Develop your personal uniform.
You don’t want to think about your clothes all the time, do you? Most men don’t (myself included).
How do you feel about wearing a uniform? And how to develop your personal uniform?
Not the kind of uniform you think–like military personnel, first responders, or even someone like a football player or other sports star.
You don’t have to be in the military or play football to benefit from the concept of a “uniform.” You can create your OWN personal uniform that serves many of the same purposes.
(Note: This post is longer, but has two parts. Part One is some historical background on uniforms. Part Two is more practical stuff on developing a personal uniform. If you’re more interested in that, just skip ahead to Part II.)
Part I–Uniforms throughout history
First, let’s start with a little history lesson…
How have uniforms developed throughout history, and what has been their purpose? This about the word, “Uni-form” (uni=one, form=shape)
Probably the most common manifestation of uniforms have been with warriors throughout history. Whether a Roman soldier, a tartan-clad Scottish freedom fighter, British “redcoats,” Maasai or Samurai warriors, or the modern camouflaged Navy seal– uniforms have typically been a symbol of the warrior’s identity. Military personnel have nearly always taken pride in the appearance and accoutrements of their uniforms.
What purpose have these outfits played in their respective eras?
Uniforms typically have identified wearers as belonging to a particular military unit. They often serve the added purpose of being part of their protective gear.
In times past, when combat was often close up and hand to hand, uniforms were essential to identifying your friend from your foe. Soldiers looking too much alike caused confusion, and could lead to losses on the battlefield, so everyone knew that distinctive appearance was important.
An example of this would be the British or Napoleonic armies of 200 years ago. The bright coats and white leggings made it easy for the soldiers to identify one another in the heat of close combat with bayonets and swords. They also had the unfortunate effect of making them easy targets for opposing marksmen. This type of formal uniform was common in European style armies of the time, on up through the Napoleonic era and well into the Victorian era in Britain. I always thought that the uniforms of that time would have felt like fighting in formal wear.
By the end of the 19th century, many militaries were trending toward more drab colors that blended into the landscape. This reflected the changes in technology and battle strategies from close combat with swords, spears, and bayonets to long-range fighting with rifles, machine guns and artillery. In those circumstances, it was to one’s advantage to blend in rather than stand out.
This trend toward blending in has continued and accelerated to the present day.
Today’s combat uniforms are designed for protection and for blending into the surroundings.
Of course when military personnel are not on deployment, they wear different uniforms (the “Uniform of the Day”). Each uniform has a different purpose, whether for everyday wear such as in an office setting, or formal wear for special occasions. The branches of the US military identify their uniforms with some version of “field/utility,” “service,” or “dress” uniforms.
An example of utmost care for appearance and attention to detail would be the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment assigned to guard duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. These specially trained Tomb Guards give meticulous attention to the smallest details of their uniforms before their rotation on the Mat at the Tomb.
Other types of uniforms
We can see how uniforms are embedded into so many parts of our society. Police officers and firefighters wear distinctive uniforms. These communicate their role, their authority and responsibility. The “white coat” is the uniform of the medical doctor. They and other medical personnel are set apart by “scrubs” while on duty.
Beyond even these professional types of uniforms, we find school uniforms, Boy/Girl Scout uniforms, team uniforms for sports, and even groups like marching bands. Also included might be postal and delivery workers (i.e., UPS), mechanics, plumbers, and members of fraternal lodges. Clergy have vestments and clerical collars. Even motorcycle clubs have their version of a group “uniform.”
Some workplaces have an informal sort of uniform in the form of a “dress code” for work.
This might be the expectation of a coat and tie for men, dresses/skirts for women, etc. Sometimes such codes are unspoken and unregulated, with only the “culture” of the workplace communicating a general way of presenting oneself. Exceptions to workplace formality are known as “Casual Fridays,” although increasingly in some settings nearly every day is casual Friday.
The list could go on, but you get the idea. Uniforms of one sort or another are common throughout our society, and play an important role. Most cultures throughout the world have their own versions of uniforms for various reasons and roles.
There is no single purpose for uniforms, but most would agree that they do everything from protecting the wearer to creating recognition and signaling authority. Uniforms also may create a sense of esprit de corps, or pride and loyalty in belonging to a group.
Part II–Your Personal Uniform
So what is a “personal uniform,” and how might you benefit from such a thing?
Well, it is much different from the formally identified uniforms I’ve just described. A personal uniform is simply a chosen way of dressing and presenting oneself, that relies on a few interchangeable items.
Your uniform is your basic “go-to” look that you rely on most of the time.
A “Capsule Wardrobe” is another way of describing it. Some distinguish between “personal uniform” and “capsule wardrobe,” but I don’t see much difference between the two. It is still the basic idea of a personal, standardized way of dressing, with interchangeable items.
A personal uniform creates a “branded” look and way of presenting oneself. This presentation encourages simplicity, and emphasizes a smaller number of pieces that can still go together to create the look. With some planning ahead, it can unclutter your closet and make clothes something you don’t have to think about very much. All while looking great and creating the personal narrative you want to tell.
Many of you already have a personal uniform, without even trying. It may just be the stuff you’ve collected naturally. The main thing is whether the uniform just “happened,” or whether you’ve developed it intentionally, and to convey the message that you want to send. EVERY way of dressing sends a message–the key is being intentional and making it the message you want.
Characteristics of the “Personal Uniform”
It may take time to develop
Even though the goal is simplicity and taking the effort out of dressing yourself, defining your look can take some time and experimentation. Part of that is defining your own identity and the message you want to send by how you present yourself.
