What's The Dress Code?
What should I wear? The invitation says business attire. The challenge is what to wear for an all-day work-related in-person event. Ideally, something comfortable and professional that makes me confident or at least not self-conscious. Three years ago, this was an easy question. I would wear a neutral, solid suit - no pinstripes. A gray or dark blue suit with a solid-colored white or pale blue shirt and an interesting tie. Never a bright blue suit, which should never be accompanied by brown shoes - this must stop. And no regimental stripe, club, or school tie, especially if you were not in the regiment, a member of the club, or did not attend the school. Alternatively, a seasonally appropriate blazer and tailored trousers, with or without a tie. Speaking of ties, let's also end the suit-without-a-tie practice. If you are going to wear a suit, put on a tie. Never khakis and a blue blazer, you are not going to the dining hall at prep school… unless you are, or going on a picnic, even then…. really, dockers and a blazer- shoot me.
So back to the central question - what is business attire? Is it joggers with a button-down for zoom, known as the hybrid or the Costanza? Gym shorts with a natty pullover? Jeans and a collared casual shirt, athleisure trousers and polo shirt with a jacket, or the dreaded quarter-zip? The options are endless, and depending on your work from home, work from anywhere habits, it may be tricky to produce the right combo of appropriate, comfortable, flattering, and not absurd. And, what about footwear? This may be the most problematic area of all. Again, an easy question three years ago - a pair of black slip-on loafers, or more formal lace-ups, possibly cordovan (not brown) loafers. It could be a pair of Chelsea boots (not suede) or even a good pair of Chukka-style boots. But the white sole comfort business shoe is gross, don't do it. Please dispose of any already in your possession so they don't tempt you in the name of comfort.
What to wear is further complicated by what fits? During Covid, did you go from beefcake to sponge cake or sponge cake to beefcake? It seems like nothing fits, and everything looks dated because, well, it is at least three years old.
We are resetting and updating our work habits (more on that next time); the wardrobe also needs a reset and upgrade to go along with it. I hesitate to wholesale trade out my entire closet; there are plenty of quality staple items and pieces that transcend style fads worth keeping. So start with items that do not fit; if it does not fit, you must acquit. Donate, trade it, or bequeath the good stuff. What does fit needs an honest assessment - is it contributory to your style? Think fit, form, and function. It is best to retain outside counsel for this assessment. A professional or friend with a sense of style that understands yours and can help you cop (keep) or drop.
Lucky for us, Yellow Jacket is hosting a fantastic event this week with designer Sid Mashburn. I, for one, plan to stop in and get to work on my wardrobe reset.
It seems like a lot of men don't know where to start, who to ask, and resort to the lowest common denominator. Guess what? The excuses are over, it is time to step up and give a damn. You will feel better, look better, and perform better. This new era gives us an opportunity for a reset and upgrade, let's not be afraid to show up, get measured, and build a dossier of clothes to look good for 2022 and beyond.
See you at Yellow Jacket to get this 2022-style party started. Oh, and when you get a compliment, just say thank you and appreciate it.
