Khaki or busted...

[Shoeshine]

OK I need some creative thinking on wardrobe.

This is my second year. Last year as a noob I took the advice read here, "wear what speaks to you", but get outside default. I am a construction/tool guy (run my own design/build shop, practical) I have an appreciation for steampunk but not really a costumer, so I grabbed a bunch of vintage style desert gear i.e. British campaign. Pith helmets, cargo pants, ammo belt for needed items, etc... basicly all in Khaki.

Dammmit everyone thought I was a ranger. I shit you not, I was approched several times to resolve problems. At opulent temple, two very attractive women engaged me in conversation (I was stoked) then started asking me leading questions about why I do this? hunh? what are the ways I deal with disruptive people? again... hunh? by the time I realized what was going on it had degenerated into a total dissconnect.

So I guess I am soliciting thoughts on practical desert wear that does not fit this image.

now I must say that pink fur is so far from my personality that I cringe at the thought. Not because it is bad, for some folk it is a perfect fit --- just not my bag.

I want to get outside my normal coveralls and jeans. I can see that interesting clothing sets up a mindset that makes this week something other than business as usual.

I just need some ideas or suggestions of something that expresses my personality, but has a festival/celebration feel.

anyway, this is silly question, I know.
but if inspiration strikes, feel free to jot down any thoughts

appreciate it
Shoeshine

[gaminwench]

utilikilt, sarong, kaftan, sarong, hot pants/booty shorts, sarong...

[duder9000]

Tie dye (or just plain ol' dye) or spray paint the stuff you bought last year? In a color palette you feel comfortable with but that won't be "ranger-y"?

Reminds me of my first year when I excitedly showed up with my decorated playa bike that was spray-painted...all fluorescent green

[trilobyte]

Perhaps there's another color besides khaki (but not pink) that you're down with? You wouldn't need to change out your whole wardrobe, probably just interject a few different colors. Utilikilt is a great idea (and one of these days I'm going to be able to get one, dammit), and they come in a few color options.

[Raymaker]

Accessories, fun colourful accessories could help, exaggerate the steampunk theme look further. Off the top of my head have glow sticks or glow tubes/strings threaded through a shoulder bullet belt. Stitch brass/copper effect fabric patches on top of the Khaki.

[Elorrum]

Reminds me of my first year when I excitedly showed up with my decorated playa bike that was spray-painted...all fluorescent green

(wiping off screen). oh duder, whoops!

[Savannah]

Accessories, fun colourful accessories could help, exaggerate the steampunk theme look further. Off the top of my head have glow sticks or glow tubes/strings threaded through a shoulder bullet belt. Stitch brass/copper effect fabric patches on top of the Khaki.

Agreed. Shoeshine; take the steampunk further and older and with a little more copper/silver bling or fun extras, rather than rejecting a look you like. After all, most Rangers are not wearing Pith helmets; they're wearing boonie hats and keeping it (fairly) utilitarian.

[Bob]

[Shoeshine]

Thanks, I guess I was thinking I needed to ditch the gear from last year.

But you make goods points R & S. I DO like the look. Now I just need to dig up some more extravagant acessories.

I do some metal work in my shop, so thin brass and copper sheet is in my bin. I also have a good Indian/Pakistani clothing shop not far from here. Maybe I can get some embroidered cloth and take it in a more "lawrence of arabia" ish direction. Or victorian with epaulets (sp?) or brocade or something....

appreciate it

[Eric]

Thanks, I guess I was thinking I needed to ditch the gear from last year.

But you make goods points R & S. I DO like the look. Now I just need to dig up some more extravagant acessories.

I do some metal work in my shop, so thin brass and copper sheet is in my bin. I also have a good Indian/Pakistani clothing shop not far from here. Maybe I can get some embroidered cloth and take it in a more "lawrence of arabia" ish direction. Or victorian with epaulets (sp?) or brocade or something....

appreciate it

Those all sound good.

If any of it is cotton or mostly cotton you can also dye it- if you want to keep a "Victorian" theme go for browns (which should dye over khaki fine). You can even toss in some of Her Majesty's Scarlet color- gives the outfit some brightness while keeping in the steampunk/british idea.

There are also dyes for poly blends, but I can't imagine wearing poly out there. *sweat*

Up the volume!

[theCryptofishist]

I also have a good Indian/Pakistani clothing shop not far from here.

*Jealously gnashes teeth*

[Foxfur]

Try something cobbled together. This was made from stuff I had lying about.


Building according to plan is not my style nor are period outfits. I'd wear them if given / loaned one but wouldn't ever make one. At least I don't think I would.
A pluss of mishmash outfits is that you can make infinite remixes with the endless possible permutations. I made an Excel spreadsheet of permutations using 30 items and got a bazillion resulting outfit combinations!
Most Salvation Army stores havw 50% off day on Mondays.
Yard sales are great for picking up free clothing. Find something you like and hit em up @ the end of the day. They give you the stuff!

[theCryptofishist]

What's with the birthday present on top of your head?

[dragonpilot]

You'll never be confused for a Ranger in an outfit like this:

[Foxfur]

What's with the birthday present on top of your head?

My turn-ons include long walks on the beach, watching beautiful sunsets, shooting fire out of my head...
My turn-offs include fire extinguishers, rain showers, and scuba diving...

[gyre]

Fuck em.

I want your khaki if you don't wear it.


Just smile and no one will think you're a ranger.
Or start writing them a ticket for something, anything.


Camping etiquette is quite strict where I grew up, and this seemed to alarm the paranoid, so I had to modify that behavior.

After I had the man carved in my head and dyed purple, no one thought I was a ranger, if anyone ever did.

[Cheyenne]

there are a load of British Army surplus jackets on ebay at the moment - some with full regimental buttons and badges too... they are pretty low prices..

I'm bringing my WWII dress jacket I have and will probably wear it with a tutu and jackboots or something...

Anything goes...

[Foxfur]

I'm getting close to finishing my bare fox outfit. I've been tanning the hide in the sun for a month. It looks sort of ok now. I'm not really sure if I dare wear it out there but if someone else likes it I'd gladly let them use it for a while. As long as you treat it gently I'll let you use it whenever you like. Unless someone else is already using it...