Men Need Versatility In Wardrobe
Phil Condit, CEO of Boeing, has a dilemma.
Since the airplane manufacturing company went to a system allowing employees to dress casually every day, Condit can’t decide what to wear.
According to an Associated Press story written by Maggie Jackson, Condit sometimes changes his clothes two or three times during the day, depending on whom he’s meeting and where.
Hello? Have we missed the point of casual work attire completely? It is not supposed to make our lives more complicated. Its purpose is to take the emphasis away from the clothes, allowing our focus to rest on individuals and their work. But somewhere along the way, men panicked and turned this innocent-sounding idea into a major problem.
Once upon a time a man’s work wardrobe consisted of two or three dark suits, several white shirts, and a couple of ties. Not much imagination or thought went into these ensembles. They were strictly utilitarian for 9-to-5 businessmen.
Today, men have a variety of roles at work, and their wardrobes need to be more versatile. But many men don’t have a clue about what to wear or when. Here are a few tips on a man’s basic business wardrobe that might help clarify the situation.
Dark wool suit: Every male older than 16 should own at least one good-quality suit. This can be worn to interviews, meetings, weddings, funerals and any other major event. Whether black, navy or charcoal, it’s still the main ingredient of every successful businessman’s wardrobe. It’s the male equivalent of a woman’s “little black dress,” versatile and appropriate almost everywhere.
Besides, most women think men look great in suits. Do you need more of a reason than that to wear one?
Broadcloth or oxford dress shirts: At least one must be white, and the others can be colored. Wear the white shirt with the suit when you need to make a strong statement. At other times they can be worn for dress or casual, depending on the additional elements.
Silk ties: Start with three distinct looks. Try an abstract, a traditional rep and a whimsical print. You can totally change the look of the suit by wearing a different tie each day.
Navy blazer: A classic, casual change from a suit that can be worn with jeans or slacks for a more relaxed look that still carries some authority. It looks professional but not quite as threatening as a suit. Hint: Do not buy one with gold buttons or an embroidered crest on the pocket unless you own a yacht and the Seahawks. Simple is best for work.
Tan slacks: A great alternative to jeans, but be careful about your choice. Stick to Dockers, Slates, or Haggers and leave the REI cargo pants for the weekend. Unless your job description includes leading an African safari, all those pockets will look silly in the office.
Polo shirt: Dressy yet comfortable. Wear this on days you want to relax and get the work done.
Jeans: They are an essential part of our lives. More and more they are being accepted at the office as appropriate, but don’t wear them torn or ripped. Exposing your boxers is not sexy or professional.
Cotton pullover: Softer looking than a jacket but dressier than just a shirt. This says, “I took some time to think about what I’m wearing but I’m still comfortable.”
White T-shirt: A quality, plain cotton T-shirt can look really classy when worn with tan slacks and a blazer. It’s also great with jeans and an oxford shirt. Bypass the ones with clever slogans or raunchy pictures. No one will appreciate your attempt at humor.
A final wardrobe tip: If in doubt, wear a suit.
Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210, or e-mail shanptr@aol.com.