Haters in the Building

Imagine you are a rather private person. And then imagine doing something that causes thousands of people to start talking about you, with hundreds of those same people insulting, questioning, or making fun of you. To make it more interesting, there is a strong chance that you may run into many of these people soon at a restaurant, bar, or just on the street. Well, that is what my Thursday of last week looked like, and it is also what I believe to be the exact definition of “stepping outside of your comfort zone”. Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn’t easy, but it is often necessary to grow and get better. Would I do it again?  Absolutely.

So I wrote this little article last week about blue shirts and khaki pants (you may have read it lol), and who knew
such a mundane topic could stir up so much controversy in Charlotte? I did, of course. But let’s not forget one major thing. The article is true. I’ve worked in Uptown specifically for the last five years…and my eyes don’t lie.  Most of the guys dress exactly the same.

So now that we are back in the safe confines of my blog, let’s dive in a little bit. First, let’s talk about what the blog is all about. We don’t do style rules here at ABK. The world has enough goofy rules, and no one likes to be told what to do. I sure don’t. So we do suggestions. Guidance. Advice. Anything but khakis can be taken extremely literally i.e. don’t wear khakis (I don’t), or you can think about it’s deeper meaning for a second. Be unique. Don’t be boring. Live life to the fullest. Don’t conform. And so on. I partially convey this message to the world in the way that I present myself, and I am a true believer that if you take a little pride in your appearance, you feel better about yourself, and then you go attack life.

Re: the literal meaning…if you are someone that wears blue shirts and khaki pants (or white shirts and black pants) every day, ask yourself why. If it is because you have a very strict, specific dress code for work, then fair play. If you absolutely adore blue shirts and khaki pants, then knock yourself out. But if the answer to that question is because everyone else does, because it is safe or easy, or because you don’t know anything different, then you are at the right place. Take a look at some of my previous blogs, the picture above, and the last portion of the Charlotte Agenda article. Regardless of all of the crazy comments from people, these are valid tips. I know what I am talking about. Since we have a lot of new readers this week, let’s rehash some important tips. First, and this has nothing to do with the color of the clothes, make sure they fit. On the pants side, look at my suit pants. They are neither too long nor too short, too baggy nor too slim. On the shirt side, try shirts that are slim, sharp, or tailored fit versus the classic fit. If you are even relatively in shape, the classic fit shirt makes you look like you are wearing a parachute. So many of the guys I see every day aren’t wearing clothes that fit. And black dress shoes? Makes me think about going to a funeral. They can look great with a sharp suit and tie, but worn in a business casual setting, they immediately make your outfit 64% duller.

Once we get through the sweltering Charlotte summer, I am going to do a six week style series for guys where we are going in depth from head to toe. Likely will start early September. If you have friends, family, or co-workers that could use this, point them here. Hopefully lots of stuff will be going to Goodwill or to the tailor, and this will start the most stylish Fall ever in Charlotte. Like a revolution…ooh, exciting!

So this week, a couple of challenges. Go attack life. I am headed to Montana and Wyoming on an adventure with 3 dudes that I have met twice, so I’m on board. Also, if you are a blue shirt and khaki guy, take a peek at the things I mentioned
above and consider branching out. If I can rile up 20,000 people and be okay, you can surely go buy a pair of navy pants that fit. Let’s be rebels together. Finally, help me get some more eyes on this blog. I know there is interest. Let’s slowly but surely help the young men of Charlotte (and beyond) become a little more stylish.

Have a great week.-Benj