Nicktendonick's Blog

I've consulted the Type Moon Manual of Protagonistic Fashions, and it's recommending you go with either "school uniform" or "T-shirt with jeans and sneakers".

Unless the character is wearing specifically the uniform of some organization, or something otherwise unusual, they are not going to visually stand out visually with clothing alone. When people think of Harry Potter, do they think of his Hogwarts robes or his unique scar? As snazzy as Nazi uniforms are, the most recognizable aspect of Hitler's appearance is, of course, his moustache. Plus, keep in mind also that people rarely wear the same exact clothing every single day in real life. They vary it, but can keep to certain styles; ultimately, their clothing doesn't affect them much unless their clothes are really outstanding.

Plus, if you're going to set a "costume" of casual clothes for this character, don't say that they're just white shorts, and don't say that the jersey has tan short sleeves and a white body. That description is bland. That appearance is generic. I could pick up that outfit at the mall.

Instead, work on making the clothes unique. Make his shorts torn along the side, with fraying black thread keeping the left half properly together. Maybe have his jersey, normally nice and white, be perpetually stained brownish from mud on the back from a bad fall. Remember, with someone's visual appearance, you also should try to characterize them. If someone's clean, take note of how clean they are, how neat they keep their cuffs, how many buttons they have done up on their shirt, and so on. If someone's casual, take note of their double-knotted laces on name-brand, well-worn sneakers that look like they're bulging out a bit on the sides because the character has spent so many mornings just shoving his foot in the shoe and running off. I use a lot of "dirty" examples because, usually, it's easier to describe dirtiness rather than cleanliness - easier to describe an abundance of things rather than a lack of things.

Try to focus more on the physical, non-clothing details of your character. If he has short black hair, maybe have the roots look a little blonde, suggesting his hair is dyed, or describe further, more broadly - does he let his facial hair grow out; is it well-trimmed or maybe has he not shaven in a couple days? Does he have split ends, or is his hair very well-combed? Does he cut it himself, or is it cut professionally, making it look organized rather than being cut semi-straight and being longer in some places. Does he have to slide his bangs out of his eyes every once in a while? Try to avoid direct descriptions, at least most of the time; more often try to suggest images and characteristics, rather than outright saying them. Or, in other and more overused words, "show, don't tell."

It takes some getting used to, but maybe spend a day looking at your own clothes and paying attention to your own mannerisms, to get a better idea of how to write a fleshed-out, realistic character, the kind that pops off the page.