To think that people who dress quirky are more often than not uninteresting

[Coldcoffeekindamorning]

Just on observation, I work in a creative field and I find that when I meet people who dress very quirky they are often very uninteresting and not very creative. I find the most creative and interesting people are those who are not really bothered about how they dress. Has anyone else come across this?

No definitely not. Strange conclusion for that poster to come to.

Jings are you this condescending IRL?

I think "quirky" is probably too broad and subjective a term to hang this much of a generalisation on it, plus a style viewed as "quirky" by others may have a wide range of causes besides genuine unconventionality or rare tastes. But I DO think that someone who consistently physically presents in a way that is genuinely unconventional and either blends or anticipates style trends, enough so for that mix to work for them in a professional artistic setting, must possess at least some creativity - although other factors like subject matter expertise, an eye for harmonious proportions and color/texture combinations, basic design knowledge, and an ability to track and anticipate trends also contribute.

I wouldn't include day-glo hair here (not that you did, but several replies mentioned it); at least not since the era when you'd have to go to London to buy your Manic Panic in person (or sub other non-hair-specific dying substances) pre e-commerce. The equivalent in recent years might be staying significantly ahead of the curve on more recent emerging haircolour trends like cherry cola, metallic gold and copper, mushroom, greige, etc.

Yes, I conceded that up thread, always up for a bit of mn fun! I do think it's impossible to answer the question tho, since everyone's interpretation of quirky dresser vs creative/interesting personality will be vastly different and highly subjective. I do know what you're getting at tho.

Are we not all uninteresting to some but highly interesting to others depending on individual personalities?
The only observation I have made about those with a fun dress style is that they have been some of the kindest people I have ever met.

Some people like to express creativity in the way they dress. Some of these people may be interesting to you in various respects. Some may not.

I dress like a 3 year old let loose in a candy factory that exploded (thank you Carolina Dress room!) my hair is often wild-curly and I have pink/purple streaks in it. I don’t care that I look like a child, it’s called Dopamine dressing and it helps to defeat my depression.
I am not what you would call “conservative” but I also don’t believe I am boring! I work in healthcare, I have two boys and a happy marriage, but I still have hobbies and things outside of my family!

I always find quirky dressers very annoying. Like they need to make a statement and also have the most to say but just really about nothing.

Not what I think of as quirky. They are well established subcultures, there were punks 50 years ago, it's not really original.

I've met some people who dress in fun ways who are extremely boring and others who are extremely interesting. Same for people wearing "normal" clothing.

I've been a goth for the past 20 odd years, though it's much more Victoriana influenced than 1980's style (it's also a subculture heavily focused on music). I make a lot of my own clothes as I also sell them. They're extremely high quality fabrics. I'd certainly say I'm creative as I'm a published author, and work in the publishing industry too. DH is a historian with a penchant for period clothing, and often has historical style pieces as part of his every day wear. Our clothing choices are influenced by our interests, though we certainly aren't walking around looking like we're extras in a period drama. That would get exhausting and restrictive.

I don't dress like this to appear interesting; frankly, I genuinely don't care what people think of me. I just love this style and wear it well. In no way do I put myself across as "look at meeeee, aren't I kooky?!"; that sort of behaviour annoys the living shit out of me, but it's far deeper than just clothing.

Most of my friends dress "differently", though by that I just mean I'd be surprised if they rocked up in high street fashion. None of them are trying to be quirky either. They just enjoy what they enjoy.

Exactly. All kinds of reasons why people dress how they do. It's rarely any indication of how interesting they are.

A proper old school punk with a foot high mohican might be living in the past, but she is rarer now that 50 years ago.

Quirky is "different" more than "original"

I'll be honest, I dont think of goth or what you're describing as quirky. Like PP said, it's a subculture which I think is different to what I'm trying to describe.

I think "goth" in itself is extremely watered down these days, so it depends on who you talk to. Actual goths with an interest in the subculture itself are becoming quite rare; a lot of it has been commodified and made fashionable. Online shops such as Disturbia, Hell Bunny, etc. Most folks who call themselves goth don't even know a single song by The Cure. It's been highjacked by e-girl fashion and Instagram trends and is now seen as desirable in a lot of spheres where it wouldn't have been accepted before.

I do see what you mean, though; I wouldn't necessarily consider it "quirky" either, though I've heard it described that way as it stands outside of what's typically the norm.

Lumpen? Generally unattractive? I'm guessing you're either a man or just not that mature.

Yes, I dye my hair pink and wear clothes that are a bit quirky. I’m mind numbingly boring

I don't know about quirky but I dress in a style that pleases me.
I have most of my clothes altered so that the cut is a bit different, and I also dye most of my clothes in a colour palette that I like.
I'm also quite keen on stripes. And large rings.
My naturally grey hair only occasionally has a colour rinse or streaks.
I have a piercing and no tattoos.
Perhaps it is more individualistic than quirky, as I don't stick out like a children's presenter-like sore thumb, neither do I belong to a tribe.
I don't think I'm particularly interesting and I can bore for Britain on a couple of my pet obsessions subjects.

No, if anything the opposite

Yes I’m a 67 year old all-woman. I did qualify the comment by saying that I knew it was bitchy. Just my overarching experience.
Rather too sensitive a response or do you look to react to everything however explained?

Omg touchy aren't you! Wonder what happened in your life to make you like this.

Exactly.

People are talking about things like blue hair, nose studs, goth styles etc, but nobody who dresses like that is doing it to be 'quirky'. The overwhelming majority of people with those kinds of looks aren't seeking attention or trying to make themselves look more interesting. They're just expressing their own aesthetic preference, just as someone who dresses in straight leg jeans and a grey cashmere jumper is expressing their own aesthetic preference.

Nobody where I live would even bat an eyelid at a goth or someone with blue hair, let alone think they were trying to be 'quirky'. It's really pretty normal.

No. I find that I dress more conventionally and plainly when I am down on myself or sad or lack confidence because I'm trying to play safe and want to avoid annoying people. Not a good thing though and definitely not when I'm at my best.

Genuinely think that all kinds of diversity and unconventionally is good and important for healthy society/community/wellbeing/democracy.

Do agree with others that clothing isn't important though. But do think the obsession with being like everyone else (e.g. Only dressing in big brands as per current fashion)- at the same time as obsession with the western idea that we are or should be special - is messing us up a bit.

Not saying you've got an axe to grind but . . .

Literally shaking? Really?

I'm boring, ugly and middle-aged and I'll wear whatever I want, thank you very much!

Long beyond caring if some idiot judges me for being quirky or dying my hair.