Help me get the most out of a strange fashion choice
August 10, 2016 2:57 PM Subscribe
So, I just got back from a gaming convention and I'm tempted to buy pauldrons (shoulder armor) or a single pauldron on Etsy to incorporate into outfits for social occasions, especially in geeky crowds. I've got little to no experience with wearing unusual clothing - most of my clothes are the male stalwarts of t-shirts, polos, jeans, and khakis. What goes well with a pauldron that reads as "slightly oddball casual" and not "got lost on the way to a LARP?"
A plain, fitted, black long-sleeved tee would be my choice. Or another neutral color, and jeans, boots.
posted by stoneandstar at 3:04 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by stoneandstar at 3:04 PM on August 10, 2016
Response by poster: I was thinking leather instead of metal; something like this
posted by LSK at 3:05 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by LSK at 3:05 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
With something like pauldrons, you just just have to wear it and own it. Act confident: smile at anyone giving you a strange look, and approach people's questions as conversation starters, a way to share your geekdom with the world. Many people won't notice, and some others won't get it; a few people may not like it, but plenty of people will either be neutral or think it's bold and totally rad.
Oh, and I'm a big fan of long-sleeved black crew-neck shirts made of quality materials that are fitted but not quite snug. They make for a firm foundation for accessories, a little black dress [shirt] if you will.
posted by smorgasbord at 3:14 PM on August 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
Oh, and I'm a big fan of long-sleeved black crew-neck shirts made of quality materials that are fitted but not quite snug. They make for a firm foundation for accessories, a little black dress [shirt] if you will.
posted by smorgasbord at 3:14 PM on August 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
Black jeans, black or grey t shirt, or very plain button-down shirt. black shoes.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 3:14 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 3:14 PM on August 10, 2016
If you're going to do it, make sure the rest of your outfit is fitted and nice-looking (this will push it more towards "fashion" than "lost LARPer"). A fitted long-sleeved dark tee-shirt as someone said above (not v neck--a dark green, blue, or black, probably not grey as that looks more like you're striving for armor), jeans that are not baggy but are a fitted nice dark wash. Boots.
It's a risky fashion thing, but whatever, have fun with it. Make sure the rest of you looks so well-kempt that people won't assume you just don't know how to dress. Just please, please don't wear it with khakis.
posted by c'mon sea legs at 3:16 PM on August 10, 2016 [17 favorites]
It's a risky fashion thing, but whatever, have fun with it. Make sure the rest of you looks so well-kempt that people won't assume you just don't know how to dress. Just please, please don't wear it with khakis.
posted by c'mon sea legs at 3:16 PM on August 10, 2016 [17 favorites]
I agree with the suggestions already provided, and would like to add that particular armor you linked is rad and now I want one.
posted by dinnerdance at 3:17 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by dinnerdance at 3:17 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
I don't think a button-down, Henley, polo, etc. or anything with patterning or buttons will be a good idea with this--too many competing attention-grabbers. However, a subtle texture (like a waffle or vertical stripes) could be nice. I guess what I'm saying is that if you had a really nice newish thermal shirt you could pull it off.
posted by c'mon sea legs at 3:22 PM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by c'mon sea legs at 3:22 PM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
I think something like this COULD be pulled off - especially in certain crowds. Although I think a more subtle version like this one would be easier.
I think to get the most out of it and not have it look out of place it should go with a more put together outfit. Dark jeans and a dark button down or a simple vest would accent it nicely. You don't want to have this on top of a loose t shirt. A more detailed or textured long sleeve jersey shirt could work too. Here's a harness style shirt for inspiration. Definitely not a polo and khakis.
I think punk, steampunk, and goth fashion accessories and styling for men may lead to you to some style ideas for the right type of shirt under. It's quite similar to a body harness. (Which if you want a similar vibe but more subtle, body harness would fit the bill.)
But yeah... go for it and own it. I wear a variety of things people would think are weird but I usually just get compliments on them.
posted by Crystalinne at 3:23 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
I think to get the most out of it and not have it look out of place it should go with a more put together outfit. Dark jeans and a dark button down or a simple vest would accent it nicely. You don't want to have this on top of a loose t shirt. A more detailed or textured long sleeve jersey shirt could work too. Here's a harness style shirt for inspiration. Definitely not a polo and khakis.
