Find Your Footing
No. 35
Welcome to Style / Substance, a bi-weekly newsletter about personal style and confidence, the business and psychology of fashion, with features on outfit ideas, product, and brand recommendations - all to make your life easier and to ensure you present your best self. You can subscribe here, follow me on Instagram at @LauraKSawyier and subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Thank you!
To wear a tie, or to not wear a tie? To wear drawstring pants (to work), or to not wear drawstring pants? These are the fashion conundrums that are cropping up lately with men's fashion.
These quandaries deliver poles and variety to the sartorial menswear buffet and prompt us to pause. The fact that G7 leaders went sans-ties for a photo op (though not effectively as they were reminiscent of boarding school boys on graduation day, ready to burn their uniformed neckwear and step into the big bad world) has stacked up against executives drenched in designer garb (some emblazoned with logos and graphics - even a lizard motif - with others more subtle choices of luxe materials) at Sun Valley this summer makes for ample examples of these extremes.
But what’s up with all these shifts and new options for men’s fashion? Let’s thank the pandemic, yet again, for this opportunity to evaluate our fashion foothold.
All the rethinking, reevaluation of your lifestyle, leaning into comfort, and exploring your priorities and personal expression are beginning to penetrate your autopilot dressing. “Some executives now, though, have embraced the idea that sharpening one’s personal brand is as important as maintaining their company’s stock price,” according to a recent WSJ article. But this new approach to dressing isn’t exclusive to executives. It’s for all men, and it’s a good thing.
These bookend-style moments make space for everything in between, allowing more variety to enter your closet, ergo giving you the license to become more creative with your personal style.
The same old "uniform" and go-to styles may work for some, but there are more options for men in clothing and accessories these days. And, kudos to the style press covering politicians to private equity dudes; these choices can impact how you get dressed with more intent and emphasis than simply dusting off that suit or throwing on that worn-out t-shirt and walking out the door. Plus, it makes you perform better – it’s also of the times.
Men can't get away with the monotony of an off-the-rack sports jacket that hides everything or ill-fitting jeans anymore. We live in a visual society, and caring about what you're wearing or how it fits doesn't make you vain. Thinking outside the box a little - or a lot, if you can pull it off - can definitely lead you to feel and think differently. Just own it; finding your footing has to start somewhere. In time, you'll be able to add context to these decisions for a seamless balance between the new styling "rules" and your unique situations.
A male client recently asked me how to approach dressing appropriately (he enjoys suits and Italian shoes when working in an office setting) when meeting with food growers he works with. Knowing that you have to be thoughtful in these scenarios, he couldn’t show up on a farm in a suit and loafers and bank on being taken seriously by men who are wearing muck boots and Carhartt (and not in the ironic, hipster way). This goes both ways.
Going too far to dress like where you’re going is ripe to make you look like a clown if it’s not your jam, and worse so, be interpreted as disingenuous. For my client and those who love the suited-up look, opt for well-fit jeans, a leather boot, and a polo or a more casual button-up shirt in this situation. And for the agricultural owner-operator, when you’re in an off-site business meeting, a neat shirt and pressed slacks can be subtle and agreeable.
You might be thinking, “who cares?” But everyone does on some level, whether conscious or subconscious. Being conscientious about your clothing and who you’re engaging with is a layer required for achieving guaranteed success in the relationship - business and personal alike.
Strike a balance, read the room or your schedule for the day ahead, and communicate about clothing beforehand, if necessary, like you would a meeting agenda, for goodness sake. This will save you a lot of time and energy. BTW, these re-styling considerations aren’t mutually exclusive to men, either ;)
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Picklers, Are You Mini Court Ready?
According to a recent New Yorker article, “During the pandemic, more than a million Americans began playing it [pickleball], bringing the total to around five million.” Well, make it five million and one because I’m hooked. Aside from my highly competitive nature and determination to win every match, it’s a great social activity with friends. Friends who can handle receiving and dishing back some smack talk are welcome to join me on the court anytime!
Summer isn’t over yet, so keep picking up your paddle and stay well-dressed and geared up for your next match. And haters don’t hate (or be a dink), there’s something for all racquet-loving sports below.
Shop Pickle Picks
Nike Court Dri-Fit Slam Tank, Women’s (on sale)
Nike Court Dri-Fit Slam Skirt, Women’s (on sale)
Mark & Graham Sporty Pickleball Bag (personalize)
What People Are Saying
Interested in working with me? Let’s chat! Reply to this email or send me a note: laura@lauraksawyier.com
3 Clothing Items Men Should Purge Immediately
Closet Audit
Wrap up summer by getting rid of the dead weight in your wardrobe. Here are three (well, technically four) necessary items to remove from your closet and drawers immediately.