Most of us have heard about peacocking: the idea of wearing an outrageous outfit or set of accessories to get a girl to notice you at a bar.

Traditionally, peacocking might mean wearing black nail polish or goggles or Matrix-style trench coats to get attention.

I’ve even seen dudes dress up in full-on costumes in a lame effort to stand out from the crowd.

They stand out from the crowd, all right.

That method of peacocking might work for some people but for the most part, it’s absolutely ridiculous and makes you look like an idiot more than it gets you laid.

Go for Subtlety

Less is more. The only way I’ve ever peacocked that’s worked has been to wear one thing that’s subtle.

If a girl wants to talk to you and you’re wearing a $20 Swatch watch, she’ll say, “Oh my god! I love your watch…”

This is often her way of communicating, “I think you’re awesome, I want to talk to you.”

And even if she really did just want to compliment you on your watch, you at least have her 1-on-1 attention to win her over.

Subtle peacocking doesn’t scream, “Look at me!” It gives a woman a reason to initiate conversation with you without looking like a slut in front of her friends.

I had a friend who, for an entire year, wore a bright purple fuzzy hat every night. All his buddies gave him shit, but he’d walk into a bar and within a matter of minutes some girl would come up to him and say, “Oh, I love your hat!” She’d start touching it. They’d start talking. And as soon as she put the hat on, he knew who he was taking home that night.

By the way, if a chick takes your clothes, you know she’s into you. It’s a very personal act to put on another person’s clothes. If she puts on your jacket, your sunglasses, your hat, whatever, it’s a sign you’re on the right track.

Pick Your Peacock Poison

I got a pin from my buddy that’s a “Fun Meter.”

On the meter, there are three options: Having an OK Time, Having Fun, and AWESOME! I’d put the pin on, set it to whichever dial I felt like, and start talking to people.

I can’t tell you how many women have walked up to me to play with my Fun Meter.

But before you run out to buy a Fun Meter pin or a purple fuzzy hat, remember that your subtle peacock piece has to match your personality.

If you’re the mysterious, brooding type, a Fun Meter is not going to work for you.

Pick something that feels right that you think will invite girls to come talk to you, and then try it out. Some things will work, others won’t.

The Lesson: Peacocking for the sake of peacocking is a waste of time and it makes you look ridiculous. Go for subtlety with the intention of extending an invitation for girls to come talk to you and you’ll see results – if you’re doing everything else right [LINK: The Secret to Being a Social Beast].