I think punk, steampunk, and goth fashion accessories and styling for men may lead to you to some style ideas for the right type of shirt under. It's quite similar to a body harness. (Which if you want a similar vibe but more subtle, body harness would fit the bill.)
But yeah... go for it and own it. I wear a variety of things people would think are weird but I usually just get compliments on them.
posted by Crystalinne at 3:23 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
This will look best over a dark fitted jacket, waist length, not long, probably with a short standing collar. Low color contrast (grey, black, dark shades and dark denim if you must wear denim) will work best overall, as you can get away with a lot as long as you restrain your colors. Leather shoes or boots. Don't wear it with shorts. If it's so hot that you're tempted, wear a kilt.
posted by notquitemaryann at 3:32 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by notquitemaryann at 3:32 PM on August 10, 2016
If you got a black one, you could wear it with a black leather vest with lapels and it would actually kinda blend in, for an overall "biker going slightly medieval around the shoulders" look.
I mean, you saw this at a gaming convention because this is definitely gaming convention wear. In general, if you wear it with an outfit that's anything other than Very Very Fashion, it will be a nerd culture thing. So why not just embrace the costumey side of it? Instead of trying to make it fit your outfit, you could wear it with narrow black jeans, black motorcycle boots, and a crisp white broadcloth shirt and go around as Combat Accountant.
posted by ostro at 3:46 PM on August 10, 2016 [7 favorites]
I mean, you saw this at a gaming convention because this is definitely gaming convention wear. In general, if you wear it with an outfit that's anything other than Very Very Fashion, it will be a nerd culture thing. So why not just embrace the costumey side of it? Instead of trying to make it fit your outfit, you could wear it with narrow black jeans, black motorcycle boots, and a crisp white broadcloth shirt and go around as Combat Accountant.
posted by ostro at 3:46 PM on August 10, 2016 [7 favorites]
I'm thinking that if you have to explain what an item of clothing is called, you are already on thin ice.
posted by w0mbat at 3:53 PM on August 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by w0mbat at 3:53 PM on August 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
Personally I think a black dress shirt, black tie, black vest and black pants would suit it best. Maybe pair with sneakers to avoid looking too goth? I want one, too.
posted by palindromeisnotapalindrome at 4:12 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by palindromeisnotapalindrome at 4:12 PM on August 10, 2016
If I were going to wear a pauldron, I would play it off more like space-age fashion than anything else - like it's an accessory....from space. So I'd go either fairly futuristic minimal - close-fitting black, white or grey tee, skinny pants, boots or maybe skinny pants and some kind of knit silk tee with a shine - or else I'd go super retro elegant - nice button front in black, grey or maybe white depending on how I looked in white plus non-cheap-looking dress pants, like a full, high-waisted wool pair.
I find myself in favor of the pauldron, contra almost everything I normally believe about fashion.
posted by Frowner at 4:18 PM on August 10, 2016 [9 favorites]
I find myself in favor of the pauldron, contra almost everything I normally believe about fashion.
posted by Frowner at 4:18 PM on August 10, 2016 [9 favorites]
I think a lot of the other suggestions are good (slim fitting, quality clothes in dark colors, mostly) but I think one of the issues here is going to be the quality of the pauldron. A well-made one will look more "cool fashion thing" instead of "random thing I picked up at a convention." That might cost you money, but I think it would be worth it. (But if you're looking on Etsy -- and I just did -- this probably isn't so much an issue.)
And say ... if you can't pull this off in "real" life (even in geeky circles), do you still want it? Can you afford to buy it? If you can afford to get a good one (like you basically have the money now or wouldn't be sacrificing anything else, let's say, rather than scrimping and saving up for 6 months) and wouldn't mind having it around anyway (or just setting it aside for gaming cons/etc.), just get it and try it out. If you find out you can't pull it off, big deal. You tried and that's cool.
But -- I travel in geeky circles and I like having fun with my clothes, so I may be biased and/or not quite living in the world here.
posted by darksong at 4:31 PM on August 10, 2016
And say ... if you can't pull this off in "real" life (even in geeky circles), do you still want it? Can you afford to buy it? If you can afford to get a good one (like you basically have the money now or wouldn't be sacrificing anything else, let's say, rather than scrimping and saving up for 6 months) and wouldn't mind having it around anyway (or just setting it aside for gaming cons/etc.), just get it and try it out. If you find out you can't pull it off, big deal. You tried and that's cool.
