As an Indiana Wardrobe Stylist, I like to keep up with all of the latest news and fashion. We receive The New York Times at our house, and when time allows, I like to read it – especially the Style section, ads, and other stories. There was an article in there recently written by a male reporter who was investigating how men were dressing in the Wall Street area of Manhattan. Many of these companies are bringing people into the office again; although I guess it’s not every day. For many, they work three days a week. Sounds lovely to me!
Anyway, this reporter hung out in one of the popular enormous buildings in the city and just reported what he saw, and asked some questions as well. It’s not a surprise at all, very few men were wearing ties and full suits. Those that were wearing ties were asked – why? It was a “meeting” day. That makes sense. It seemed there was little to really make anyone stand out in the sea of workers.
Many men had on dress shirts, leather belts, dresses, and more stretchy pants. The typical shoes although some were in dressy sneakers. This intel is exactly what I observed in London last spring when it seemed all the world was just starting to return to the office.
Indiana Wardrobe Stylist Advice for a More Stylish Look
My opinion on this — It makes me happy that we’ve turned the corner and left sweatshirts, athleisure pants, etc., behind us. As an Indiana Wardrobe Stylist, I hope we never see it again in everyday workwear.
But of course, we can improve our looks so much more beyond dress shirts and comfortable pants. Here are some ways, men, to step up your work style. I work with many men to make their look more up-to-date, stylish and put together. Let your Indiana Wardrobe Stylist know if you need some help!
- Do follow the trends to start wearing some nice-quality work clothes such as fitted shirts, good quality pants, and shoes. While this sounds very simple, it’s key that your clothing fits. This is not always easy — especially for many of the men your Indiana Wardrobe Stylist works with. There are many more options now with shirts in different cuts and custom shirts — that are not as expensive as you would think.
- Consider adding some investment layers. This can mean a sport coat in a fitted knit, wool, etc. The third layers are what will set you apart from the other men who always wear the zip cardigan. Caution: Don’t be the person who thinks you can wear a suit coat as a sport coat. Most of the time it doesn’t work.
- Some other third-layer options are a leather or suede jacket in brown, a cotton bomber jacket that’s fitted and even some barn jackets are great, especially for a more casual office.
- Shoes are important. As an Indiana Wardrobe Stylist, I consider them investment pieces in your wardrobe; so it goes without saying to buy leather and good quality materials. Don’t be afraid to re-sole the shoes once they wear. It’s a great way to wear your investment pieces for many years.
- Pants have certainly changed, and there are more options available than ever before. Of course, make sure they are the right length, and coordinating–not necessarily matching– your socks with your pants, not your shoes.
- To make a fashion statement or stand out from the crowd, consider pants with a small pattern or texture such as navy pinstripe, plaid, or even tweed.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC
Indiana Wardrobe Stylist
