It’s Tuesday afternoon and you find yourself staring across the sea of desks into the executive suites. The cherry-top desks, leather-backed chairs, and landscape window overlooking the river and the Arch are the envy of your future. You see the Vice President of Accounting poised in the corner of the office. He’s dressed fantastically, like he stepped out of a magazine. That’s when you look down.
You’re wearing faded khakis, no tie, an odd-patterned shirt, tired brown shoes, and a suede belt with visible scratches from the buckle. Of course, you’d never shame your office attire by wearing anything like cargo shorts (place those on the banned list), but your attire of today doesn’t fit your aspirations of tomorrow. If you want that corner office suite, it’s time to dress for the job you want, not the job you already have.
Shoes
Your shoes are the very foundation of your day. The right pair of shoes can make or break an impression with your boss or client. Place these footwear types on the “never wear in the office” list:
- Sandals of any type – Maybe in L.A., but this is St. Louis. Closed-toe shoes.
- Bootshoes – These may be appropriate for a Saturday morning by the river, but never in the office space.
- Tennis or athletic shoes – Reserve those for kicking around Forest Park or Busch.
- Crocs – Not ever.
- Vibrams – You know these better as the five-toe running shoes. Again, these should be banned from any foot.
A gentleman should own at least two pairs of shoes that may be acceptable in the office: a pair of Allen Edmonds Oxfords, preferably black in color, to compliment your suit of choice, and a slightly less formal brown dress shoes, maybe suede.
Socks
White socks simply should not exist in the office space. Relegate them to the athletic shoes-only situations and never with any dress shoes or sandals (you know who you are). Investing in a beautiful pair of cotton-base dress socks to match variations of your office attire can help your shoes shine when the bottom of your pant cuff rides.
Pants
Some industries, such as creative designers, can get away with a nice pair of dark jeans. Not you. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to dress seriously. Leave the jeans and your beloved khakis for after hours and the weekend. Investing in a tailored suit will pay off in years of accolades and use.
Belt
Your belt is what holds your attire in place. Invest in a series of quality single-color belts by Martin Dingman supplied by Savile Row. It’s time to trash the reversible belt and get a leather belt that any gentleman would want to own.
Shirt
The value of a custom-fit shirt allows your shoulders to square properly, your neck to rest comfortably, and your torso to feel relaxed in the beauty of Sea Island Cotton. Get rid of the three-in-a-pack dress shirts or the shirt-and-tie discount. The right shirt paired with an exceptional mid-width tie can create a wow-impression for your future executive colleagues.
Tie
“Do I need to wear a tie?” Are in finance, business, medical, legal, or simply want to stand out from your colleagues while making a great impression? Invest in a tie collection that would make your SVP green with their own envy.
Jacket
It’s St. Louis. There will be plenty of days outside of June through August where you will want a jacket to complement your attire that matches the Midwest weather. A jacket serves a very different purpose than a winter coat; don’t confuse the two. Whether it’s a sports coat or a suit jacket, your outerwear can be an integral part in completing your attire.
Redress your future at Savile Row
At Savile Row, we make no apologies for helping gentlemen dress for a ‘wow’ impression. The value of a custom clothier can help redirect your corporate trajectory. When it comes to your next promotion, you want a wardrobe that shows your exceptional taste. Thankfully, that’s been Savile Row’s business for over 30 years.
Let us help you redress your future and make an appointment today!
Recent Comments