I keep hearing folks who are obviously unfamiliar with the ways of the Fort talk about how the city is “growing up.” What they’re saying, basically, is that Fort Worth is turning into a run-of-the-mill Metrosexualville. Since when did dress codes at nightclubs become so popular? Our penchant for wearing flip-flops and shorts — even to clubs — is one of many things that makes us Fort Worthians unique and that drives snooty Dallasites like my friend Jose crazy.
But flip-flops and shorts might become history if Metrosexualville keeps becoming a reality.
I remember when a night out on the town here meant wearing the clean pair of jeans. Peering inside some downtown hot spots, a girl might think she took a wrong turn and ended up in Dallas. (I was born and raised in Big D, left as soon as I was legally able, and have lived happily, peacefully — and comfortably — over here ever since.) Sure, some people here certainly like to play dress- up, but I would venture that many of us are perfectly fine sporting the flops and the shorts.
So who’s behind the change for the snazzier? And why? And why also would anyone want to spend a night on the town in uncomfortable shoes? “What you are wearing to a degree determines how much fun you are going to have,” said Weekly staff photog and all-around bon vivant Vishal Malhotra. “I’ll be more at ease in comfortable clothes. I’ll be more uptight if my shirt is tucked in. It’s better to let loose.”
Fashionista Jose likes to step out looking snazzy and expects the women folk to also go all out if they desire his company. In that case, he is probably living in the right city. Every time I go out in Dallas — say, Greenville Avenue — I feel like people congregate only with their small groups of friends, deigning to acknowledge a stranger only to gauge her sense of style. Or lack thereof. Forgive me if my idea of culture isn’t hitting the town to show off what I just bought at the mall. Opportunities for true relaxation and camaraderie usually lie about 36 miles to the west.
The adopted hometown I know and love carries an attitude of acceptance. People actually interact with one another — strangers even — because of and despite our differences. More often than not, a new drinking acquaintance here will be more interested in your unique qualities than the tags on your clothes.
As for the flip-flops = slovenly equation, don’t be so sure. I’m not the only one who doubts a socioeconomic correlation. “I love flip-flops,” said Michelle Hines, who tends bar at Lola’s-Sixth and the Gingerman. “Lots of people with money go out in shorts and flip-flops. Maybe people in Fort Worth are just smarter.”
I have to agree. We are smart enough to live here, where the living is way easier. Many of us are also smart enough to choose comfort over trendiness. There may be a proliferation of martini bars with expensive drinks, but we casual folks still have plenty of options for refuge, like Lola’s-Stockyards, The Chat Room, The Grotto, and Malone’s. When the upscale trend starts to go belly-up (I believe it will happen), those of us in dive-bar heaven won’t have noticed a thing.
And for anyone from Dallas who doesn’t like the flip-floppery over here, well, I-30 or the TRE will take you right back to where you feel most comfortable. And if you think you can convince Fort Worthians to journey eastward, well, there’s just no freaking way, Jose.
Contact Last Call at lastcall@fwweekly.com.