But -- I travel in geeky circles and I like having fun with my clothes, so I may be biased and/or not quite living in the world here.
posted by darksong at 4:31 PM on August 10, 2016
Well, it's not a fedora.
You either have to wear it topless to a night club or with the best ever boots under excellent jeans or a leather skirt in a great bar. Or both. Never at a friends house.
You must never discuss it with people, you've essentially got to stay in character as if it's no big thing. And don't ever wear it during the day. Ever.
But yay, it's not a fedora. So there's that.
I like it though. But more as a steam punk accessory. I'd do a monocle and cape just to make myself laugh a bit.
posted by taff at 4:41 PM on August 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
You either have to wear it topless to a night club or with the best ever boots under excellent jeans or a leather skirt in a great bar. Or both. Never at a friends house.
You must never discuss it with people, you've essentially got to stay in character as if it's no big thing. And don't ever wear it during the day. Ever.
But yay, it's not a fedora. So there's that.
I like it though. But more as a steam punk accessory. I'd do a monocle and cape just to make myself laugh a bit.
posted by taff at 4:41 PM on August 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
I... don't see any way you can do this that doesn't look like you got lost on your way home from LARPing, unless you were already uber fashionable with a strong personal style. Like, maybe Kanye or a French fashion editor could pull that off with some super futuristic outfit but are you Kanye? (For examples of the best this could possibly look, see these Google Image search results. They do not inspire confidence.)
If you go for it, go slim-fitting, monochrome and dark. Your pauldron should be the same color as the outfit you choose. Monochrome outfits are more interesting when they have different textures in them.
posted by purple_bird at 4:46 PM on August 10, 2016 [11 favorites]
If you go for it, go slim-fitting, monochrome and dark. Your pauldron should be the same color as the outfit you choose. Monochrome outfits are more interesting when they have different textures in them.
posted by purple_bird at 4:46 PM on August 10, 2016 [11 favorites]
While a pauldron works as-is for some situations (eg industrial nightclub), for wider use I would maybe get a top (jacket or whatever) and build a pauldron into that top so that it's an integrated feature of the clothing, designed to accentuate the clothing. Not as bulky. This way it reads less as "I brought my cape affectation" and more "I like these clothes that have the armour theme going"
I think ostro's suggestion above produces a similar effect via another direction - matching the materials so that it looks like they're a set. (the motorcycle jacket suggestion would be doubly good match because it's a context where armour/padding is a real functional thing, but only if you have a bike else it's back to obvious affectation. (Affectation isn't necessarily inherently bad, but best to avoid obvious-affectation :) ))
In the link you provided, if someone was wearing that outfit combination, the mismatch between the clothes and the pauldron makes it read as clumsy affectation to me if I saw it outside a convention/nightclub/costume context, and maybe a bit low-effort token-piece if seen somewhere where elaborate costumes are being worn, leaving a thin range of contexts for it to work. So, don't pair it with that :)
Given your question, you might be wanting to run before you can walk. Picasso succeeded because he had mastered the rules before he broke them. If you already feel like you have a command of style and dress, then you'll be more able to succeed at a fraught thing like integrating pauldrons in a non-costume context. But if you have the goal in mind and don't have a wider foundation yet, then consider also learning more generally about attire and design and posture etc. People-watch in more casual settings, pay attention to what people wear and what it does, etc. (This is probably useful regardless of the goal because we live in a shallow world...)
A rule of thumb that I like is that you are (or are nearly) "owning" something like this when it is not be the first thing a stranger notices about you, if that helps. It can be "confirmation", it shouldn't be "announcement" :)
posted by -harlequin- at 4:59 PM on August 10, 2016 [13 favorites]
I think ostro's suggestion above produces a similar effect via another direction - matching the materials so that it looks like they're a set. (the motorcycle jacket suggestion would be doubly good match because it's a context where armour/padding is a real functional thing, but only if you have a bike else it's back to obvious affectation. (Affectation isn't necessarily inherently bad, but best to avoid obvious-affectation :) ))
In the link you provided, if someone was wearing that outfit combination, the mismatch between the clothes and the pauldron makes it read as clumsy affectation to me if I saw it outside a convention/nightclub/costume context, and maybe a bit low-effort token-piece if seen somewhere where elaborate costumes are being worn, leaving a thin range of contexts for it to work. So, don't pair it with that :)
Given your question, you might be wanting to run before you can walk. Picasso succeeded because he had mastered the rules before he broke them. If you already feel like you have a command of style and dress, then you'll be more able to succeed at a fraught thing like integrating pauldrons in a non-costume context. But if you have the goal in mind and don't have a wider foundation yet, then consider also learning more generally about attire and design and posture etc. People-watch in more casual settings, pay attention to what people wear and what it does, etc. (This is probably useful regardless of the goal because we live in a shallow world...)
