You’re right that there are several small improvements I could make with relatively low upkeep. Things like buying less worn clothes, and that could also be cheap if bought used. I already work out regularly for health reasons, so I’m already doing decently in that department.
I think the long-term cost mainly comes from ending lots of unattractive habits that I’ve grown used to for practicality reasons. If appearances is as important as the answers to this post has made it sound, I definitely need to end these habits. Things like
Shielding the sun with a practical sun hat.
Duct taping things (like the back light on my bike since it didn’t fit the bike type).
Keeping my beanie in my jacket pocket when not in use (ugly bulge, probably looks like I’m fat).
Using things until they lose function before replacing them.
Get a nice sun hat; Sun Day and Real Deal and Barmah all have snazzy looking widebrims (with the critical wire brim for shaping). I’ve been hat shopping for years even though I don’t wear them much and still don’t appear to be. These are barely more than the “practical” shapeless outdoor gear hats—and they work as well by most standards.
Black gaffers tape works better for most purposes than duct tape and hides instead of advertises your diy stylings.
The issue of looking like a cheapskate with repaired or worn gear and clothes is separate. Having near-new used gear and clothes instead of near-dead is only a little more expensive and does send a different message about your interest and ability to have money and take care of yourself.
Beanie in pocket is a dilemma I’ve faced. I unzip my jacket sometimes but that one I don’t have a good solution for. Maybe in a bag? A snazzy or unique bag instead of a battered and dirty one is another cheap way to improve your curb appeal.
All in all I think you’re doing great to just spend a bit of time thinking about this stuff. It’s been useful for me to review it too. There low hanging fruit. It’s not all or none.
You’re right that there are several small improvements I could make with relatively low upkeep. Things like buying less worn clothes, and that could also be cheap if bought used. I already work out regularly for health reasons, so I’m already doing decently in that department.
I think the long-term cost mainly comes from ending lots of unattractive habits that I’ve grown used to for practicality reasons. If appearances is as important as the answers to this post has made it sound, I definitely need to end these habits. Things like
Shielding the sun with a practical sun hat.
Duct taping things (like the back light on my bike since it didn’t fit the bike type).
Keeping my beanie in my jacket pocket when not in use (ugly bulge, probably looks like I’m fat).
Using things until they lose function before replacing them.
I have ideas, as a fellow cheapskate!
Get a nice sun hat; Sun Day and Real Deal and Barmah all have snazzy looking widebrims (with the critical wire brim for shaping). I’ve been hat shopping for years even though I don’t wear them much and still don’t appear to be. These are barely more than the “practical” shapeless outdoor gear hats—and they work as well by most standards.
Black gaffers tape works better for most purposes than duct tape and hides instead of advertises your diy stylings.
The issue of looking like a cheapskate with repaired or worn gear and clothes is separate. Having near-new used gear and clothes instead of near-dead is only a little more expensive and does send a different message about your interest and ability to have money and take care of yourself.
Beanie in pocket is a dilemma I’ve faced. I unzip my jacket sometimes but that one I don’t have a good solution for. Maybe in a bag? A snazzy or unique bag instead of a battered and dirty one is another cheap way to improve your curb appeal.
All in all I think you’re doing great to just spend a bit of time thinking about this stuff. It’s been useful for me to review it too. There low hanging fruit. It’s not all or none.
Oh and I should emphasize that if you stay in shape most of physically attractive is handled. Nice work!
Some cultures and people care about fashionable fancy clothes and gear more than others. I like to avoid the ones that are most materialistic.