For me, being from a midwest city I’m used to only seeing people dress up for upscale social occasions. This would be going out to pricier restaurants, networking events, High-End bars, etc.
I normally like to dress nicer, and I tend to be a bit more “fashionable” than my friends. In fact, when I wear just a hoodie and jeans I’ve gotten a few surprised questions asking why I wasn’t being more “dapper.”
So Naturally, when I booked a flight to London for some time off I thought I would at least somewhat not look like a tourist. ( I was under the impression that they hate tourists and people will try and take advantage of them).
I didn’t think I would look like I “belonged” there, but I thought I would at least look like I was trying. But, oh boy was I wrong.
When I arrived, literally everyone there looked like a fashion model. Everyone wore tailored Jackets and shirts, all matching. For the week that I was there I think I only saw 1 person wear a T-shirt.
I even came across a homeless man begging for change, and he was still dressed better than most people I encounter in the states.
The most interesting thing though? Everyone popped their collars.
Literally, I don’t think I saw a single person in a jacket that didn’t have at least one collar popped.
This was a culture shock for me because, in the states, a popped collar is seen as a faux pas. Basically it’s associated with try-hard preps that have more money than common sense.
But in London, everyone was doing it. Teens, 20 somethings, the elderly, men and women.
It sounds like a minor thing, but to see everyone dressed so nicely and still be outgoing with their fashion choices was really interesting.
As a side note, when I was on the underground someone asked me where the train was headed and I answered. So I assume they thought I was a local, which kinda makes me feel good on the inside if I’m being honest. So I must have at least looked the part somewhat. :)
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