Two big points. First, some men have mounds of money for whatever wardrobe they want, and that money has not bought them style. Think Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates. Massive amounts of money are no assurance that a wardrobe will be stylish. Second, brand names don’t matter, and labels & logos mean nothing (think slob-erities). Again, money doesn’t buy style. Gentlemen, wear the clothes; don’t let the clothes wear you.
Too many people think they have to wear expensive items to look good, but a price tag means nothing in regard to style. The most stylish people in the world understand that they don’t need a $500 sweatshirt or a $1,200 pair of boots to look or feel cool. What’s the point of buying the same brands that everyone else has or wants — to show off how much you spent? Doesn’t that seem a little silly?
Often, high-end and designer brands charge an incredible amount of money simply for their label or logo. The reality is that most people don’t have any idea what brand you’re wearing. They notice if it looks good and fits well and if the fabric is high quality. That is what’s important – not what designer store you bought it from or what brand name it is.
I don’t consider myself to be a label snob. I don’t care what or who makes it or if it’s popular. Sure, I have purchased some trendy items in the past, but overall, the brand really makes no difference to me most of the time. I look for great options that are affordable and good quality – and, most importantly, look good on me.
A few years ago, one of my friends who is a doctor wanted me to help him with his wardrobe. I went over to his place and started going through his clothing. He had collected hundreds of neckties over the years and instructed me to get rid of any that ‘don’t look good.’ I started yanking ties off – and this one particular ugly tie caused my friend to ask me if I knew what I just put into the donation bag.
I responded that I had no idea, and he picked it up. He asked me to guess how much he paid for this particular tie. Apparently, it was high-end and designer Ferragamo. I had no idea the price, so he told me that he had paid $120 for this ugly tie. He also mentioned that no one knew it’s designer and that they all just see it as an ugly blue tie with sailboats.
But, to make sure he was good with donating it, I asked him if he wanted me to keep it for him. And he asked for my advice at this point, which I gave him. I acknowledged that he spent over $100 on this tie and that it’s a Ferragamo. But since…
