I found this to be a good article, but I think that metalheads should dress how they want in casual situations. For example, my usual attire is a Band T-shirt, jeans, Black shoes or boots, a chain wallet, and a band hoodie or denim jacket with band patches.

However, in situations that require it, I tie my hair back in a loose ponytail, and if it's not too fancy of an occasion, a polo shirt and jeans. I usually keep the chain wallet, for the same reason you keep the scorpion necklace.

In formal situations, such as a nice dinner or whatever, I'll wear a nice button down shirt, dark pants, black dress shoes, and sometimes a jacket and tie.

Also, another note, while the final outcome for the girl looked very nice, the guy needs some improvement. A better tie and a better pair of pants will do wonders. Clothes always seem to look better on girls than on guys, though.

i once had an english teacher who said "your clothing reflects your personality". I took it as, if you like metal, dress metal, but don't dress metal to piss off your parents; do what you want, but accept anyone else's style, just don't engage in their stuff if you don't want to. Don't be preppy if you like metal, but don't dress metal just for attention, either. Our society teaches "preppy is mature". No, it's preppy, goth is goth, punk is punk, metal is metal. I've seen 60 year old christian bikers all the time. if you have to dress up, try any kind of masculine button up(guys) and jeans, plenty of metal bands wear em in concert without looking like country club guys.

Bravo! Definitly one of the awesome things about clothes is the fact that first impressions rule perception. Here you have unmistakenably proven that.

Well, as I am a sixteen year old metalhead who realizes that society prefers me to dress up, (Whether that is fair or not is unimportant) I've come up with a fairly decent cross road, unifying both class and metal. I wear a good button up shirt with a metal tshirt with a simple logo, usually black and white. A pair of good looking cargo pants or jeans wil do for pants, and combat boot look good too if shined. I also keep my hair cut close or shaved. Besides, let it be noted that I really don't need clothes to express myself and my opinions: I can do that just fine. And since I live in New England, seeing any metal chick is refreshing, naysayers be damned.

It's a first impression thing. When in Rome...

I've always attributed flashy clothes to social decadence. Expensive clothes to the materialistic. Clothes don't make you who you are, but the crowdist mentality doesn't understand that, and who could blame them? They do what they are told. It's a monkey see, monkey do society. Clothes are designed for functionality, first and foremost. Style and color, in my opinion, are quite secondary, if even considered at all. I'm not about to climb a tree in a pair of khaki's and loafers, but I can in a pair of jeans and combat boots.

But I see the point of the article. Clothes that are versatile provide more functionality than a non-reversible belt...

Just thought I'd clarify that I'm not knocking this post, I quite appreciate it. However I think it's acceptable and right that there will always be feral idiot-savant geniuses like Ildjarn and Euronymous within metal and for these people there is absolutely no need to dress 'appropriately.' In fact it would be quite contradictory.

Metal fashion should never die (not that it would), even if some of us decide to dress as this article advises.

Dressing like an "adult" isn't for everyone it seems.

I don't have the money for expensive clothes. For now, I am content to continue wearing death metal shirts and jeans. I am more concerned with art-making and having fun with my youth for now, and I don't really care about advancing in the world, or making an impression. The modern world sucks; I want as little to do with it as possible (call me a "fatalist" if you want). I do, however, have an "aristocratic" side that likes nice clothes... I'd like to be a teacher someday, so maybe then I will have to start dressing nice.

And I agree with Aleksandr, that girl is HOT.

"Although, I do think it is time to realize that your clothes will not prove your identity "

If this is your point, then why do you suggest one dresses differently, as that too is due to a certain identity; looking more intelligent and what now, in other peoples eyes. Why don't drop the important suite or sofisticated shirt, and just let opinions speak for themselves, like you say? If it is due to getting that attention, I would say that people who are only receptive of listening as long as you wear a certain dresscode, are not people worthy of that attention in the first place.

