The Fashion Philosophy of Peacocking: Standing Out with Confidence
Have you ever wondered why certain individuals seem to effortlessly draw attention wherever they go? This captivating aura is often the result of a bold fashion philosophy known as "peacocking," which was first introduced to me in this context in the book The Game by Neil Strauss, which is a very interesting and hilarious study on the modern day pickup artist. Inspired by the flamboyant displays of peacocks in nature, peacocking is all about using eye-catching clothing and accessories to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.
In my opinion, some of the pick up artists in the book incorrectly used this style by making themselves look like clowns instead of looking classy. However, you must calibrate this technique to balance expressing yourself truly and uniquely with the audience that you are looking to attract. If you wear a lamp shade as a hat and a fur coat with a feather boa and leather pants, you’re going to attract a certain type of person. Experiment and enjoy the process of finding the sweet spot for your style and personality.
This technique may be utilized both “loudly” with bright colors and styles, but also more recently it has become popular to do this “quietly” in which statement pieces are worn without flamboyant signals of brand names, but instead peacocks only to those who are in the know. “Quiet” peacocking will attract much less attention and has a much more narrow audience.
One of the best examples of this that comes to my mind immediately are Christian Louboutin shoes for both men and women. The red bottom soles of these shoes signal somewhat quietly to those in the know the luxury, status, quality, craftsmanship, and of course the price. However, if you’re not in the know, you may not even notice the bottom of someone’s shoes or it may have no meaning at all to you.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the essence of peacocking, its psychological impact, and how you can incorporate this philosophy into your wardrobe without the steep price tag. In case you don’t know the brand, I’ve posted a men’s and women’s shoes photo below for your reference. I’m not recommending you spend this much on a pair of shoes, but it’s your money, do what you want with it!
Christian Louboutin: College Oxfords - Waxed calf leather - Black - Men $1,445.00
Christian Louboutin: So Kate 120 mm Pumps - Patent calf leather - Black - Women $795.00
Peacocking is more than just wearing bright colors or flashy suits; it's an attitude. At its core, peacocking is about expressing individuality and confidence. This fashion philosophy encourages people to embrace their unique style and to showcase their personality through their attire. It’s a celebration of being unapologetically yourself and enjoying the spotlight.
Why does peacocking work so effectively? The answer lies in human psychology. People are naturally drawn to things that break the norm and capture their attention. Peacocking leverages this by presenting a visual feast that is impossible to ignore. It’s a way to communicate confidence, creativity, and uniqueness without saying a word. When you dress to stand out, you're not just making a fashion statement; you're also sending a message of self-assuredness and boldness.
How to Peacock :
If you’re ready to embrace the art of peacocking, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Bold Colors and Patterns: Don’t shy away from vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns. These elements are key to creating a standout look.
This is the best example of a statement piece from my wardrobe that exemplifies the philosophy of peacocking. This jacket/overshirt from ZARA displays bold peacock colors and is made from 66% wool, 31% polyester, and 3% other fabrics.
2. Statement Pieces: Invest in a few statement pieces that reflect your personality. Whether it’s a unique hat, an ornate scarf, or a striking pair of shoes, these items will become the focal points of your outfits.
Bruno Marc Black Leather Shoes ($39.99 plus taxes and shipping). The shoes in my photo are no longer available on Amazon, but I’ll link you to the pair that I would buy if I were to do this again. I airbrushed them with metallic two-tone pigment from solarcolordust.com. I’m an affiliate with them and will receive a commission for your referral if you make a purchase. Use coupon code PEACOCKPETE for 10% off. I also replaced the black laces with purple shoe laces. I don’t know where I got these oxford laces.
3. Layering and Accessories: Think of your outfit as a canvas. Layering different textures and adding distinctive accessories can elevate your look and make it more dynamic. Johnny Depp is a great example of a celebrity who does this very well.
The Hat Depot Light Weight Classic Soft Cool Mesh Crushable Fedora hat-Purple size Small/Med $19.99 plus taxes and shipping. They must be sold out of the purple because they don’t even display a photo for it. I wear this hat when it’s hot and sunny.
4. Confidence is Key: The most important element of peacocking is confidence. Wear your outfit with pride and carry yourself with assurance. Remember, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the attitude you bring to them.
Peacocking is a fun and empowering way to play with fashion and express your unique identity. By embracing bold choices and wearing them with confidence, you can transform not only your appearance but also how you feel about yourself. So why not step out of your comfort zone and let your inner peacock shine?