If you are midlife, you may have a sense of identity that you’ve nurtured over time. And yet, as you transition through these years you may find that some of this is up for renegotiation. This is a normal part of working through the “seasons” and transitions of life.
But to keep it simple, take a look at what you already have, and what you know you like. Ask yourself if there are any ways that you would like to change or update your look for the season you’re in.
You’ll have more than one “Uniform of the Day”
Steve Jobs was famous for wearing the same outfit every day. It truly was a personal “uniform.” He was known to have said that this simplified his life and freed him up to focus on other, more important things. Considering his success as a tech magnate, it would be hard to argue with that.
Job’s uniform consisted of blue jeans (“Dad” style) and a black long-sleeve turtleneck, with sleeves pulled or rolled up. His shoes were some type of white running/athletic shoes. That was it. The same every day, for years. (I suggest you avoid wearing athletic shoes with jeans–it just makes you look old)
Most of us will have a hard time pulling off that level of consistency. Either because we have occasions for something other than one look, or because that can be, well, boring.
Even the military has three types of uniforms: Field/utility, Service, and Dress. They recognize that one specific uniform can’t meet all occasions and purposes.
Likely, you’ll have two or maybe three variations on your uniform.
Lots of men have the uniform they wear for work during the week, whatever that might be. If you are a UPS driver, that uniform is defined for you (I hope you look good in Brown). Or, maybe you have much more leeway in how you create your personal/professional look. That would be one uniform.
Another uniform might be what you wear on the weekends or other “time off.” This is on your own time. What makes you comfortable and feel good when you’re on your own, or just with family and friends? Perhaps it is some version of jeans and/ or casual pants like 5-pocket (jeans cut) khaki pants. That, and several shirts that go with either pants. For some of you, that may be your work uniform as well.
Decide on your basic overall look and “vibe”
Your uniform should reflect your personality.
It helps to decide on categorical look, and color scheme, in order for the parts of the “uniform” to work together. My personal uniform is a combination of classic Northwest casual/outdoor style (i.e., Pendleton, Eddie Bauer, LLBean, Columbia Sportswear type of things), with a bit of Ralph Lauren (the look, not necessarily the brand), and English country gentleman thrown in. Most things that I own fit in somehow to that combined look. Colors are blues and browns, with mostly natural fibers.
You may have elements of this, or a different direction entirely. Perhaps you lean toward the athletic look. Think Nike, Brooks, sleeker fibers, etc.
Your personal uniform may even be more of the “Dad Look.”
Either by choice or default. No judgement here! The Dad Look gets lots of jokes and disrespect, so if you don’t want to look like the subject of a meme, at least put your Dad Look together with some style and intentionality. I may do a future post on how to Rock the Dad Look with Style. For example, rather than the fuller cut “Dad Jeans” style, try a straighter or slimmer cut. And make sure they are in dark denim–no light-washed! Don’t look like you’re headed to an REO Speedwagon concert.
The main tip for upgrading Dad Look clothes is to pay attention to fit. In fact, lack of good fit is probably the defining characteristic of the Dad Look.
Exceptions to the uniform
Unless you’re Steve Jobs, you likely won’t be able to wear literally the same look every day and for everything. The idea is a smaller number of items that are interchangeable. In combination they’ll give you a number of similar, but slightly distinct looks.
But no uniform works for everything. Plan on having a dress shirt or two, and some slacks and a jacket at least (if not a suit), for special occasions.
Wearing a jacket, by the way, is one of the best ways to transform your appearance, even with the same pants and shirt. Jackets have broader shoulders and narrow waist. Guess what? They make YOU look like you have broader shoulders and a more narrow waist. What guy doesn’t want that?
Some other exceptions to the daily personal uniform would be specialty clothing you may wear for hobbies, sports, outdoor activities, travel, working in the yard, etc. If you’re like me, my “uniform” for grubbing in the yard is just old jeans and old / work regular shirts or T-shirts. That is one time I really don’t care how I look.
Use accessories to create variety
Even a uniform can benefit from a little variety now and then. Without changing the basic items, you can change things up just by adding an accessory or two.
Try a knit tie, or a masculine looking scarf with your winter coat. Or a pocket square with your sport coat, or a sweater over the shirt you usually wear. Small details can give even the same outfits a new look, and communicate that you’re willing to try something new.
Other tips for creating your personal uniform
- Take inspiration from looks you admire. Maybe someone you know, or perhaps a celebrity, that has a style you like. Don’t try to look just like them, but there may be some element you could borrow.
- Prioritize fit over brands. The right fit can make almost any item of clothing look better. And even a quality piece, if it doesn’t fit, can look frumpy.
- Think about what you are trying to convey, the story you’re trying to tell. People make judgments about you in the first few seconds of meeting you. Why not take control by creating the image and narrative you want?
- Be mindful of the place and occasion. Don’t try to shoehorn your personal uniform into every situation, whether it fits or not.
- There is nothing wrong with controlling your own image. Your uniform can help you do that.
- Think of your closet not as a closet, but as a big tool chest. You don’t have to love clothes or fashion. Take a utilitarian approach and think of them as tools to help you present yourself and accomplish your goals.
SUMMARY
A personal uniform can simplify your life, and give you time to focus on other things. Likely, you already have a personal uniform of some sort, your go-to look that works for you in most situations. The main thing is to be intentional about your uniform, and make sure that it sends the message you want. Better intentional than a default collection of random items!
_________________________________________________
For other posts on style see:
Trying too hard versus not trying at all
What do I mean by Life and Style?
Style and appearance–why even care
