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Legendary podcaster and former legal powerhouse David Ruff joined me in the Club yesterday. First, Dave told me about how his style has changed since moving to Austin and working at Grandex. He elaborated on why certain pieces of clothing are worth a higher price tag and then highlighted two of his style icons, Sergio Garcia and Andy Roddick. After that, we broke down business casual style before finally addressing when and where it’s okay to rock a jersey. Listen below or keep reading for a quick recap:
Prior to working for Grandex in Austin, Dave was in a very niche professional environment, style-wise. Lubbock, Texas was heavy on the western boots and straying too far from a tucked-in Brooks Brothers button-up could invite some questioning looks from co-workers or clients.
He found his groove in a more casual setting by adopting the short-sleeve button-down, AKA the SSBD. Favorites of his include standout versions from West Coast lifestyle brands Faherty and RVCA. Dave also swears by the pricey but totally worth-it Cloud tees from Outdoor Voices. There’s a solid chance you can find him at Wu Chow or Dirty Bills on any given weekend night wearing one of the aforementioned garments.
But what if you don’t get to be as laid-back as most of us here in Austin, California do? If you’re stuck in a biz caj rut, is there anything you can do to mix it up or stand out? Well, the short answer is: not really. By its very nature, business casual is meant to be conservative and professional. It’s a dress code that purposely saps personality from the equation. My personal recommendation is to make sure your stuff fits you perfectly. The biggest issue I see with guys in slacks and button-downs is that everything generally looks a size too big. There’s nothing worse than pants that clearly require a belt or pool at your ankles. The ballooning dress shirt muffin-topping out of your pants? It’s gotta go. After you’ve locked down fit, you can always play with color and pattern as well. The traditional ginghams and tattersalls from places like Brooks Brothers or JoS.A.Banks are so ubiquitous that they leave absolutely zero impression whatsoever. If you’re in an office where you can get away with it, try bolder colors or more unique prints and plaids.
How about after work? If you’re in a major city working in one of these professional environments, you probably have the occasional opportunity to hit a pro sports game in the evening. Do you change? Go as is? Sure, either works, whatever floats your boat. OR, you can go full Mitt Romney and throw a jersey on top of your work garb. This is a great move that says loud-and-clear, “Yes, I have 127 unread e-mails in my inbox, but I’m here to let loose a smidge.” For weekend-wear, the only jerseys that have legitimate style are soccer ones, and college football jerseys are the only ones that I’m vehemently against.
If you want to hear our full takes on these topics and more, make sure to check out v7 of Club Cool and follow the Instagram feed too, @clubcoolpod.
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Barrett Dudley
Barrett may never own a house, but you should see his shoe collection. E-mail him with any style questions: barrett@grandex.co
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IF you are going to wear a jersey, you should never wear the name of someone younger than you. It’s too weird to see a grown ass man wearing the jersey of a teenager.
This is why I still to either blank jerseys (MLB, NHL) or players who have been retired by that organization.
I’m going to say it’s only ok to wear your hockey(read: Bolts) jersey in Florida the 3 weeks out of the year we have sub 75 degree temps, or to a hockey game. Right, wrong? Lmk
When did everyone start spending outrageous amounts on tee shirts? Put your money towards something more useful (home down payment, student loans, brunch) and buy tees when they are on sale for $10.
I don’t know man, why do people buy anything expensive or frivolous? Because they like it? Because it’s fun to have nice things? Because higher-priced goods are usually better than their less expensive counterparts? I never understand this train of thought.
I’m cheap as fuck, but even I will spend a little more for something that is significant better then it’s cheap option. A good tshirt, which is what I wear out 90% of the time, is one of them. I don’t think people understand the difference between the quality on these items.
Football jersey: Only if it’s a night game in the northern states in Oct/November and you’re actually at the game. Otherwise gameday polo/fleece.
Hockey: You’re weird if you don’t wear a jersey to the game. You’re also weird if you wear the jersey anywhere else outside the game unless it’s the playoffs.
Hoops: All summer. Zero fall/winter.
Baseball: If you’re in a rap video, otherwise they ugly.
Soccer: Probably the only shirt you can get away with semi regular.
Baseball jerseys belong framed on walls
Hockey Jerseys over the button up at game only
Hoops Jerseys at day drinks as an undergrad, never as a post grad
Football Jerseys framed on the walls
just my 2 cents
Unless you’re dating/married to them, a grown man should never wear a jersey with another man’s name on it.
CFB jerseys on game days with khaki shorts and boat shoes are a classic look. Miss me with that soccer nonsense
Last I checked, I’m the one who bought my jerseys, so I’ll wear them any time I damn well please. Fuck outta here.