A rule of thumb that I like is that you are (or are nearly) "owning" something like this when it is not be the first thing a stranger notices about you, if that helps. It can be "confirmation", it shouldn't be "announcement" :)
posted by -harlequin- at 4:59 PM on August 10, 2016 [13 favorites]
Okay, I actually have experience wearing larp-y/leather clothing. I'm a woman with dark hair/androgynous features though, so it's not that out of place on me. It kinda just works because my wardrobe is all black and there's a lot to pair together. It's really about picking "weird" pieces that suit you. I look normal in pointed shoes, big hats and lots of black leather, because it suits me. On others they'd feel/look insane.
If you really want to do this I'd recommend thrifting some black clothing. Start with these: A black long sleeve slim fit shirt, A pair of straight leg pants or jeans in black or grey(alternatively, black joggers), and a pair of black doc martens or other combat boot. These would easily make the pauldrons work for nights out.
I'd suggest getting inspiration from Rick Owens and Apocalyptic fashion in general.
Edit: Jesus some people in this thread are rude, wear whatever the fuck you want dude.
posted by InkDrinker at 5:00 PM on August 10, 2016 [10 favorites]
If you really want to do this I'd recommend thrifting some black clothing. Start with these: A black long sleeve slim fit shirt, A pair of straight leg pants or jeans in black or grey(alternatively, black joggers), and a pair of black doc martens or other combat boot. These would easily make the pauldrons work for nights out.
I'd suggest getting inspiration from Rick Owens and Apocalyptic fashion in general.
Edit: Jesus some people in this thread are rude, wear whatever the fuck you want dude.
posted by InkDrinker at 5:00 PM on August 10, 2016 [10 favorites]
I don't know if you can caz this up, I think it's all in or nothing. Trying to pretend this is normal attire is not the way to go at all. (If you don't normally do that.) If you aren't Kanye, you *will* probably look like you got lost on the way to something profoundly geeky. Or are an actor in a student film, that's probably what i'd think. However, you can also decide not to care.
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:23 PM on August 10, 2016
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:23 PM on August 10, 2016
I would go with a pirate shirt and get the pauldron in a brown leather you can match to boots. Maybe you're just a sexy armored pirate sometimes; it's a free country. If you love it, I'm happy for you. You're going to look a little outrageous, so own it and don't wear other clothing that's going to look like you're trying to disappear. Maybe big rings on the opposite hand. I think the linked example is too dressy for everyday; you ideally need a plainer and a more elaborate and dressy pauldron, so you need two.
Definitely nothing with buttons or zippers. I would avoid sneakers unless they're black-on-black or very futuristic-looking. Fitted black jeans, pirate/poet shirt, styled hair (I don't know what your hair is like, but it should be part of the statement), sharp shoes, confidence.
posted by blnkfrnk at 6:03 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Definitely nothing with buttons or zippers. I would avoid sneakers unless they're black-on-black or very futuristic-looking. Fitted black jeans, pirate/poet shirt, styled hair (I don't know what your hair is like, but it should be part of the statement), sharp shoes, confidence.
posted by blnkfrnk at 6:03 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Honestly? Nothing.
This is sort of why the fedora became a thing. Because when you add an unconventional accessory to just t-shirts and jeans, it doesn't work.
If you're going to actually carry off the pauldroons, you're going to have to stop wearing just basic "male stalwarts" clothes. Which means you're going to have to develop your own sense of style, specifically one that goes well with pauldroons.
As inspiration, I'll say that I once worked in the same office building as a woman who had not only a very specific style, but what I would consider a "pauldroon friendly" style. Almost every day she wore:
- A simple black (or maybe dark green, burgundy, navy, charcoal, etc.) tee or tank, which fit her PERFECTLY and had exactly the perfect cut to flatter her body. Despite wearing t-shirts, she never looked like she just rolled out of bed and threw something on. Her t-shirts were impeccable, almost platonic.
