---
title: "The Match Set: Twin Symbols of Status"
description: "An iconic high school jacket and a totem of middle-age."
date: "2015-11-12"
modified: "2015-11-12"
authors:
  - name: "Ben Keeshin"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/ben-keeshin"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/gear-up/875/the-match-set-twin-symbols-of-status"
categories:
  - "News"
---

# The Match Set: Twin Symbols of Status

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/archive-images/twofer_111215_pendletonjacket_art_tn_0.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

![twofer\_111215\_pendletonjacket\_art.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/twofer_111215_pendletonjacket_art.jpg>)
**Roots X Pendleton**

What good is an accomplishment if no one knows about it? Is one supposed to bask only in self-satisfaction, be edified only by a quiet pride? No. Heavens, no. Human achievement should be rewarded with public praise, bombastic announcements and, if feasible, a ticker-tape parade. Or, on a smaller scale, might we recommend a status symbol?

Like, say, a Varsity Jacket—sartorial shorthand for who’s coordinated and cool in high school. A Varsity Jacket marks a jock, and also serves as a transferable trophy and light bribe in the profound world of teenage dating. Chad has a Varsity Jacket, so he’s cool. Minnie’s dad is a successful Outback Steakhouse franchisee, so she’s rich, and pretty, too. If they date, Minnie can wear Chad’s jacket, and compound her coolness, while Chad can smirk with pride at his popular girlfriend wearing the token he earned with his athleticism. This [Roots X Pendleton Varsity Jacket](<https://www.roots.com/us/en/mens-pendleton-varsity-19010064.html>) recalls that fun juvenile caste system, with an awesome, Navajo-esque geometric weave from the 150 year-old, Oregon-based wool mill.

![twofer\_111215\_astonmartinv8\_art.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/twofer_111215_astonmartinv8_art.jpg>)
**gullwing motors**

Or, say your tastes for public admiration run older. You’ve gotten a big promotion, a new hairpiece, or a divorce. Why not cap things off with the a classic Flashy Red Convertible, perfect for driving the babysitter home in while making her uncomfortable with your blue humor. This [1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante](<https://www.gullwingmotor.com/Vehicle/location-Astoria-New_York-vehiclesforsale/108323/1980-Aston-Martin-V8-Volante.aspx>) is one of the marque’s most handsome and aggressive shapes and its burly V8, replete with shouty exhaust, should be able to put miles and miles between you and your fears of mediocrity.

## Author
Ben Keeshin is a former staff writer for Maxim, and before that, contributed writing to the digital sides of Road & Track and Vanity Fair.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/BnKshn>)