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Comebacks: What to say when people comment about your clothes?

ImtheSchmidt

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Hiya fellas,

I work as a creative director and I tend to wear suits, ties, bow ties and just generally take care of how I present myself at work.

The issue is that at my work and with many of my clients, they tend to make comments about how "dressy" I am. Sometimes I find it awkward to retort with something that makes sense, is funny and diffuses the situation. I understand that in today's modern workplace many men have lost their sense of style which tends to make me stand out even more so.

Recently we had a client meeting with some new stakeholders and when the CEO of a large pharmacy chain saw me he said "Hey, what's with the bow tie?" in a friendly manner in front of the entire room. I came back with "Well, it's Thursday isn't it?" to which he laughed and seemed to appease his curiosity.

What do you do or say when people comment on how much more "dressy" you may be in any particular situation? Telling them to "F" off isn't an option here.

P.S. On a side note, since I've been wearing bow ties I find that women really go crazy for them. I've never had so many different women approach me to tell me how much they like it. On the flip-side I've noticed that with some men they can actually "anger" them in some ways. Oh well...

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Master-Classter

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it's got to be a joke, otherwise you'll come across as stuck up, snooty, and they'll feel threatened and therefore angry/resentful becuase they'll think you're trying to show them up. I've had the same problem befor, I get a lot of "what're y'all dressed up for?". I usually just look quizically at my clothes, shrug, and say "nothing, it's just pants and a shirt" here's all I could think of: "I've got an appointment with my grandmother later today" Bowties - "uh, all my ties are in the laundry" "oh this ol' thing, it just clips right on all by itself!" "It was a present from my kids" PS - re teh ladies and bowties, looks like I'm going to have to try this out sometime... PPS, is this you?
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phoenixrecon

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ask him whats with the square toed shoes and ill fitting chinos
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Kas

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Well, that's like, uh, your opinion, man.
 

celticgent

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"Life is too short" with a smile.


It comes off as non-snobbish, non-condescending, non-threatening, and could mean a multitude of things, depending on the situation.
 

sonick

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Originally Posted by celticgent
"Life is too short" with a smile.


It comes off as non-snobbish, non-condescending, non-threatening, and could mean a multitude of things, depending on the situation.


To me, this DOES come off as snobbish and condescending.
 

holymadness

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Originally Posted by celticgent
"Life is too short" with a smile.


It comes off as non-snobbish, non-condescending, non-threatening, and could mean a multitude of things, depending on the situation.

Pretentious.
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tricota

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Originally Posted by Dakota rube
"This old thing? Why, I only wear it when I don't care how I look. "

Too much, IMO.

I find when people try this, and are clearly trying to mock me, a simple "thank you" speaks louder then anything. No bs, there is nothing better, then when a co-worker spends minutes complementing you on your clothes in front of everyone (and you ofcouse get that he is trying to muck you, and expects a big argument from you) and then simply say thank you, and then move on. Perfect. You are vindicated and he is ridicules and you can go on dressing they way you like...

I tell you I have no patience for people why try to better themself on the expence of others...
 

phoenixrecon

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Originally Posted by Kas
Well, that's like, uh, your opinion, man.
i find this perfect in every way....

more so if your like in a grocery store
 

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