7Mar10

Ten items that’ll make any guy instantly cooler

As much as you’d like to pretend the opposite, what you wear defines you in the eyes of others. The initial impression people have about you is superficial by nature, but that doesn’t mean that your clothes can’t have a deeper meaning. Clothing and accessories that have a “cool factor” are not just designer labels; if it were that easy then Dubai and Las Vegas would be filled with “cool people”… not the case. They key to cool is about finding unique items that reflect who you are, recall a time in your life, and make you look sexy… all at the same time.

1. Sunglasses – Nothing beats a killer pair of shades. The mystery factor alone is worth spending some money on great sunglasses. I prefer rare vintage specs. I’m talking Dior, circa 1983. I’m talking Alain Mikli. I’m talking Cazal. But if all that’s too complicated just find a way to get a pair of AM Eyewea. Just don’t wear them at night.

2. Vintage Air Force Jacket – Must be from a foreign country such as Canada or Belgium. Must be vintage. “I got this for 10 francs oops… I mean Euros when I was in Paris years ago”.

3. Rare Sneakers – I’m a die-hard sneaker collector. There is no guest bedroom in my house because my sneaker collection sleeps there peacefully. Any footwear fanatic knows that you have to earn your kicks. You may have to scour the Web or travel to another country, but finding a great pair of wheels that no one has ever seen before will keep you cool all day long.

4. Vintage Watch – Who wants to be another pretentious tool wearing a Rolex (I sold mine and bought 40 pairs of rare Nikes). Like shoes, the key to a great watch is its uniqueness. Screw Panerai. Go on Ebay and check out old diving watches from the mid-20th Century or vintage Swatches from the late 80′s early 90′s. And it doesn’t matter if it works, as long as it looks good. Use your cell phone to tell the damn time.

5. A Brazilian “Scapular” Necklace – Say your ex gave it to you while you were in Brazil. You’re not allowed to take it off until the rope wears down and it falls off your neck. So mysterious.

6. Ironic Socks – Yes socks my fine-feathered friend. Mismatching, preferably expensive argyle socks or children’s socks. Most people won’t see them. But that’s the idea. When they do, they’ll think you’re so cool that you don’t care about how you look. “Oh yeah I just grabbed two cashmere socks out of the drawer, didn’t even notice they don’t match because I have so many”. That’s cool.

7. Dog Tags – You’re Uncle gave them to you. You don’t want to talk about it.

8. Hermes Scarf – Wear it in Winter to keep warm. Wear it in Summer over a t-shirt. You’ll look like an asshole. A very rich important asshole.

9. A Black Cashmere Cardigan – Simple. Elegant. Laid.

10. A Great Pair of Jeans – It’s cliché for a reason, nothing beats a great pair of jeans. I don’t care if you have to save up all year. No Jeans, No Cool. Preferably Japanese Denim or a local designer brand. I prefer darker colors; blues and blacks. Enough of this ironic bright colorful nonsense. We get it… you were alive in the Eighties. Now go get a real pair of pants.

if all else fails, ask Fonzie

Filed under fashion | 31 Comments »

31 Responses to “Ten items that’ll make any guy instantly cooler”

Hey JP, Love this! You crack me up. Hope to see you soon x

Comment by Shelly on March 10th, 2010

I’m stealing the phrase “Simple. Elegant. Laid.”

Comment by Jo Blogs on March 10th, 2010

You must be the coolest person i know.

Comment by T-Bagz on March 10th, 2010

What would the Fonzie do indeed! Far more salient advice than I thought I might actually read on such a blog.
Nice one Mr P, I shall be pilfering some of these snippets of gold and claiming them as my own. Watch out ladies the
black cashmere cardigan is coming out of storage!

Comment by Ken on March 10th, 2010

Hey love, Love the blog. I love the idea of the hermes scarf and cashmere cardigan. Loving your blog too x

Comment by Simon Proietto on March 10th, 2010

I really like this post. All I need to know is what to get my girlfriend for her birthday. What’s the best night club style female designer in your opinion? you know, to wear out to clubs etc.

Please keep in mind budget

Comment by Daggy on March 10th, 2010

The Fonze… Ehhhhh xox

Comment by Melena on March 11th, 2010

Dear Daggy,

I would say either Sass & Bide, Zimmermann or Alex Perry. They all have retail in Sydney. S&B and Zim are on Oxford Street in Paddo. AP is in the Strand Arcade.

Let me know how you go.

Comment by jonathanpease on March 11th, 2010

After having witnessed you on NSH Rd in Rose Bay the other evening I would concur that you, amongst a small handful of men in this city, are the epitome of cool*.

(*Albeit I hate using the word cool so I will substitute it for ‘A’).

Kudos.

Comment by Carla. on March 11th, 2010