- A utilikilt. No shit. She looked more gender normative and less flashy in a utilikilt than most men do, and frankly, I think a utilikilt specifically would be a bad idea for you, since the pauldroons are going to be pretty dramatic already. But you could probably pull off the same basic intention with a good pair of chinos or very classic and NICE jeans (I'd do dark denim, perfectly tailored, and neither skinny nor baggy). Or maybe a wool trouser, if you have a real serious sense of what you can pull off and how to shop for this sort of thing.
- Combat boots. IIRC she wore the bog standard military surplus kind, not Dr. Martens.
All of these clothes have to fit you PERFECTLY. They have to be impeccably tailored. They have to be clean, in good shape (no ratty collars or hems dragging on the ground), and somehow look both intentional and unobtrusive.
Then you add the pauldroons and NO OTHER ACCESSORIES. Like probably not even sunglasses or a watch.
And even with all that, I'm not sure you end up looking like a person and not a costume.
posted by Sara C. at 6:39 PM on August 10, 2016 [7 favorites]
This is sort of why the fedora became a thing. Because when you add an unconventional accessory to just t-shirts and jeans, it doesn't work.
If you're going to actually carry off the pauldroons, you're going to have to stop wearing just basic "male stalwarts" clothes. Which means you're going to have to develop your own sense of style, specifically one that goes well with pauldroons.
As inspiration, I'll say that I once worked in the same office building as a woman who had not only a very specific style, but what I would consider a "pauldroon friendly" style. Almost every day she wore:
- A simple black (or maybe dark green, burgundy, navy, charcoal, etc.) tee or tank, which fit her PERFECTLY and had exactly the perfect cut to flatter her body. Despite wearing t-shirts, she never looked like she just rolled out of bed and threw something on. Her t-shirts were impeccable, almost platonic.
- A utilikilt. No shit. She looked more gender normative and less flashy in a utilikilt than most men do, and frankly, I think a utilikilt specifically would be a bad idea for you, since the pauldroons are going to be pretty dramatic already. But you could probably pull off the same basic intention with a good pair of chinos or very classic and NICE jeans (I'd do dark denim, perfectly tailored, and neither skinny nor baggy). Or maybe a wool trouser, if you have a real serious sense of what you can pull off and how to shop for this sort of thing.
- Combat boots. IIRC she wore the bog standard military surplus kind, not Dr. Martens.
All of these clothes have to fit you PERFECTLY. They have to be impeccably tailored. They have to be clean, in good shape (no ratty collars or hems dragging on the ground), and somehow look both intentional and unobtrusive.
Then you add the pauldroons and NO OTHER ACCESSORIES. Like probably not even sunglasses or a watch.
And even with all that, I'm not sure you end up looking like a person and not a costume.
posted by Sara C. at 6:39 PM on August 10, 2016 [7 favorites]
OMG, do not do this. There is absolutely no way to wear this look and not look like "got lost on the way to a LARP"
Hilariously, I think nerds will be more opposed to this as a fashion choice than actual fashion people. Kanye would absolutely wear something like this to a fashion event.
I would urge you to go with it, I don't know. I spend a lot of time with fashion people and nerdy/gaming people, so I see both sides, but I just think it's cool and the one you chose out exhibits good taste, so. Who cares? :)
I agree that nicely fitting clothes (that "look" expensive, but you can pull this off with basics from H&M, see again: Kanye) will make this into a Look rather than just nonsense. I live in a major city and if I saw someone wearing this in a fashion-y context on the bus it would catch my eye, but in a "I enjoy living in the city" type way.
posted by stoneandstar at 6:42 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
Hilariously, I think nerds will be more opposed to this as a fashion choice than actual fashion people. Kanye would absolutely wear something like this to a fashion event.