I also do not see the point in looking black/white on everything, as everyone that dresses "differently" doesn't necesseraly have the need to prove that she/he is a "rebel", or trying to be unique, because to some - and I speak for myself - it is merely aesthetics. Why is that so hard to get?

You point is valid, and one can offcourse dress more "nice", but one can still ramain dressing all black etc and maintaining some character, without looking like a trash-metal version of Morticia Adams by that reason...

When did this site become a goddamn fashion show? I see no real purpose in telling someone how to dress, we all know how to dress "nicely" and where it is appropriate, so why even bother posting something like this? Honestly, it's fucking retarded, invest time in posting something that is a worthwhile read, rather than queer eye for the straight guy bullshit.

The purpose of this post was not meant to be a personal attack on metalheads, but merely to suggest that making an effort to dress nicer is one aspect of life in which everyone can take control of immediately. I don't plan to toss my Dissection shirt in the trash anytime soon, but I do feel that my approach on life is more clearly defined when I put the same effort into getting dressed as I do in other areas of my life. Like I noted, I still wear subtle things such as silver scorpion necklaces to add my personal touch to an outfit (and I'm sure there are multiple ways to do this without being obsessive about fashion).

I understand that metalheads have a certain identity associated with their clothing - it is viewed as a form of armor rather than merely clothing, a way to declare that you are "different" and a "rebel". I dressed this way for a while as well, and at events such as concerts I think it's appropriate. Although, I do think it is time to realize that your clothes will not prove your identity - perhaps it is time to let your opinions start speaking for you, rather than your allegiance to slayer by becoming walking album art.

As it was noted in the prompt to this post, "too many people live a "basement lifestyle," hiding from social life instead of using it to advance, meet new people, and make contacts. dressing well is one key factor to prove that not all anti-globalists are clueless hippies."

all the metalheads come out of their holes. About time.. btw this is comic gold

My point was not "what is sterile", but the fact that it does not reflect you in any way, and thus becomes toneless when put in contrast with your interior. Why change the everyday-dresscode to look more "intelligent", as an confident, intelligent person has no need to dress in a way that is not really representative to his persona, to get public respect and recognition for his intelligence. Any intelligent person, in my opinion, is aware that public respect and recognition is as pointless as it is unpredictable.

I although must agree that the majority of the metalheads are idiots, and that it's not a majority that is favorable to be compared with, but the subculture wont gain anything when intelligent people take distance from it either and lets it float over by idiots, as the true purpose of black metal and such was highly meaningful. As previously mentioned here, I too would more likely notice a person in a Burzum t-shirt, if I myself is comparable, and even rather assume him as the more intelligent one, favoring to have a conversation with him, instead of the avrage-looking dude with the bad-taste tie.

I do agree with the article to some degree, but I still think people can maintain a personal style that is both adult, "conservative" and still reflects their persona in some xtend, without having SUCH an ekstreme makeover - as aesthetics is highly important to many, and is possible to maintain (even in jobs) without changing it out 100% in every single detail.

I can see both points. Dressing like this is a social construction we should utilize as it has been linked, socially, to power, status and getting work done. Also it takes time and (some) effort. It will show society you are ready to be one of them.

On the other hand, it IS a social fabrication, and philosophically that's all it is. Of course we all know simply wearing these clothes do not really magically give you power, social status and motivation. So why wear the mask? The intellectual metalhead (distinct from the slob who plays World of Warcraft) sees this as another pathetic mask in society to hide behind. Not only that, but the attire stems from business and economical matters; impersonal numbers on a chart.

So i'm flipping this shit around, since I tend to agree with the latter view.

The top guy looks like he's ready for some church burning. On the bottom he looks like he's ready for some Microsoft Excel spreadsheeting. I have to say, I respect the guy who can go out and burn a church or two, of course presuming he has strong convictions about it and knows why he's crusading. Once again, not the hipster metalhead (no doubt where metalhead culture spawned).

