Professor Spotlight: Dr. Gaddis - A History of Style
Few professors leave an impression quite like Dr. Gaddis in a sea of college classrooms. Known not only for his engaging lectures in History II but also for his signature style, Dr. Gaddis effortlessly blurs the line between academia and artistry with a wardrobe that seems pulled straight from a perfectly curated vintage archive.
Dr. Gaddis’s fashion journey began young. “I've always really liked to dress up, even when I was a little kid,” he said, recalling cowboy hats and raccoon skin caps as childhood staples. But during thrift trips with older friends, he began honing his taste. The music of the ’60s and ’70s led him to the era’s clothes, a connection that remains central to his aesthetic. “True 1960s vintage is still probably my biggest inspiration,” he shared. “Many of my favorite pieces are from that era.”
Though his style has matured over the years, Dr. Gaddis says it’s less about change and more about refinement. “I kind of still have the same taste that I did, but now I better understand fit, silhouette, and how to put outfits together.”
His favorite piece in his wardrobe is “a 1970s Polo corduroy sport coat—it feels totally professorial but also cool, if that’s even possible.” Somehow, on him, it absolutely is. He styles it with ease, pairing it with everything from jeans to vintage fatigues to an Oxford and tie. The look strikes a perfect balance between scholarly and stylish, with just the right amount of laid-back edge.
These days, Dr. Gaddis mostly shops online, favoring vintage finds and timeless brands. He swears by Polo, RRL, and Oliver Spencer, and recommends hidden gems like Spier, Mackay, and Bronson Mfg for students wanting to start building a wardrobe of quality basics. “Bronson makes retro military and workwear clothes—they're especially great for students looking to get started.”
His inspirations span decades and continents: the 1960s counterculture, the tailored Ivy League look, and icons like Miles Davis, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney. He cites Ralph Lauren as a personal hero, praising the way Lauren redefined American style by blending tradition with reinvention. “I’ve talked for years about writing a history of Ralph because there’s always more to say about him.”
When it comes to advice for students still defining their personal style, Dr. Gaddis keeps it grounded: “Start with the basics.” His go-to wardrobe staples—good boots, loafers, a white tee, selvedge denim, and vintage Oxford shirts—are testaments to longevity and quality.
For Dr. Gaddis, fashion is more than just fabric. It’s a philosophy, a way of thinking, a form of storytelling. And like any great story, his style leaves a lasting impression.
