Golf was the reason I intentionally chose my wardrobe for the first time. I was about 10 years old and starting to take golf seriously. I practiced every day in the summer at Chalk Mountain Golf Course in Atascadero, CA and participated in 9-hole tournaments twice a week at golf courses around the county. At first, I wore whatever was in my dresser: athletic shorts, t-shirts, etc…
One Sunday afternoon, I observed the style of professional golfers on TV. They wore nice slacks, a polo shirt, hat, and a belt that matched their shoes. I thought, if that’s how professional’s dress, that’s how I should dress too. I went into my wardrobe and picked out all of those items: Slacks, polo shirt, belt, hat, and a belt. That’s how I dressed at the golf course the next time I went. I felt more self-confidence in general, and more confident in my golf game. It felt as though other people saw me differently. Experienced golfers appreciated my look and golf course staff were more keen to help or give me a bucket of balls or a chance to play. I felt more like a professional and my behavior followed suit.
There were other memorable moments in my sartorial journey but this will always be the spark.