Now this isn't to say we should all be slobs. Dressing overly nicely just screams out that you're ready to integrate into society and perform it's meaningless tasks. Metalheads hate that, as they hate society and it's meaningless tasks (one view they had [and i hope still do] in common with Corrupt)

My conclusion: Dress nicely if you want to, or if it works for you. Not dressing nicely does not point to apathy; but rather dissent with the system that demands it.

But either way thanks Nina for the interesting article! You stirred up a good discussion.

The girl looks amazing, although a different colour of shirt, or a jacket over that would not be amiss.

With the guy - I see the point you're getting at, but the tie is horrible - stick with a solid colour, stripes, or maybe plaid if you've got the Gaelic ancestry to pull it off. Go for flat-cut pants rather than pleated. Always wear a belt, you're absolutely correct about that. In many settings, you can get away wtih just the button-down shirt and dress pants and still cut a good impression.

Many people missed the point with this. A well-dressed man (or woman) draws attention (for the right reasons, mind) and commands respect. Peope will take you and what you have to say more seriously.

I fail to see any meaningful philosophical basis for 'dressing like an adult', modern attire hardly possesses any degree of nobility or beauty, therefore fashion is almost entirely irrelevant for an intelligent westerner, unless they need to utilise it to make a particular impression in a given situation. As far as metal attire goes, the metal culture in general is pure idiocy and not something that people should want to associate themselves with (the DLA brand of metalhead is exceedingly rare), although I might be inclined to take notice if I saw someone wearing a Burzum shirt, a band which tends to repel the unintelligent. The corrupt bloggers need to stop having a cup of coffee, sitting at the computer and writing the first thing that comes into their head, this and some of the other material which has recently appeared on this site is starting to give this impression. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have fewer but more thoughtful articles, otherwise the people who this site should be attracting will be looking elsewhere for answers.

The girl looks more professional and intellectual, but the guy looks like he is trying way to hard with that tie.

The female looks GREAT, both more intelligent and mature... Id take her more seriously after the transformation, but write her off as naive angry teen before it. I think they could have found some better clothing for the male however, long hair and white long-sleeve dress shirt and a tie just dont work together, and there are so many alternatives for men wanting to dress like intelligent adults, other than wearing a suit and tie.

Ive always been a metal fan and very anti-christian, but never had the urge to dress up like one or wear statements like inverted crosses, or symbols saying "fuck you all".. even though I know most people around me are wrong, fucked and overrated. I live in a small community and I've learned that using such statements (rebelious fashion statements) to fight against the conservative materialist-christian moral whores who dominate it is useless, cause it really looks naive.. it looks like a trashy, directionless rebellion in a costume.

Thumbs up for Corrupt

I can only speak for the male transformation, so here goes: while I agree with the intention, the end result is a bit lacking. First of all, I believe I am looking at a pair of pleated pants which are a definite no-no. Flat fronts are much more professional and offer a cleaner, simplistic look. As the previous poster stated, the tie is horrendous, but the concept is understood. Overall, however, the ensemble is not practical. I will begin working in an engineering office, and the attire will consist of straight-fitted pants (as you have above minus the pleats) and a simple button down shirt, tucked in with a belt, minus the tie. This goes strictly for the work place, as outside this haven, I find it obligatory to present yourself in clean, wrinkle free clothes without having to put on a starchy shirt and dress pants. I will leave that to the former boarding school preppies. Well-fitting jeans and a simple cotton top seem to suffice. Combat boots should be done away with, except for concert attire possibly.

I would fuck the girl with the Dissection t-shirt, since Storm of the Lights Bane is wicked, but just in general im betting she would be a tiger in the sack. For the hell of it, if you have her number send it me.

And I would prefer to hang out with the guy wearing the Slayer t-shirt since he would probably be more interesting to talk to, than Mr. Stocks and Bonds, I mean I can only hold a coversation about investing in over seas markets for so long.

