Aren't You Too Old To Be Wearing That???

Yes...I'm talking to YOU in the Abercrombie shirt!

This past weekend here in Chicago, we celebrated Pride, capped off on Sunday with the Pride parade. I was standing there watching the parade with a bunch of friends, and just a few groups of people down from us was a gaggle of men, all who looked to be in their early 40s/late 30s

...and yes, they were wearing a variety of t-shirts with (...GASP!..) Hollister or Abercrombie & Fitch logos plastered across the front.

Here's my public service announcement: If you are 25 or older, you might be too old to shop there. If you're 30, you SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!

Stores like A&F and Hollister and known for their advertising to younger, attractive college & high school-aged youth. In fact, they get blasted constantly for only hiring attractive people to work in their stores. (you know..good-looking people attract other good looking people...blah, blah...) They DO NOT want ugly people or old people wearing their stuff!

I remember being around age 25 and walking into the A&F at the mall. That's when I started feeling guilty, as if I was a FRAUD, trying to pass off like I was just entering college. By the time I was 27, I threw away my last remaining A&F hat from my closet.

Yes...I am A&F free!

I also remember buying an Abercrombie polo once, and the next day I was asked how long I've had that shirt... "No, it's new. It's just intentionally made with the holes & is supposed to look worn down..."

Some of you younger kids probably don't understand this, but don't worry...you will!

(At least I hope you will...)

An older guy wearing this stuff comes across a little creepy...almost in a pedophile type of way, right? But here's my main problem with it: You look Desperate!

That's right, you look like you're trying WAY too hard to fit in.

Now, anyone who knows me understands that I am all for having 'personal style,' no matter what age you are. If you are 45 and still rockin' a pair of yellow jeans, or a bright orange belt...I'm all for it if you do it well!

However, A&F and Hollister is NOT personal style! It is CONFORMING...conforming to a way of life that you no longer fit into! Maybe the problem is that you never fit in when you were younger, and now you're trying to make up for it... It's not working.

Maybe it's the whole A&F mentality, but Men who go from classically handsome become cartoon-like weirdos...usually accompanied by dyed hair, botoxed faces, too-dark golden tans, etc...

In my (very humble) opinion, It is more effective to wear fashionable clothing that is appropriate for your age...

I guess i need to throw away my hoodie sweatshirt from The Children's Place then... (hee hee!)

So look...I'm just trying to help you out to avoid being "that guy" at the party.

Now if we can only get women to stop wearing those damn tight shirts that show off their muffin tops!