How do I dress like a A.V. Geek?

December 8, 2008 6:47 PM

I want to look like an Audio Visual geek, circa 1955, for New Years. Please help with clothing suggestions.

This New Year's Eve bash is a prom themed "Enchantment Under the Sea -Circa 1955" dance. (No, Marvin Berry cannot make it)

Formal attire and a date is encouraged. Well, I am going stag, and I am the professional photographer for the dance. No joke: I will be taking profesionally posed shots in front of a cheesy-ass background, just like a regular prom.

So, I figured I would go as an A.V. geek. (I dont really have the time or money to figure out a tuxedo.)

So far, I have Army issue khakis and loafers. I am a man.

What else comes to mind, Metafites?

Any variations that would go with the theme is welcomed. Thanks guys!

posted by captainsohler to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

plaid pants, narrow black belt, white long sleevd shirt buttoned to the top, pocket protector with real slide rule (if you can still find one) and of course, black horn rimmed glasses
posted by Redhush at 7:20 PM on December 8, 2008

and a real serious 1950's haircut.
posted by rmd1023 at 7:41 PM on December 8, 2008

Rent "Apollo Thirteen." Yes, the engineers in the movie hail from the late 60s, ten years (or more) past your preferred date. But I think that the buttoned-down look will appeal to your fellow partiers, and any anachronisms overlooked.

Um, side note here, but I'm not sure the term "Audio Visual" or abbreviation "A.V." were popular in '55. Of course, A.V.-based technologies were widespread.
posted by Gordion Knott at 8:08 PM on December 8, 2008

You could try a visor, and a bow tie, as well as pairing shorts with socks and sandals.
posted by minus zero at 8:13 PM on December 8, 2008

George McFly.
posted by o2b at 9:02 PM on December 8, 2008

Ugh. Just read the entire post. Sorry for the obviousness of my reply.
posted by o2b at 9:03 PM on December 8, 2008

Narrow tie, short sleeved collared shirt.
posted by zsazsa at 9:05 PM on December 8, 2008

Narrow tie, short sleeved collared shirt

Narrow black or dark blue tie. Short-sleeved, button-down collared shirt.

Personally, I'd top it all off with a white lab coat and some horn-rimmed glasses.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:32 AM on December 9, 2008

your plaid pants should not fit correctly. Ideally, pant legs much shorter than you'd normally wear. this will help show off your white socks and dress shoes.

seconding rmd1023. You need a serious haircut, that should be slicked down like you're head has been dipped in motor oil.
posted by jrishel at 5:50 AM on December 9, 2008