I really dont see a problem for adolecents to be wearing those types of clothes, I mean most reasonable adults get out of that phase before it does any harm. I dont see a reason for turning kids into businessmen as soon as they are trying to find an identity. I'm only twenty and while i dont feel the need to dress like that, I still like my band shirts.

I'm quite sure Storm of the Lights Bane by Dissection is the most adult shit you can get.

The makeover did wonders for the female (miaow!), but the guy just looks like he's in Akercocke!

Most people with common sense (regardless of their subcultural interests) know perfectly well how to dress formally where and when it's appropriate (i.e. funerals/weddings, jobs and interviews). I'm hoping this blog isn't suggesting that there's anything objectively wrong with displaying subcultural interests in casual settings (though some girls should dress a little less like boys, a good point there). Also the 'before' photos is hardly the only style present in terms of what 'metalheads' dress like, and it is a pretty juvenile and 'skatey' example (I stopped wearing skate trainers when I was 15) but then again they don't look older than anyone you'd expect to see dressed that way. There are a number of styles that you won't see in some kinds of metal fans below a certain age level. Some styles are "louder" than others. But perhaps I'm splitting hairs, those examples had room for improvement one could say.

I admit I have subcultural interests but I keep things functional in what I wear casually. I often wear a plain black sweater on top of a band shirt (usually), with black utility trousers (useful for carrying a variety of items) tucked into combat boots (which are handy in most environments whilst keeping mud off the shoes). It's a little militant but I get treated like an adult and am pretty confident that I dress my age. I am however, acutely aware of even the slightest changes in social scenario or work setting. I've never dressed like that at any job - I even tone things down whenever I go to lunch with my grandmother.

It depends whether you're talking what one wears during casual times or work/occasion attire. With the former I think you're disregarding a lot of subtleties, as much as some people should stop being brats and dress more their age.

I think a positive comment is due here. Dressing for an interview or the workplace will be debated with little contention but outside of work, in a social context then we should re-evaluate the metalhead image.

First off, the two models might be dressing in a slightly metal manner but that is fairly conservative to what I'm sure we have all seen. I wouldn't feel embarrassed about going out in casual wear like that but I'll admit that I rarely wear metal t-shirts any more. I have little inclination to stand out from the crowd using a statement made by my clothes. Why? In short: statements made by clothing are pretentious at best. I'm happy to give away nothing about myself until I say something.

The female in the later picture looks casual yet smart enough that her presense would be inconspicuous in either the workplace or in a social context. Maybe less inconspicuous since she is actually in shape and kinda cute. The male looks too formal for most social meetings, I'd suggest losing the tie and finding colours that are more casual. Although you have succeeded in making neither look like they are fans of Slayer or Dissection.

I mostly agree with the article and offer my conclusion: a person's character should carry the full weight of their being, almost nothing should be given away by how they dress. Much like in good prose: a verb (person's character), not an adverb (their clothing), should carry the full weight and hence make the impact.

May I just ask what the purpose of this was article is? Is there realy a need to change the dresstyle of certain people to something sterile, when they thrive better in an other category? A persons clothing reflects who they are, and I can't see any point in such transformation, nor the validity of what is "adult" clothing and what is not. I myself wear my long hair loose, armyboots, band-geer, leatherjackets and such, and I'm comfortable with that. For other occasions, I can dress more "feminine", or more "conservative" if required.

And I don't see what Corrupt has to do with mainstream fashion and solicitation of it...

Granted we're not all intellectual geniuses, it's not too hard to dress yourself . Dressing well is ideal for job opportunities and so forth - that's a given, but let people dress how they want to and let their personality reflect it.

I'm wearing black shoes, black jeans. and a Bathory - Blood Fire Death shirt. I dress professional and nice when I want to and for situations that require me to.

Oh, and that kid is wearing a god awful tie. Looks like he works in a hotel lobby.