The Decline of the Tie
I've been revisiting Wall Street archives from the '90s and '00s this weekend, and one unmistakable trend stands out in all of the interviews: the omnipresence of ties, which look absolutely stunning. Each tie is unique, with many boasting Hermes designs. The variety in patterns and colors seems to reflect the wearer's personality vividly. From vibrant ties worn by charismatic individuals to the understated blue ties chosen by more reserved interviewees, ties serve as a personal statement of style.
So I’m curious and I’m going to ask, and I know we're not exactly in the realm of fashion, but how did we allow such a quintessential element of our daily attire to gradually disappear?
Time, efficiency, post-covid focus on comfort over looks
This industry was so much better pre-covid. Everyone made an effort to look the part and dress for the job that they want rather than the job they have. Now Derek (23M, FO Coverage, Zoom Graduate) refuses to come into the office on a Tuesday and when he does he’s wearing comfort-line oxfords with white foam and a fucking stained quarter zip. Our bonuses were destroyed post-GFC. Our appearances were destroyed post-Covid.
Bro def edges to old money tiktoks
Last I checked the quality of service delivered to clients isn’t determined by what brand the advisory team is wearing or whether they choose to wear a tie. As long as you present well to clients and dress for occasions why does it matter what people wear when they move pictures around on a slideshow? Now the compensation argument has some basis as there is a decline in that regard but wouldn’t you rather be comfortable when you work?
Just went to a conference last week. Not a tie in sight and many sporty dress shoes. It was San Francisco so I’ll chalk it up to tech bankers but still. Allen Edmonds dress sneakers are ugly as sin.
i detest the sneaker + suit combination. get some loafers or something at least
Who needs a tie these days? Other than an executive
As someone who started in the 1990s, I like this discussion thread. I can tell you that some of us still hold on to remnants of the prior mindset, although a bit less relaxed.
During the 1980s, they had almost a militant approach... Visiting my father's office in the 1980s, I remember a few notable examples (e.g. "Suit jacket must be within three paces of your desk, if removed." and a banker being told to "Find a razor by noon, or don't come back.")
During the 1990s, Gen X entered finance and held on to earlier views, but adopted a slightly more relaxed approach. Suits were still expected, however.
During early-mid 2000s, it started to relax a lot, mostly due to Millennials entering the workforce.
Millennials (around the GFC) were likely the group who started with the relaxed attire, as I can't really remember seeing any of the no-tie, khakis, polos, or Patagonia vests, before Millennials.
As I see it, the "Midtown Uniform" as we know it today, was largely a product of the Millennial generation, as it didn't exist when I started.
Remember, Millennials were once viewed almost the same as Gen Z is viewed nowadays.
Each generation has added to the casual nature, but the most notable shift began with Millennials around the GFC era.
Memories, ah yes, the memories... lol
people stopped wearing ties well before covid
suit sans tie has been the dominant IB look for interns even since like 2017 / hell even for many client meetings
agree the shoe game is terrible right now / and so many ugly quarter zips on 22 year old analysts
Are you referring to Patagonia as I too hate their quarter zips
We still exist, though I can only think of a few other funds that wear ties.
Brookfield is one of the few
I wear a tie once a week still and I do not mind it as I wore one growing up for school. However, I do not expect to wear the tie much longer.
Takes 30 seconds to tie a tie.
Wear it, stand out.
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