Algorithm vs. Actually Good: why actual personal style doesn’t always work online
plus some good clothes I like right now
Being a creator is pretty fulfilling for me. I’m able to help people, work with brands I love, talk about clothes with people who also love clothes. I genuinely love clothes - the history, the fabrics all that stuff. There’s not necessarily a “performance” aspect to what I wear or talk about, I think?
I try my best to be authentic - talk about and wear things that are actually good, not just what I think the algorithm will run with (though I do have to pay the bills sometimes). Naturally, it doesn’t always get picked up by the algorithm on Instagram and Tik Tok.
But there is this “look” that always works online. Handsome, good hair, typically a white guy, dresses “Scandi” or very traditional prep so he doesn’t do too much. Wears the dries sneakers, loose bootcut jeans, cropped striped button up, probably a mustache, you know the guy! (if thats you, no shade). Now all things considered this is a very clean aesthetic, girls probably like it, guys respect it, and brands have loved it. By no means is this bad or do I think these guys dress bad.
But there’s no soul, no exploration, no digging for interesting secondhand pieces. All of the things that I think makes getting dressed fun and personal.
Now this isn’t always the case, but people with really cool, unique style don’t always align with the algorithm. In terms of massive following on instagram or Tik Tok. I come across people all the time with such cool style who don’t have the same brand partnerships or engagement as someone who wears extremely boring clothes.
Maybe they’re more active on other platforms like substack (ie. Jalil Johnson , laura reilly , the homie Nico Lazaro (who is killing it on sub and social)). I know there is some nuance to this, but I think it’s just the style nerd in me.
Places like Substack are a direct line to your audience, which I think is becoming more valuable. (Also we just hit 1,000 subs, woo woo!)
As someone who does both Instagram/Tik Tok and Substack, it’s really interesting. But, just as interesting, I think cool brands that are tapped in are taking notice of this. And I can see things shifting in favor of the more traditional creative who is building offline (which I consider Substack to be), in tangible community, and in true industry. Social-media-influencer-fatigue it a real thing, ha.
I read a recent post from vogue about new “influencer” brand trips. Instead of mannequins with 100s of thousands of followers they focused on taste makers in the industry that may only have 3,000 followers but are actually driving creative conversation forward and adding to the story. To me this means brands like J.Crew are getting the right people in the room to make decisions. Not just aimlessly casting talent that are pretty and can wear clothes well (no shade to models though, this isn’t about you lol)
The creator industry is only growing so I’m curious to see how this changes going forward. I can see brands looking for people that dig deeper into why we’re wearing stuff and that have hobbies outside of clothes. It gives it some humanity, also creates a deeper resonance among the brands audience. Customers can see themselves in the brand, making it aspirational. Ralph’s Oak Bluffs Campaign is a great example of this, people loved it for those very same reasons.
The tough part for creators/creatives is actually good brands don’t always pay. The shit is just good and people will buy it and talk about regardless. I’d be remiss not to mention Buck Mason, they never do paid partnerships. I’ve never seen the likes of Drakes, RRL, Kapital, James Coward, truly high quality brands pay creators to promote their product. It keeps the allure intact as well.
How you position yourself as a creator or creative moving forward matters. Social media matters, but I think its changing. Also as a brand who you associate yourself with matters, people are paying attention. Folks with deep roots in community and industry, the actual tastemakers may be the next wave of “influencers”. I’m here for actually good clothes and ideas.
Kamakura Shirts - Your Work Shirts Sorted
If you’ve found yourself in the same rotation of work shirts Kamakura is a great place to upgrade. The quality is incredible, the pricing is approachable, and the range of styles is great. Whether you want some casual, Ivy inspired, or fun they have it all. I was gifted the 2 above with no obligation to post but you will not be disappointed.
Finding the Reference
I came across this A.Presse Piece and thought it was cool, but I can never bring myself to pay for a “dirty wash” garment. There are plenty on the secondhand market. When brands do 1:1 Americana replicas I often try and find something similar. In a quick search I found this one, this one, and this one. This one from Polo being the closet.
I was a bit taken back by how good the fit on this shirt is. In collaboration with designer Armando Cabral. The color is great, the camp collar is the perfect classic shape, but still feels new. This is a good one under a suit or on it’s own.
Various Pieces I love from Polo Ralph Lauren Right Now
These jeans - perfect wash for really any season but I love them as we head into fall
This striped shirt - perfect vintage inspired look, I love all of the colors. You can dig for something similar on ebay but this one is really solid
This jacket is pretty insane - is the price justified? I don’t know but it’s really cool.
Cable Knit Polo and Cardigan - I will be getting one of these soon, likely the cardigan as it cools off. But man… that polo is a handsome piece. These are so preppy but I’m going to find a way to dress it down.
This Linen Jacket is the same material as the jungle shirt I bought recently - it’s a great weight for the end of summer. I prefer it in black but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
I love this tee from Imogene and Willie. They make some of the best tees in general.
I’m into these pants from Studio Nicholson right now as well. They will take you into early fall, maybe a bit longer. Expensive, but hard to match their silhouette.
Everything new at Neighbor is so cool. I love Unkrid, Gabriela Coll, and James Coward. I’m not going through specific ones because it's all so good. Check it out
Couldn't have said it better ourselves