I would urge you to go with it, I don't know. I spend a lot of time with fashion people and nerdy/gaming people, so I see both sides, but I just think it's cool and the one you chose out exhibits good taste, so. Who cares? :)
I agree that nicely fitting clothes (that "look" expensive, but you can pull this off with basics from H&M, see again: Kanye) will make this into a Look rather than just nonsense. I live in a major city and if I saw someone wearing this in a fashion-y context on the bus it would catch my eye, but in a "I enjoy living in the city" type way.
posted by stoneandstar at 6:42 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
I'd go with a fabric one. Like, literally, it's on my 'to do' list for clothes. Similar colour scheme to my usual gear (so black or grey) and in felt, leather straps. I'm planning on sewing it myself, but also I think the suggestion to add it to existing clothes is a great one - you can applique (add fabric and sew around the edges) or embroider it on and I think it'd work well.
I'd go with a single pauldron myself, both does take it from a fashion affectation to LARPing I think.
(One of the singers in the Jack White Would You Fight For My Love clip is wearing a pauldron, same colour as her dress, looks awesome.)
posted by geek anachronism at 7:12 PM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
I'd go with a single pauldron myself, both does take it from a fashion affectation to LARPing I think.
(One of the singers in the Jack White Would You Fight For My Love clip is wearing a pauldron, same colour as her dress, looks awesome.)
posted by geek anachronism at 7:12 PM on August 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
What goes well with a pauldron that reads as "slightly oddball casual" and not "got lost on the way to a LARP?"
Nothing. It's like a cape or a kilt--it goes best with CONFIDENCE and infinite patience with all the people who will ask what's up with your shoulder or call you Game of Thrones.
So, CONFIDENCE and a fitted long-sleeved black t-shirt. A jacket, especially a leather jacket, would be a little too aggressive.
posted by betweenthebars at 8:26 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Nothing. It's like a cape or a kilt--it goes best with CONFIDENCE and infinite patience with all the people who will ask what's up with your shoulder or call you Game of Thrones.
So, CONFIDENCE and a fitted long-sleeved black t-shirt. A jacket, especially a leather jacket, would be a little too aggressive.
posted by betweenthebars at 8:26 PM on August 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Black jeans, black or grey t shirt, or very plain button-down shirt. black shoes.
Disagree about all black, a very nice, very pristine perfectly fitting grey tee should work.
(at least the way I twist and spill clothing one may need to use a fresh brand new tee each time :-)
posted by sammyo at 8:39 PM on August 10, 2016
Disagree about all black, a very nice, very pristine perfectly fitting grey tee should work.
(at least the way I twist and spill clothing one may need to use a fresh brand new tee each time :-)
posted by sammyo at 8:39 PM on August 10, 2016
You've gotten a lot of good if varied fashion advice above. I just wanted to let you know that armor hoodies exist! and might scratch that pauldron itch while not being so far removed from your normal male-stalwart wardrobe that you look and feel like you're wearing a costume. They're pretty much the very definition of "oddball casual".
posted by yeahlikethat at 8:49 PM on August 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by yeahlikethat at 8:49 PM on August 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
I'm pretty fashion-y and think this is a super cool garment, but it would be tough to pull off casually. I'm kind of thinking of it in the same vein of leather harnesses (like Zana Bayne) and it's a great club look, but not so much the office, or even cocktail party. Like something more minimal could work (check out the red ones over the white button-downs!).
This is strictly in a fashion sense, though, by all means rock on with your bad self and wear one any time you like. But yes, you'll have to generally step up your style game to have it fit in less remarkably. Please do! Join us over here on the dark side and never wear a polo again.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 9:02 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
This is strictly in a fashion sense, though, by all means rock on with your bad self and wear one any time you like. But yes, you'll have to generally step up your style game to have it fit in less remarkably. Please do! Join us over here on the dark side and never wear a polo again.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 9:02 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
I hate to say it, but I think the fact that you asked this question tells me you aren't confident enough in your own sense of style to be able to pull this off. This is one of those "99% attitude" accessories.
posted by town of cats at 9:17 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by town of cats at 9:17 PM on August 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
It's kind of terrible to say, but I think this also depends on how hot/built you are. A guy that women would drool over in a utilikilt could probably add this in to their style with no problem. If your look is more code monkey, though, this is going to be a big reach. Not to say you shouldn't try it, but maybe save it for conventions and ren faires where it will fit the general aesthetic. Making something like this work as an everyday piece is pretty advanced level fashion. Like if you couldn't already blend in at a conference full of graphic designers, you might not have the fashion instincts to pull this off.
