Keir’s Kloset: a guide on how to pull off Mr. Keir’s unmistakable style

Valerie York

Vivian Walbrun (‘17) confidently poses with book in hand, wearing Keir’s inventive, iconic look.

(From left to right) Seniors Leslie Bonilla, Hema Gharia, Vivian Walbrun, Michael Anderson, Becca Yi, Brett Fong, Ananya Rajaraman, Casey Reiner, Rahul Javalagi, and Maclaren Krueger smile with Mr. Keir after surprising him with the best form of flattery.
Becca Yi
(From left to right) Seniors Leslie Bonilla, Hema Gharia, Vivian Walbrun, Michael Anderson, Becca Yi, Brett Fong, Ananya Rajaraman, Casey Reiner, Rahul Javalagi, and Maclaren Krueger smile with Mr. Keir after surprising him with the best form of flattery.

Ever since Mr. Keir’s 2015-2016 fourth block AP US History class created the ‘Dress Like Mr. Keir day,’ buzz of Keir’s distinct and long-established style has reached further into the student body and school staff, starting a fashion revolution. Keir has worked his entire life to perfect his look, but we’re giving you some tips so you can begin to recreate his iconic style.
Simple steps to perfect the “Mr. Keir look”:
1. Start with a basic pair of cargo shorts or pants.
This step is pretty easy for most of the guys out there who probably already own cargo pants or khakis. This choice is a step up from any athletic-material equivalent, but it still provides the casual, comfortable look that we’re going for. Not to mention the pockets, which are probably the most convenient part of this outfit. There is nothing more irritating than attempting to put your phone in your pocket only to find that it’s fake.
For girls trying to perfect this look, either go classic and wear a pair of men’s cargo shorts or pants, or find women’s khaki or cargo pants. You want to try to aim for the light tan color, but apart from that, your options are pretty open.
2. Add a t-shirt, preferably sports-related.
Or if you’re not into sports, then you should reach for one that speaks towards your personality. This is just the lower layer, so this step is yours to hone. But, you do get extra points for a good-humored political t-shirt, and even more is it has a historical context.
3. Layer with a plaid, short sleeved button-down shirt.
However, you can switch it up and wear a long sleeved plaid shirt as well to complement the chilly weather. This layer typically isn’t a flannel shirt, but if that’s all you have available or if it’s what you prefer, then you can switch it up. Leave this layer unbuttoned, or if you want to get more of a professional look, you can button a few up. Ultimately, the plaid adds another tier to your outfit, and you can bring your outfit a step up from just a plain t-shirt, while still giving off a casual vibe.
4. Finish it off with the iconic ‘sock donuts.’
This may seem like a last minute, unimportant step, but this is probably the most important. The socks are what differentiates Keir’s look from any other teacher’s style, and is the most pertinent towards perfecting the look. When asked about his sock donuts, Keir says, “I discovered how awesome they were in third grade, and why change something that works?” Keir also warns that you can only wear sock donuts when wearing shorts and not with full length pants. “Otherwise,” he adds, “it looks silly.”
To create the perfect sock donut, take white mid-calf or ankle socks, and roll the tops down to create a donut shape around your ankle.

You probably already have most of these clothing items, so all you need is some checkpoints and personality to create Mr. Keir’s casual, distinct look. In just four simple steps, you could be one of the most stylish kids in school, mimicking an original BC look.

Vivian Walbrun (‘17) confidently poses with book in hand, wearing Keir’s inventive, iconic look.
Valerie Yurk
Vivian Walbrun (‘17) confidently poses with book in hand, wearing Keir’s inventive, iconic look.