition dictate what you should and should not wear. Form your conscience, know what is inappropriate, and wear what is comfortable for you.
Laurence G.
This above reflection is thanks to the very wonderful and beautiful lady in my life. She has helped me grow in many ways, emotionally, relationally, socially, intellectually, psychologically, and most importantly, spiritually. I love you very much, my sweet Veronica!
You know what? You wiped her face with your heart and it's imprinted on your entire soul. Thank God for the miracle, Laurence.
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