PHOTOS Texas teacher wore the same outfit to picture day for 40 consecutive years

Dale Irby Same Outfit

As an elementary school gym teacher, Dale Irby’s wardrobe consisted primarily of gym shorts, t-shirts and zip-ups. So, when Dale’s first picture day rolled around in 1973, he scrambled to find something appropriate.

Although the unusual garb left him a little flustered, the final outfit selection didn’t make a lasting impact: The very next year, he accidentally wore the same clothes.

“I was so embarrassed when I got the school pictures back that second year and realized I had worn the very same thing as the first year,” said Dale, now 63, in an interview with Dallas News.

Unlike her husband, Cathy Irby saw humor in the situation and dared him to wear the outfit for another year. After accepting the challenge, Dale saw no reason to quit.

“After five pictures, it was like: ‘Why stop?’”

Ultimately, Dale pulled the collared shirt and brown sweater vest out of his closet for 40 picture days.

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Although Dale retired at the end of this year, he left a lasting legacy on the Dallas-area school, which now includes the “Irby Gymnasium.” He also left a lasting legacy on the Internet thanks to his groovy style and willingness to accept a good dare.


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