Most people would agree that there is a time and a place for everything. More specifically, all wardrobe pieces will see their day at least once. On the other hand, we all know that, much like people, you can not just match any articles of clothing together and expect them to get along. On my way home today after a long day, I spotted a fashion faux pas of epic proportions that I actually was able to secretly take a photo of! Everyone around me was quietly making their way home from their Tuesdays. The man I noticed had on a light-colored blazer, (appropriate for this time of year), and even lighter colored dress shirt, black dress slacks, black leather shoes, and he was carrying a black, leather, soft briefcase. This was not one of those situations where at first glance you do not notice the flaw. Right away I observed that he was wearing what I am going to refer to as
THE PIECE THAT RUINED THE OUTFIT
Okay, I need to just come out with it already. He was wearing an Ed Hardy tie. Who does that?!?! Look, do not get me wrong, I believe men should use their ties to spice up their outfits, I am even a fan of Ed Hardy at times, but this was just disgusting. He ruined his whole “laid back, city, working man, on a spring day” look. To reference an equivalent, think of a newly decorated modern-day bedroom. You take the time to pick out the perfect bedding, (nothing less than 1,000 thread count Egyptian cotton of course!), the super classy window treatments that you paid way too much for, elegant yet functional side tables, and then
you throw down a vintage, lime green, used, shag carpet area rug that you picked up for 5 bucks at a yard sale. This would never happen! It would be beyond blasphemous to say the least! People, I caution you, do not ruin your entire outfit with one wrong move. I hope this poor man was not going to an interview! He would most definitely have received the “We’ll let you know” blow off.
While I was taking stalker-like photos of this poorly dressed guy, the man sitting next to me, who was without a doubt a tourist, caught me in the act and looked at me like I was a serial killer, or at least totally nuts. I wanted to let him in on what I was up to, but I decided it would be more fun if he went back to his hometown in South Dakota or wherever and told the funny story of the girl taking random photos of a man she didn’t know.
“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.”– Oscar Wilde
Quick Aside: Check out this link a friend of mine told me about from GQ. Style Terms Every Man Should Know.