Fashion etiquette (etika berpakaian)

Remark: this is not some sort of 'fashion police' contain which will tell you what's wrong or right to wear. I just want to share my experience(s) seeing things that people around me are wearing, and what's MY OWN opinion on them.

Dear people of Kuching city,

Perhaps, to the younger generation, Fashion Etiquette ("FA") is no longer as important as it was during my younger days, because people are encouraged to experiment with clothing and style. However, for a 32 (going to be 33) year old guy, whom been around and trying my best to look good most of the time, and been hanging around with equally gorgeous looking people (its my blog, so no harm to brag about about myself rite? hehehe), I feel that there are still some IMPORTANT key fashion rules to consider especially when you're in public places. However, if you feel that i am a-not-so-very-young guy, and standards or trends in FA might change since my glory years, then you should also know that there are a few rules of FA that I believe should never be broken when in a public space.

Last weekend, I was partying with my friends as usual, at the usual spot in Kuching. What youngsters now are wearing are a bit horrifying.  I totally understand people wanting to be comfortable when they go out having fun evening with friends. These are the things that's a soar to my eyes every time I was out in Kuching clubs.

1) Sandal/slippers

There's absolutely nothing wrong about wearing sandals/flat shoes in public BUT not when you're wearing a dinner dress, OR WHEN YOU'RE IN A CLUB! For God's sake, other than making you look SHORTER, it shows how lazy you are. I do believe some thought that it would be alright to wear sandals/flip flop when you're wearing a sun dress, BUT why the heck are you wearing a sun/picnic dress in a club in the middle of the night? I dont see the sun..i dont see the sand!

2) Shortpants/Bermuda

Males are also not exempted from the rules....I notice that few youngsters (bumiputra/natives) like to go out wearing shortpants and flip flops. Just because everyone wear this does not make it OK. When you wear your nice outfit, perfumed and walk the 'red carpet', you wouldn't want to see some guys wearing slippers and shorts next to you right? Its not like you're at your rented low-cost quarters BBQ-ing 'kepala babi". oh i know why, maybe they want to show off their native design bunga terung tattoo which normally can be found at the calf of a native guy, the I-am-a-regular-so-i-can-wear-my-pajamas look is not a 'cool' thing to do...

3) the 5-minutes-glory

Normally girls, always rush into the club, giving the "I'm too good to be here"; "on my way home, just drop by to see friend"; "ok..where's my friend, they should be here but not here"; "I m already intoxicated from next door party, so i m not staying long to buy a drink". I just assume that this type of people like to make others think that they're famous, they have other places/events to attend....the "too many friends to entertained, too little time" type of look. And to be honest, they do look like someone who came back from a Church choir practice or from a study group meeting (the way they dress up). You have to dress for the event to which you are going, and in this case, its a party, a club!! If you were really having your study group, and went out to McD for late night supper, then dont stop by at any party..go back straight home..

4)  Guys in singlet

Not to discriminate, but men have hairy armpits, and forced exposure to B.O. in a close proximity is no fun for anyone. BUT this doesn't mean i against guys wearing singlet in public faces. What they should do is SHAVE their hairy armpits and wear deodorant (if you have B.O.). I do, and will wear singlet BUT I will keep others comfortable around me by taking care of my hygiene.

I am not saying all this because I want to see everybody wear nice things all the time, just wear whatever you like, ugly or beautiful and seriously, i dont care people wearing winter jacket with furry fancy collar in a tropical climate BUT i just think that we all should dress up respectably. When we're going to someone's party, show them that you respect their party by wearing something appropriate. When you're in a club next to others, you mustn't wear your pajamas, or shorts. Clubs are confined public places, so I don't encourage people to wear slippers because some might removes their slippers. Feet smell and have all kinds of germs.

AND i don't understand why some guys can wear shorts/bermuda to church and to wedding banquet. That is a total disrespect.

Yours faithfully,
John Harding