What should I do?

[JamesT1]

First, I would like to say that since I have discovered this site, I have been reading it nonstop. Thank you very much for creating a place online that contains such a wealth of information. Now for my Question:
Now being rather young (20) and in college, I'm in somewhat of a dilemma as to how I should dress. With everyone around me wearing polo shirts with "popped" collars and other things equally disturbing what should I be wearing? I am usually told I am overdressed or people ask if I'm a "businessman". Normally I wear a blazer with a shirt and occasionally a tie. Any help here would be wonderful. Thanks a lot.

[Prince Barry]

Welcome to the forum James.

I feel that it's important that you dress in what you feel comfortable wearing.

I am a great believer in being a leader, not a follower.

[edhayes]

where do you go to school? and tell us a little about yourself-frankly, alot depends on how you look and what your interests are-personally, however, I favor color, color and color.
even if you're wearing polo shirts and pants-you can get the color in your socks and sweaters
wool and cotton sweaters are inexpensive often very striking

[JamesT1]

Thank you guys for the help so far. I go to school in the Chicago, IL area. It's a small community school in the northern suburbs. Currently, I'm there for their fashion design program. I usually stick to a pallette of white/grey/blue/black/and brown in my clothes as I am not really a fan of pastels. I tend to dress more formal than most of the people in the school, which usually results in people asking why I'm "wearing a suit" when I'm only wearing a blazer and jeans. My other difficulty, living in what was just announced as the "fattest city in the country" is that I am tall (6'2") and thin (145lbs), so finding anything in my size is usually a disappointing challenge.

[TVD]

James, trust me, it would be far more disappointing in the long term if you could fit the supersized off the peg standard!

There is no simple answer to your question: either you compromise on what you believe in, or you compromise your social acceptance and comfort. Naturally one may call your contemporaries ignorant for not accepting your taste. But than they know no better, and the cruelty that is youth dictates to them to be unpleasant rather than tolerant and appreciative of diversity. Safety in numbers and all that.

But you can learn a number of valuable lessons from this:

One is that denying yourself the luxury of self-expression can help you to succeed. Whether this means to change dress habits, or keep quiet in a meeting and not correct somebody, all these are means to an end. Whether you call it wisdom, diplomacy, or hypocrisy is up to you. Just make sure that you actually chose to stick out or blend in, rather than just letting it happen to you.

Second you have found out that it requires strength to persevere. What does not kill us makes us stronger.

Thirdly, to be happy, one has to be surrounded by at least some like minded people. If you are unhappy, chose with your feet: walk. Maybe not right away, but in the longer term. Set your goals and have the courage of your convictions. What sticks out in Chicago may be normal in New York or Paris. You are master of your own destiny.

Use this as an opportunity to find out what makes your fellow pupils tick, how to motivate them to accept you more easily, while you remain true to yourself. Flexibilty is a great virtiue. You can look elegant in a blazer or a cashmere sweater, or just a polo shirt. Try to resist the lure of costume, it's strong early and late in life. I am still rather young, but still I wonder whether some of my sartorial decisions in eraly youth were astute.

Good luck

[Cufflink79]

Dear JamesT1:
First of all welcome to the London Lounge. It is nice to see that another young person in this day in age still likes to dress nice for school. When I went to high school I went as far sometimes (ok almost everyday) as a full suit and tie with a briefcase ( I was taking Criminal Justice courses at the time). I also just liked dressing up .
However most of the time I stuck to a sport jacket or blazer with a button down collar shirt or a polo shirt in warmer weather (yes it can get warm in Minnesota ). I also always had a pocket square in the breast pocket of the jacket as well, even without a tie .
Currently I am in Graduate School in New Mexico and since so many people are very casual here I tend to stick with my polos and sport jacket combo. I still wear my suits as ofen as I can though.
Being in Chicago you do have an advantage to some good shopping since Chicago is really a small New York. If you like Saks, Paull Stuart, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren they are there. They might be on a smaller scale than NYC but good places none the less. Also check out SYMS in downtown they have some nice items from time to time. Found some nice pocket squares and ties last time I went.
Best of luck to you in school and keep looking sharp.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

[edhayes]

tall and very thin is good, especially since you're so young-I think that you should try some real color and take advantage of your height, lose clothes will look better on you so you don't look too thin.
baggy khakis with a plain front are good, another thing I like on teenagers is layers of t-shirts, polo shirts and sweaters-try and get your self some belts with color
premierbelts. com has great belts at very good prices.
I also like chippewa boots(everyone has timberlands)

[edhayes]

tall and very thin is good, especially since you're so young-I think that you should try some real color and take advantage of your height, lose clothes will look better on you so you don't look too thin.
baggy khakis with a plain front are good, another thing I like on teenagers is layers of t-shirts, polo shirts and sweaters-try and get your self some belts with color
premierbelts. com has great belts at very good prices.
I also like chippewa boots(everyone has timberlands)