Opinion on ripped clothing

[matt_mcl]

My stupid lousy motherfucking washing machine tore a hole in one of my black t-shirts. I am trying to put a brave face on the disaster however. Once I get my black leather collar, do you think this t-shirt will look good as part of a sort of strung-out goth slut look?

[Crusoe]

Weren't ripped t-shirts more of an '80s thing?

IMHO the whole ripped look is getting very dated now anyway.

[Czarcasm]

How are we supposed to tell you our honest/humble/humbug opinion if you don't link us to a picture of you in the outfit?

[matt_mcl]

Haven't put together the outfit. Visualize.

[Ukulele Ike]

What kind of pants?

Any pants at all?

[Edwardina]

Will you be showing nip? Or is the tear somewhere less strategic?

[Show_Biz]

Kids today. Think they invented everything, even torn clothing.

When I was just a tad, my Grandpapa let me in on the "male tradition":
For millenia, men haven't cared much if their tees are ripped, just so you can still see the name of the band.

[matt_mcl]

No band name - just plain black. The rip's on the lower right-hand side of the shirt. Yes pants; I'm thinking my grungy black jeans.

[JavaMaven1]

There's always been a part of me that loves that "strung-out goth slut" look. Go ahead, wear it.

[justwannano]

For that real slutty look it must be torn in the back.Preferably between the sholder blades.

[vandal]

How big is the hole? If it's the size of a quarter or smaller, I'd still wear it. Just as casual wear though. Like to the gym, around the house, yard work, etc.

[Tymp]

matt_mcl,

In order to truly achieve that strung-out goth slut look, you need the holes in your outer garments to expose the tight, black fishnet shirt that you must be wearing underneath. Be sure that one hole in your shirt almost lines up with a torn section of fishnet so that you can tease every one with brief glimpses of bare skin. The collar is a good way to go, but it should be worn with tight PVC pants and tall, soft boots.

Don’t forget your eyeliner.

Damn. How ‘bout I just come over and dress you? That’ll be easier.

[matt_mcl]

tymp: where do you live?

Also, does tight black fishnet look good over a hairy chest and stomach and/or a slight paunch?

[Tymp]

I’m actually a bit too far away, Matt. Although I did have a delightful time visiting you lovely town a few weekends ago, I don’t plan on visiting again for a while.

Now for the important stuff . . .

I think a lot of people are of the opinion that a goth with any body fat is, at best, a dangerous character. This is rooted in the idea that any goth that isn’t emaciated has obviously not consumed the adequate volume or quality of illicit drugs to suppress the self loathing angst that drove him to the goth scene in the first place. Healthy, quick thinking goths are a menace to society.

That said (primarily for amusement), you should know that people in general can easily be distracted from your slight paunch if you carry yourself properly. In your situation, the tight fishnet combined with a loose shirt could very well work to your advantage. The shirt will work to conceal your actual mass while the fishnet binding will give the impression of a firm, tigh body underneath. This will work especially well in a poorly lit club.

Then again, I have experienced the Montreal club scene. Perhaps goth is not the way to go at all in your locale. Take a weekend road trip to use Manhattan as a testing ground. Upon your return home, if all has gone according to plan, you should be der Ubergoth of Montreal (with little or no competition).

[matt_mcl]

tymp: That would be my best friend.

Some time ago, I decided my attempts to be goth were futile... however, I look smashing as a goth, so now what I do is "wear" goth with no pretentions to being in the goth scene. (The reverse would be this guy I knew who was a total goth but he absolutely couldn't dress. He looked like he had been caught in a Cruella explosion. I wanted to tell him, look honey, the point of being goth is to look like you're GOING to commit suicide, not like you already HAVE.)

[TheNerd]

None of my shirts are torn yet, but I'm willing to sacrifice one or two. Who wants to help me with my goth look?
You can see a pic of me in goth gear on techchick's men of the SDMB page.

Sorry Matt, but I was talking more to the ladies. I just don't swing your way.

[Commander Fortune]

In order to truly achieve that strung-out goth slut look, you need the holes in your outer garments to expose the tight, black fishnet shirt that you must be wearing underneath. Be sure that one hole in your shirt almost lines up with a torn section of fishnet so that you can tease every one with brief glimpses of bare skin. The collar is a good way to go, but it should be worn with tight PVC pants and tall, soft boots.

Holy cow, man, hush up. You're makin' me all hot.

Actually, I was going to suggest similar this very look. -
only with the small addition of some black electrical tape from one of the shouders spiraling down the are over the top of T-shirt and fishnet and finishing up with 2 or three loops around the wrist...

Electrical tape is a great accessory for the strung out Goth slut look, IMHO.

[DougC]

- - - I have thought that the fashion of torn clothes is so junior-high; but I miss the point of most fashion. ONce I wore a pair of jeans so long that I actually got fencing rips across the lower buns - I was running errands that day, and noticed that it felt funny when I sat on the cold car seat. I checked to see if anything had been spilled on the seat (nothing had) but didn't think to check my pants until after I was home. I never wore torn clothes, so people that knew me and saw me that day must have had a pretty good laugh. I dunno exactly how the rips got there; I didn't hear or feel them occur and this has only happened to me once. - MC

[Tymp]

Since I’ve already started doling out fashion tips, there no sense in stopping now. Just for the record, I am not terribly obsessed with the goth look. It’s just something that I’m exposed to frequently and I notice the things that I like.

For TheNerd:

From your picture, I surmise that the following is true:
You are not overly committed to any specific style. Rather, you have achieved an appearance of dark elegance that fits in just about anywhere. This is all well and good. It’s the same look that I go for generally. Every once in a while, though, its necessary to explore a more eccentric look just to keep yourself well rounded and sane.