posted by MsMolly at 9:45 PM on August 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by MsMolly at 9:45 PM on August 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
I think this is very cool, I want some too, though just to say as a beardy beary gay chap, that the read on this might be as one of the tribe. Depending on how successfully you could pull this off, you might get some interesting attention from certain well built gentlemen... Just something to be aware of.
posted by Middlemarch at 1:30 AM on August 11, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by Middlemarch at 1:30 AM on August 11, 2016 [5 favorites]
I'm going to be more specific than MsMolly and say it depends not exactly on how hot you are, but how good your carriage is. (Carriage meaning posture in movement.) Most clothing looks better if your carriage is good, dressy clothing doubly so, but armor is going to be cognitively confusing if you look like you never move intentionally. You might be gracile and spiky and move like a fencer, or lithe and willowy and move like an aikido practitioner, or barrel-shaped and move like a farrier, but you need to look like you move. Typists' hunch plus LARP wear plus nervousness about the LARP wear is a hard trick.
posted by clew at 10:50 AM on August 11, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by clew at 10:50 AM on August 11, 2016 [2 favorites]
Nthing that it's all about confidence and owning the look. But that's ok, you've got to start somewhere!
Personally I'd go for futuristic, possibly influenced by the fact there's an all-purpose ravewear store in London which has for many years made t-shirts which come with their own pauldrons attached. Wear it over something like this or maybe this. If it weren't for the zip it would look amazing with this, but it's not really a very casual look. If you're gonna wear boots, wear bigass New Rocks.
But really, you need to form an image in your head which makes you think "yeah, that looks cool, I can totally do that", then go hunting through the internet and vintage clothing stores and thrift shops and whatnot until you figure out or find something that actually works outside of your head.
posted by doop at 1:20 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Personally I'd go for futuristic, possibly influenced by the fact there's an all-purpose ravewear store in London which has for many years made t-shirts which come with their own pauldrons attached. Wear it over something like this or maybe this. If it weren't for the zip it would look amazing with this, but it's not really a very casual look. If you're gonna wear boots, wear bigass New Rocks.
But really, you need to form an image in your head which makes you think "yeah, that looks cool, I can totally do that", then go hunting through the internet and vintage clothing stores and thrift shops and whatnot until you figure out or find something that actually works outside of your head.
posted by doop at 1:20 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
It may be helpful to think of it as jewelry or an accessory rather than clothing so it doesn't feel like you're reorienting your entire look. You can certainly pull it off, but it is indeed a unique fashion statement on par with New Rock boots.
posted by rhizome at 1:24 PM on August 11, 2016
posted by rhizome at 1:24 PM on August 11, 2016
Oh, and I was thinking of this as a single pauldron, to get a sort of funky asymmetric look. I really don't see how you could wear a pair of them without looking like you'd just escaped from "Flash Gordon".
(which, again, is a look some people can pull off, but maybe not for beginners..)
posted by doop at 3:34 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
(which, again, is a look some people can pull off, but maybe not for beginners..)
posted by doop at 3:34 PM on August 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
I love the idea of this, but it's a lot of look. I don't really think you can make it "casual," at least not without a substantial redesign of the pauldron itself, though I'd think it was cool if I saw a shirtless dude wearing one at Folsom or The Eagle.
If I were charged with making this work in like, everyday life, I would actually try Crystalinne's set as a pair, worn with something like a black hooded vest or black denim jacket, ideally with a little leather/rivet detailing (e.g., maybe?). The idea there would be to make them look kind of like a detail of your outerwear; I think they'd be more likely to give that impression worn as a pair vs. asymmetrically. Waxed cotton pants and hi-top fashion-y monochromatic black leather sneakers like these, or those slouchy "fashion" combat boots, could be a good way to complete the look. I might also add a large black scarf and a black leather belt that matched the pauldron(s) to balance it out a little, and maybe another leather accessory somewhere like a cuff. It'd still be a pretty aggressively gothy look, but hopefully it'd look like "fashion" and not like renfaire manqué.
