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Wear Something Gaudy Day

Fun · October 17

A day for wearing loud, bright, mismatched or over-the-top clothing on purpose, from clashing patterns to the shiniest jacket in the closet.

Wear Something Gaudy Day falls on Sunday, October 17, 2027. That is 355 days away.

Gaudy means bright, showy and a little too much. Think sequins at breakfast, a tie covered in parrots, or three patterns that were never meant to meet. For one day the goal is simply to wear the loudest thing you own and let it be seen.

Most closets already hold something that qualifies. It might be a holiday sweater, a souvenir shirt from a beach town, or the neon windbreaker that has waited years for a second chance. Gaudy clothing tends to collect quietly in the back of drawers, which makes this a chance to finally take it out.

The fun is often in the combining. A plain outfit with one wild piece reads as a choice. Add a second and third, and it starts to look like a dare. Gold chains, oversized sunglasses, glitter, animal prints and colors that argue with each other all count. Some people go for full costume. Others settle for socks nobody will see unless they sit down.

Offices, classrooms and friend groups sometimes turn it into a shared thing, with everyone showing up in their brightest gear and a photo at the end. It works well in pairs, too, since two gaudy outfits side by side somehow look more confident than one.

Thrift stores are a reliable source of good material. The racks often hold shirts and jackets in colors and prints that rarely show up in new clothing, and they tend to cost very little.

Ways to celebrate

• Wear the brightest or most patterned piece you already own.
• Mix two prints that clearly do not match.
• Look for a loud shirt or jacket at a thrift store.
• Take a group photo of everyone's gaudiest outfit.
• Add one shiny accessory, like sunglasses or a sequined hat.

Dates

All national days on October 17

Also on October 17

• National Pasta Day
• National Mulligan Day

Categories: Fun days