Hey Friends,
I'm excited to share with you my recent deep dive into the universe of men's style and dress. It's a journey I've embarked upon, to redefine what it means for me to act like a man and dress like the man I want to be. It's a rollercoaster ride I would love for you to join me on.
Over the last few months, I've given my wardrobe a makeover, all within a modest budget. I've scoured eBay and hunted through vintage and thrift stores, finding hidden gems and unique pieces. My crowning investment was a double-breasted charcoal herringbone suit and two dress shirts, tailored just for me at Enzo Custom in Washington, DC. They're meant for those occasions that call for business professional.
When I first wore my new attire to my workplace, my colleagues were surprised. Ties were a novelty there. One co-worker humorously quipped, "I've never seen anyone wear a tie here. Is your wife dressing you?"
During my sartorial exploration, I've found myself overdressing at times. I want my professional contributions to stand as a testament to quality and conscientiousness However, when it comes to my wardrobe, the goal is somewhat different. I aim to look polished and notable, yet I don't wish to stick out as a glaring exception. A boss in a t-shirt and jeans shouldn't feel threatened by my attire. A new colleague shouldn't feel underdressed by my side.
As Hugo Jacomet and Sonya Glyn wisely put, your style should put others at ease. It's not about wearing a suit and tie in a sea of polos and jeans. It's about striking the right balance. I appreciate this article titled, The Man Behind the Clothes, by Sonya Glyn Nicholson discussing what a modern gentleman is and is not.
I've learned that I can maintain quality without extreme formality. I can wear a well-fitted button-down shirt, with the collar left open, paired with well-tailored trousers, quality leather shoes, and a textured sport jacket or blazer. This type of ensemble would place me among the best-dressed at my workplace, yet without making me overly conspicuous. I really like this conversation between Kirby Allison and Will Whiting about casual bespoke wear.
There are perks to my style experiment. It shows people that I'm putting effort into my appearance, that I take pride in the way I look. It's much like how my department, marketing, sets the first impression for our customers at a trade show, on our website, or in industry magazines.
But let's remember, context is key. An engineering technician has a different role and, therefore, a different dress code. And this is the crux of what I've learned in the last five months: dressing like the man I want to be doesn't mean standing out like a sore thumb. It's about finding that sweet spot on the spectrum of style, where I can be comfortable and authentic, and instill those feelings in those I interact with.
Until next time,
Jason