Hi Monkeys,
What are some of the most common fashion mistakes you see in your office on a daily basis? For me, I see guys who's belt is a different shade of brown compared to their shoes. What fashion mistakes do you notice? Maybe some of us are committing some fashion sins yet we don't even know about it.
| +25 | SA Best Dressing Practices | 10 | 2d |
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| +9 | Balancing Professional Image & Workplace Culture in Finance Careers | 1 | 2w |
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| +7 | Wearing a black suit | 12 | 2d |
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Clothes not fitting properly. But honestly the biggest thing I have noticed is guys dress shirts being very wrinkled.
Makes sense to not have time to iron your shirt every morning in this industry. I came across a brand called Mizzen&Main about a year ago that makes dress shirts out of dri-fit material. They never wrinkle and there's no need to take them to a dry cleaner.
True - I get my shirts laundered. Not too bad for less than $2 a shirt
wrinkled shirts is merely poor ironing skills. I think whn it comes to clothes, specially suits and shirts, the biggest problem men make is fitting, Either we don;t really know how an item should properly fit, or we tent to buy cheap clothes, that usually fit like S&$t! I started having my suits and shirts tailor made since i started working as a manager, and it makes a huge difference when it comes to confidence and presenting yourself to a customer.
Stripes and patterns is fine, just hard to pull off. I agree that people don't know how to wear stripes + patterns appropriately, though.
Stripes on stripes is the fucking devil.
Bright colors on shirts. Keep it white or a light blue.
Yea gonna go with fit, although I think a suit being too big is much better than these man bun type guys that try to be connor mcgregor with suits 2 sizes too small, pretty unprofessional for this industry. Also I think guys should more often stick to conservative shirts like others said.
True, Although I do believe a suit should be well-tailored- just not constricting... I love Suit Supply, but I can't stand when the tailor automatically starts chalking the hem of the suit like 3 inches above the ankle when standing. I hate that sh*t.
CLOTHES are a HUMAN CONSTRUCT. Everyone should go NUDE!
CHECK your BIBLE once again. CLOTHES are a HEAVENLY CONSTRUCT, created by the FALLEN ANGEL SATAN to encourage MOLESTATION!
Mismatching accessories ie brown belt and black shoes Belt being several shades of brown off from the brown shoes Untailored shirts that look like you're swimming in them Scuffed/unpolished shoes Big watches that get caught on the cuff
Having your crew neck undershirt showing under a dress shirt with the top button unbuttoned. They made v-necks for a reason....
This 100%!!! I saw 3 people rocking crew neck undershirts under their dress shirts today!?!? Totally unacceptable and preventable.
Not even really sure why someone would need a crew neck undershirt??
Crew neck for when you wear a tie, V-neck for when you leave the top button unbuttoned.
That look was only cool in elementary school, grow up guys!
Maybe it's just me but I find it weird when I see someone wearing a black suit...like haven't you caught on with the other 99% of the crowd with the blue/grey/charcoal suit uniform?
The only time I find this acceptable, is if they are truly old school and also go with a black tie as well. Cannot see anyone younger than 40 being able to pull this off though.
the only time this is acceptable is if you're at a funeral
Or a woman.
There's also that guy from a non target school who works in back office, overdresses for his job, abuses his hair gel and throws on the flashy belt/tie
Do we work together!?
Don't forget the occasional suspenders.
I fucking love the hardo BO GS people hahahahahahaha. "Actually, what separates our firm is that we're just little bit better and smarter than the rest of our competitors."
For me, the biggest fashion mistake is caring too much about your fashion mistakes. Irony, come hither.
Tie knot too big is a pretty egregious one that I see a lot
https://streamable.com/csg1o
Exactly, but theres exception to the rule: only works when you have a spread collar and a half windsor knot
Nope. Incorrect. Tightly-knotted four-in-hand knot only.
Actually, now I think of it, people who tuck the narrow blade of their tie into their shirt or tuck it into the loop on the back end up looking like schoolboys. Just have the back blade swinging free.
Scuffed dress shoes..
striped shirt with a striped tie:
[redacted by mod]
Those used car salesman box set shirt/tie combos.
black shirt with black pants, makes u look like a salesperson in a department store
delete
..
My personal Fashion Pet Peeve at the office: - Brown shoes - Monkstraps and Loafers; stick to Oxford (for anyone who is not above VP level) - Loud ties (go for dark muted colors like navy blue, maroon red, or dark gray) - Pinstripe suit (or Royal Blue Color) - Leather goods with visible brands - Expensive watches - Loose fitting clothes - Clothes with stains - Double breasted suits with gold buttons - Sport vest with suit
Net net, this whole thing is that it is hazing: "senior bankers don't like you dressing like them." The informal rule in the office is that the only guys who can break the dress code, is the ones who "had earned" the right to do so.
