Is Classic Style Still Accepted at the Office?
Hello everyone,
To put it simply, I'm a very old-fashioned person and that extends to my wardrobe. I enjoy a very classic wardrobe including double-breasted suits, patterned neckties, striped shirts, french cuffs, et cetera; and if possible I'd like to wear my authentic classic style every day at the office. In recent years, however, I've noticed that the dominant style in high finance has shifted away from the classic suit-and-tie everyday dress code and that more people prefer simple vests and plain button-down shirts. I'm still in college and I've yet to obtain any high-level work experience in finance, so I'd like to ask those who are in that environment. Would showing up every day looking like I walked out of the 1980s or the 1940s be considered a "bad cultural fit?"
Thank you for your advice,
Bradley
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about classic style in the office:
Cultural and Psychological Impact:
Perception of Competence:
Industry Expectations:
Regional Variations:
Balance and Flexibility:
Client Perception:
In summary, while the finance industry has seen a shift towards more casual dress codes, maintaining a classic style is still respected and can be advantageous, especially in client-facing roles. It’s essential to gauge the specific culture of the firm and region you are in to ensure you strike the right balance.
Sources: Casualisation of Office Dress Codes, What are your thoughts on changing dress code?, I believe in dressing for success…But how?, What is the point of wearing a suit for a job that requires you to be on the phone only?, Worst aspect of finance fashion?
Bradley - lots of things to say but since you're not even in finance yet, I'll just generally say that dressing "classic" style will probably not be the norm. Maybe some roles that are extremely client-facing, like every day meeting with a HNW individual or company, would entail you to wear suits daily. However, for the most part, you'll find finance crowd goes on side of simpler button down, slacks, dress shoes/allbirds-esque. Colleagues your own age will definitely make a mental note if you're wearing double-breasted pin stripe suits every day and may impact those relationships as its kind of... hardo. People gravitate to others who are relatable, and by dressing up (even without malicious intent/pride as the factor), you are somewhat signaling that you are more esteemed. That's just IMO so take it as you will.
At the end of the day two things matter:
1) You want people to remember you for quality, work output, and intelligence as opposed to "the guy with the double-breasted suit when it's 90 degrees outside"
2) If you're in a high work-hours environment, very quickly you will realize that it's best to dress for comfort and not for style. When you're just trying to survive the workday, dressing for fashion is a low priority.
If it's any solace, I will say some people do wear double breasted suit jackets (like warm/wool ones) in the winter time in NYC. But that usually comes off once you're out of the cold.
Brad - Don't forget your stogie & top hat.
Up, up and away,
Assoc. 3
maybe not double breasted but no one is giving you shit abt a suit
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