Warning...I am naked under these clothes (but rest assured, I have a license to carry concealed weapons)

Years ago, I posed a question to some coworkers:  Would you rather look better naked or with clothes on?  Everyone answered that they would prefer to look good naked.  Why did they answer this way?  Because everyone assumes that a great body underneath will assure an amazing exterior image.  Not true, wrong answer, thanks for playing.  This question entered my mind after we had an independent consultant visit our office for on-site computer training.  The year was around 2005.  She was a reasonably attractive woman, possessed an athletic, fit, slender frame, was articulate and polite...and I swear she shopped at a boutique inspired by the 1970's-1980's wardrobe of Stevie Nicks.  Maybe there is a store called, "FleetwoodMart," that only sells long, lacy, layered skirts, peasant blouses trimmed in ribbons and shiny fabrics, shirts with sleeves that have long, trailing cuffs, and all ensembles come with a free, black scarf for unnecessary adornment.  I had such a struggle during those three or four days of training.  I wasn't confused or frustrated by what she was teaching us.  I was totally distracted and waiting for Lindsey Buckingham to walk through the door and start strumming, "Landslide." 

Personally, I would prefer to look great with my clothes on.  Come on, people, it's not like I'm still in my 20's.  A lot less people see me naked nowadays.  There comes a time when we all need to look in the mirror and really see what others are looking at.  Everyone makes a poor fashion choice every once in a while.  Maybe those pants you put on the other day were a little too tight or a bit too short.  That pair of shoes that you have loved for 15 years?  Guess what?  They are out of style.  That t-shirt in your drawer, just because it "still fits," it does not give you permission to wear it to the store because you bought it during your southwestern phase (Quick tip:  it is never alright to wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt that has wolves, coyotes, soaring bald eagles, or Native Americans on it, even if you are a Native American).  You probably do not need to throw out every piece of clothing in your wardrobe, but we all have to be willing to know when it is time to make a bag for AmVets.

I am not saying I am going to win next season's Project Runway.  I am no longer in the running to becoming America's Next Top Model.  However, I will tell you what I believe to be a few articles of clothing that do stand the test of time:

• Levi's jeans - get a good pair of dark Levi's that fit your body, and 10 or even 20 years later (unless your ass gets too big) you will have a faded pair of Levi's that you still love
• Plain, white t-shirts - crew neck for guys, v-neck for gals, the right fitting cotton t-shirt can be worn all the time
• Footwear - for women, a black, almost to the knee, side zip boot with a heel.  For guys, a pair of brown or black Doc Martin oxford shoes

For some people, an entire wardrobe of jeans and white t-shirts would be a huge improvement.  Do not limit yourself, but unless you know what you are doing, please choose with caution. 

So, the question is still out there for you to answer.  Naked or clothed?