The goth thing isn’t really going to happen for you until you dye that lovely hair of yours black. Don’t worry, though, you can sneak by without it. What you need, I think, is a very precise look. The goth slut thing won’t every truly work out for you, but you can be the reserved, dominant goth. Here’s how it’ll work: You need precisly cut trousers that taper perfectly down your legs. They should not be form fitting, but there should be no excessive fabric. You short boots. Eight holes at most, but a few steel buckles in stead of laces is probably how you want to go. You need a silk or poly-cotton blend pullover – again, precisely cut but not tight. Now all that’s left is a double breasted velvet jacket. Add a couple of silver rings, a quarter-inch steel choker, eyeliner and a touch of deep red lipstick and you’re ready to go. Oh, yeah. Your hair should be slightly spikey. Use a tiny bit of gel to achieve a slightly chaotic look as a contrast to the precision of your attire.

Commander Fortune:

Electrical tape, IMO, is highly over rated. That crap is never comfortable to wear and those that watch you can tell. It effects the way you move and, unless you wear it all the time, it will make you look awkward. Of course, if you can make it work then, by all means, do so.

[matt_mcl]

Sorry Matt, but I was talking more to the ladies. I just don't swing your way.

*blink* Um, OK. I'll keep that in mind in case it ever becomes relevant.

[matt_mcl]

Tymp, as long as you're being person-specific, my pic's on the Men of the SDMB too... will you give me your advice?

[PRISM02]

SOLUTION!!
Take the shirt to a seamstress and have it patched! Most dry cleaning stores have a seamstress. You might even have, archaic as it may seem, a taylor in town!!

[matt_mcl]

You're joking, right, Prism? It's a five buck teeshirt. If I want an intact teeshirt, I'll buy a new one. Right now I want fashion tips for the old one.

[Tymp]

Matt,

I have made the following assumptions after viewing your photograph:
You have a very casual attitude towards your appearance. This is not to say that there is anything lazy about your appearance. Rather, you are fully aware that you can look fabulous with very little effort. You don’t feel the need to put much work into your look because you know you can look good without any hassle. When you do take the time to tart yourself up, you achieve remarkable results.

Now, allow me to tart you up in my imagination. Since we’ve covered the torn shirt, let’s move on to you attire for the next evening. Because your shoulders are broad enough to pull it off properly, I suggest loose, soft clothes as a contrast to the well-fitted steel and sliver jewelry that you should be wearing. Specifically, I see a velvet or satin vest under an oversized, slightly worn, soft leather topcoat. The coat should be just shy of knee length. Underneath it all, you should wear a stark white button down shirt with generously cut sleeves. The white will work well with your goatee.

Pants for this get-up are a little tricky. I’m inclined to say leather, but it’s very difficult to successfully manage that much leather simultaneously and still pull off the confident, comfortable look that you’ve got going on. Therefore, I’m going to suggest well-tailored twills with a subtle pattern of black and very rich green and a 3cm. hem. For your feet – wide soled short boots. I’m sorry if this seems predictable, but I wear nothing but boots outside of my office.

For jewelry, I see the following: One steel and leather choker. Not spikes, mind you. I see this more as interlocking steel plate with black leather interwoven. You need a silver thumb ring on one hand and two silver rings with subtle patterns on the other hand. Usually, I stay a way from bracelets, but what I’ve seen of your arms leads me to think that they require some accent. Try a three or five strand steel chain bracelet of 0.5cm. links. I don’t wear jewelry, so I cannot be held responsible if any of this sounds ridiculous.

You features look fairly well defined, so just use a touch of black eyeliner to balance those lovely eyebrows of yours. Lipstick will not work terribly well with that beard. This ensemble will not work very well with glasses. Ditch them unless there’re absolutely necessary.

There! How’s that work for you?

[Tymp]

BTW, two wonderful sources of goth clothing would be Velvet Garden and Atrocities. Both sites are owned by delightful acquaintances of mine that everyone should support.

[matt_mcl]

tymp, darling, that's incredible. Thank you especially for the remarks in re: shoulders, eyebrows. (I was unaware I have nice eyebrows.

The coat you mention is much too expensive for my straitened circumstances; however, I do own a long black wool coat (a gift). Would that do?

[Tymp]

You are quite welcome, Matt. Every compliment is inspired by genuine a admiration of your appearance.

Wool coats can work if they’re cut well and fall properly. Many times such coats are too stiff and cause the wearer to appear defensive. Also, wool topcoats are usually cut with only bland right angles and it’s hard to make them look like anything more than, well, wool topcoats. If, however, you’ve got a coat that’s slightly threadbare at the cuffs and lapels, you can make the whole thing work with a bit of steel chain running around the collar and peeking out under the lapels. I have just such a topcoat, minus the chain, but I never seem to have an occasion to wear it.

[JimmyNipples]

Matt.....

What a great page you have! Really neat, I have page envy.

Did you design it or was it kind of a kit thingy?

PS....I am talking to you....even though I don't swing that way???

PSS..I know a gay guy...maybe you know him?

[matt_mcl]

Graeme: Thanks very kindly for the compliment. I designed it one hundred percent myself, including the graphics.

Where does your gay friend live?

Tymp: I'm going to make a major goth stuff run just as soon as my cheques come in and I can pay off my credit cards.

[JimmyNipples]

Graeme: Thanks very kindly for the compliment. I designed it one hundred percent myself, including the graphics.

Where does your gay friend live?

My gay friends live all over the place...I just thought that it was a stupid question to ask...so of course, I asked it.

Kinda like...."I'm a Canadian"

"Canadian eh? Do you know Geoff from Calgary?"

Ba Dum Dum