posted by en forme de poire at 4:05 PM on August 11, 2016
If I were charged with making this work in like, everyday life, I would actually try Crystalinne's set as a pair, worn with something like a black hooded vest or black denim jacket, ideally with a little leather/rivet detailing (e.g., maybe?). The idea there would be to make them look kind of like a detail of your outerwear; I think they'd be more likely to give that impression worn as a pair vs. asymmetrically. Waxed cotton pants and hi-top fashion-y monochromatic black leather sneakers like these, or those slouchy "fashion" combat boots, could be a good way to complete the look. I might also add a large black scarf and a black leather belt that matched the pauldron(s) to balance it out a little, and maybe another leather accessory somewhere like a cuff. It'd still be a pretty aggressively gothy look, but hopefully it'd look like "fashion" and not like renfaire manqué.
posted by en forme de poire at 4:05 PM on August 11, 2016
I really don't see how you can wear this without looking like you're trying too hard. So what you'd have to do is just own it: "Yeah, I *am* trying too hard - that's just what I do. Deal with it."
posted by MexicanYenta at 10:31 PM on August 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by MexicanYenta at 10:31 PM on August 11, 2016 [3 favorites]
I'm kind of the anti-yeahlikethat in this crowd in that the armor hoodies make me laugh, whereas I like the pauldron you picked out for yourself. The armor hoodies are hilarious and I would dress a toddler in one, and I am actively considering buying the Ravenstag one (oh, it's called "Pegasus") for a joke. But it would absolutely make you look more silly than a pauldron, not less.
Yes, if you have to ask, you may not be cool enough yet. But how are you ever going to get cool enough if you don't first walk through the fire?
So eventually you will find your personal style with it, but for now I nth the advice to get an absolutely pristine, good-quality crew-neck t-shirt WITH LONG SLEEVES that fits perfectly; some absolutely pristine, good-quality black jeans THAT FIT PERFECTLY (ideally, you are slim and can wear skinny jeans; if not, this will be trickier all round) and some absolutely pristine, unobtrusive black leather Chelsea boots which must at all times be polished to perfection.
Start with that, you'll figure out the rest later.
Do the thing, my friend. Dooooo eeeettt.
posted by tel3path at 4:35 PM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yes, if you have to ask, you may not be cool enough yet. But how are you ever going to get cool enough if you don't first walk through the fire?
So eventually you will find your personal style with it, but for now I nth the advice to get an absolutely pristine, good-quality crew-neck t-shirt WITH LONG SLEEVES that fits perfectly; some absolutely pristine, good-quality black jeans THAT FIT PERFECTLY (ideally, you are slim and can wear skinny jeans; if not, this will be trickier all round) and some absolutely pristine, unobtrusive black leather Chelsea boots which must at all times be polished to perfection.
Start with that, you'll figure out the rest later.
Do the thing, my friend. Dooooo eeeettt.
posted by tel3path at 4:35 PM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also, for a bag, you must have a completely pristine black messenger bag slung oppositely to the pauldron. There's no room for any deviation from pristine perfection here. None. No logos on the messenger bag, no nothing.
posted by tel3path at 4:37 PM on August 12, 2016
posted by tel3path at 4:37 PM on August 12, 2016
Heehee, yes those armor hoodies are pretty goofy, but for someone with "no experience with wearing unusual clothing", I think something that's obviously funny is easier to confidently pull off than something that requires a more nuanced appreciation of fashion. I'm also guessing ThinkGeek would be a more natural expansion pack for OP's wardrobe at this point than Rick Owens.
In high school, I regularly wore a floor-length black cape to class because it was hilarious billowing around the cafeteria, but wearing actual nice stylish clothes stressed me out because I always felt like it was really obvious I was trying too hard and didn't know a thing about fashion. The pauldron outfit suggestions sound Cool but leave little room for error if you don't already know what you're doing. With an armor hoodie, there's no question that you're going for goofball and you're damn well proud of it! Practice that confidence, build up your sense of style, and then get the pauldrons.
posted by yeahlikethat at 10:59 AM on August 13, 2016
In high school, I regularly wore a floor-length black cape to class because it was hilarious billowing around the cafeteria, but wearing actual nice stylish clothes stressed me out because I always felt like it was really obvious I was trying too hard and didn't know a thing about fashion. The pauldron outfit suggestions sound Cool but leave little room for error if you don't already know what you're doing. With an armor hoodie, there's no question that you're going for goofball and you're damn well proud of it! Practice that confidence, build up your sense of style, and then get the pauldrons.
posted by yeahlikethat at 10:59 AM on August 13, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by delight at 3:00 PM on August 10, 2016 [4 favorites]