What is up GENS!
I always grew up thinking that you needed to dress for the job you want. This is true to a certain extent but there comes a point where you wonder “what’s the point?”
I’ve worked in a variety of mixed smart casual, business formal and uniform environments and although yes, a suit will make you look more boss, more often than not it may make you look more formal. Formalities are huge barriers to collaborating and doing business.
I think formalities and formal attire are a dying breed in business. Think about it, almost every startup fits the hoodie, jeans, “you do you” attire. Piercings and tattoos - things that would have gotten you fired 20 years ago is something so common.
I rock a solid v-neck, a ripped pair of jeans so you can see my tattoos and combat boots I use to kick a$$ in my day! Don’t get me wrong, every now and again I like to don on a blazer, maybe even a tie and attempt to pull off the Ellen Degeneres look. I just like the option. Thus, without further ado, here are the staples in my wardrobe that help me take on my crazy days.
1) Dark Wash/Black Skinny Jeans
You always need to start your wardrobe with a staple that you work the rest of your outfit around. Dark wash/black jeans are the easiest things to work around and will ultimately make you look great! Worst case scenario - you wear black on black and people think you look extra slim and/or artistic that day xD
2) V- Neck / Subtle Typography Crew Neck/ Subtle Print Tee
I love my v-necks. They look awesome, sleek, clean cut and edgey (pun intended on that one). You can never go wrong with a v-neck as they go with everything and they mean that you care about other things. Less interested in fashion and more interested in getting the job done! I also love subtle typography shirts - they act as motivators, add some colour to the outfit and also tell people you mean business. Lastly, I'm a sucker for print t-shirts, especially for subtle ones. Hand me out in a plaid pocket puncher and I'm stoked.
3) Combat boots and Fresh Kicks
If I haven’t mentioned it before - I love combat boots (or a solid pair of kicks). How do I love combat boots? Let me count the ways! But in all seriousness, they look boss and they make me feel like I’m ready to kick a$$ and “combat” my day. It’s basically a super stylish version of workboots and work boots are a precursor to work, which means I’m ready to hustle when I’m in them.
From there you can basically dress it up or down as you want. Going to a semi-casual/smart casual meeting, add a blazer or sports jacket. Running errands? Solid leather jacket or hoodie and a beanie. Add a button down overtop instead and roll up the sleeves, whatever you want. These are just a few of the items I wear in my day to help me tackle it. Hope that works out for you too GENS!
Happy Hustling!
Totally agree. I’m way more productive when I wear clothes I’m comfortable in. When I dress up for work I’m just counting the hours till I can go home and change into sweat pants. It makes me feel inauthentic.
This is actually pretty interesting. Who would’ve known this is the way to dress for business these days as opposed to the old boring suit and tie?