[Swizec]

You can overdress in a way that still makes it super obvious you're not being "dressy". Unconventional accessories are always a good pick.

Like, you can be wearing the nicest of tuxedo pants with the nicest of button-down shirts, but adding just the right hat or scarf magically turns it into a casual outfit.

[csq]

I have to say, this advice sounds a bit unsound.

"Unconventional accessories are always a good pick" is playing with fire, as is recommending tuxedo pants, a button down, and a hat or scarf.

Have you seen what nerds do when told it's okay to wear hats?

[SyneRyder]

Agreed. As someone who wears a fedora regularly (actually a black Akubra Hampton), it gets a very different reaction depending on the context. I've been stopped on the street once by someone who said "Cool hat! So you're a Bronie right?" You don't want that.

But when I'm travelling overseas, it gets a much more positive and inquisitive reaction. Many times people have used the hat as an ice-breaker to start an interesting conversation with me. And if you're the only person with a hat in a group, it can be helpful branding so people recognize & remember you.

[dllthomas]

Interesting. My experience in the US has very much been the latter. What do you typically wear with it? I definitely think it says different things with slacks and a sport coat then jeans and a hoodie.

[ForHackernews]

Fedoras, fedoras everywhere...

[dllthomas]

Nothing wrong with a (real) fedora...

[dllthomas]

I should add... "if it matches your outfit."

[Swizec]

Dunno man, everyone tells me I have an awesome hat ;)

[sk5t]

With that kind of getup, I'd suppose the wearer to be trying way too hard to be a hipster. None of those articles go together...

[Swizec]

Depends on how you pull it off. You'd be surprised what manner of weird combinations can go together well.

[Kaizyn]

This is beyond the capability and competency of any decent engineer.