Your Style: Andrew Stehr

Motto:"My outfits represent single issues in an online ongoing comics series."

On any given day at the Rochester Public Library, one might see someone whose style is inspired by a superhero or even Willy Wonka. That someone would be Andrew Stehr, circulation services manager.

"I'm pretty much from Rochester," said Stehr, who is interested in literature as well as colorful characters from the big screen and rock music stage.

"I went to Hoover, then Kellogg, then John Marshall," Stehr said. "I have a B.A. in creative writing from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.

"I was hired by the Rochester Public Library within a year of graduating in August of 2000. I started as a library assistant," he said.

Outside of his time spent at the library, Stehr says, "My biggest community interest is Mystery Beer night at Whistle Binkies on the Lake Monday nights. I'm pretty much there every week."

How would you characterize your style?

Geek chic!

What is behind your style?

Mostly wanting to show my personality through my wardrobe.

Has your style changed with your stages in life?

Definitely, as I get older, I inject more personality into what I wear.

Inspirations?

Eighty-three and seventeen (83.17) percent of all my outfits are based on superheroes, supervillains and the Doctor from "Doctor Who."

Are there fashion icons, past or present, you admire?

David Bowie. And I'm particularly fond of purple, green and question marks, so Frank Gorshin (the actor who played the Riddler in the television series "Batman").


Literary figures who have contributed to your style?

As far as literary figures, the maintenance guys say I dress like Willy Wonka.

Do you see your wardrobe representing chapters in a novel or as short stories?

I'd say my outfits represent single issues in an online ongoing comics series.

How do you see your wardrobe changing in the future? What do you envision your style to be in next decade or phases of your life?

I think the future holds more patterns, more colors and vests. I don't currently have any vests, and I think I'd like to give them another shot.

Does your style reflect your professional role?

No. I'd say my style sometimes tiptoes up to the very edge of professional.

Do you hope to impart any particular messages through your style?

I hope I brighten people's day. At the very least, people can have fun guessing who I based my outfit on.

Thing in your wardrobe that "say" you or could be considered trademark pieces?

Bow ties and my purple blazers.

How does your professional style differ from your casual attire or look?

At work, I'm usually wearing a button-down shirt and a tie. My casual attire is more T-shirt and jeans.

What are the most essential components in your wardrobe?

Color! Then comfort.

What should every well-dressed man have in his wardrobe?

Something that says something about who he is as a person — something that sets him apart from everyone else.

What are your favorite accessories?

Though I only use it for my Seventh Doctor (from Doctor Who) cosplay — by that I mean dressing up like your favorite character from a book, TV series, movie or comic book — my favorite accessory is my question mark handled umbrella.

Do you have a coveted sentimental piece?

I have a Superman watch the English Department of SMSU gave to me when I graduated.

Is there something in your wardrobe people would find surprising?

My wardrobe seems to regularly surprise and confound people.

Do you believe Rochester has a style, either traditionally or today?

Yes, I'd say Rochester has a conservative style. And I'd say my style has evolved to break away from Rochester's style.

Parting thoughts?

As far as advice, I'd say like your wardrobe. Tell the world a little about who you are as a person.

Anne Murphy is a Rochester freelance writer who has been a professional journalist for more than 30 years.

Do you know somebody who's got special style? Send nominations to life@postbulletin.com or call Life section editor Jeff Pieters at 507-285-7748.