At any junior level, you want to focus on looking - well put together: "Clean, Muted and Formal"
You don't want to come across as: - Too fashion forwards - Too loud and showy - Too messy
Are you in London? That's the only place I've heard of that sticks to the "No brown in town" rule. Other than that and loafers, assuming no gaudy gold Ferragamo gancino bits, your list seems pretty spot on. The reasoning makes sense as well.
I'm in London in the City and am wearing brown shoes as we speak, think they go very well with a blue suit. Walking around the City/Canary Wharf, brown shoes are very common and not taboo.
I feel like some of these are exceptions if you're more sr or if its a friday
I would not like to work with you ever. Jesus no brown shoes? No Pinstripe? No expensive watches? Bro fine i'll go with my macy's $100 suit and my seiko calculator watch to make you happy. Get outta here bud.
He's asian lmao.
Sounds like you would fit in with the culture at approximately 0% of NY BBs/EBs.
Bad hair
-anyone who isn't a waiter or a limousine driver wearing a black suit -light brown shoes with a dark suit -french cuff shirt worn with no tie -or the worst...bottom button on a suit done up
^This. Black suits are the absolute worst, second only to bottom button buttoned. Also: Shirts that don't fit, are too blousy/billowy. Get shirts made, or find and stick with an off the rack brand that has a cut that works for you. If you're slim, buy the slim shirt.
fuck bow ties too while im at it unless it's with a tuxedo or a kentucky derby outfit
the biggest mistake is paying too much for clothes. so many kids waste hundreds on shirts by thomas pink, brooks bros, etc., and they still are shaped like a pillow case which isn't flattering to the sinewy narp build of most 22 year olds in finance.
just get shit that's simple and fits. no one should notice your clothes, they should just notice you're dressed well.
Any brands come to mind? Needing to expand my wardrobe and I usually just bite the bullet and get brooks.
check out charles tyrwhitt. I used to wear brooks, but CT fit wayyy better and last just as long (if you have an athletic build). have only bought shirts from them, can't comment on suits. I usually get something inexpensive but good fabric and have it tailored
Females wearing sandles/open toe shoes and either have chipped polish or beat up feet.
Disgusting
Oops, someone has a foot fetish :X
Females should not be wearing sandals or open toed shoes (even peep toe) to the office at all. Next time you see that, send them to Corporette.
Never wear cufflinks at a low wall cubicle. Dark suit, light shoes. Poorly polished shoes. Also, own more than three ties. The worst is the belly button length tie - never see it at the office but at social events.
Could you clarify how exactly are cufflinks related to the cubicle type?
They can become noisy if you are moving your arms around a lot. Higher cubicles it is not an issue.
Everyone saying dark suit light shoes...the walnut strands and navy suit looks amazing together. Wouldn't wear to the office as an analyst tho
Navy I don't consider dark. It is a darker color, yes, but ultimately it is blue. Dark think charcoal gray/black.
In my experience 99% of people won't notice or care what you are wearing nor will it affect your work. However, it never hurts to look put together.
Square toed shoes Ties either too short or the back piece is longer than the front piece Second button on suits Balloon shirt/pants Worn down/beat-up shoes - you aren't expected to wear gold plated horsebit loafers to the office but ultimately we payy you enough to at least look presentable. Stained clothes Poor/improper grooming - while not fashion, effects how the world sees you and like I previously said your main goal is to look presentable.
Pleated pants are no longer ok to wear. Stick to flat front pants. This applies to suits as well.
Shorts at the office.
People often forget; there are definite do's and don'ts of wearing a bold-striped shirt. A bold-striped shirt calls for solid-colored or discreetly patterned suits and ties.
Fashion Flubs (Originally Posted: 03/13/2013)
Was so tired this morning walked out of the apartment with a black belt and brown shoes. Have no idea what to do about it except try to remain at my desk as much as possible to avoid looking like an idiot.
Anyone else experience major fashion flubs during their careers?
+1 for reversible belts
I mess up socks pretty often. Never notice the difference between black and navy until i am out of my apartment.
Ha I can barely tell charcoal pants from navy/dark blue pants. Nevermind the socks...
I find myself color blind all the time, if it is socks I normally just keep walking. Pants I turn around and ask why I didnt open the shades this morning. Apparently women are less color blind than men, and I myself can see colors fine (except when I first wake up)
-1 for reversible belts
ever look at what holds that mechanism together? little fragile pin? yeah, no thanks.
Forgot my belt entirely once! After blousing my shirt out a little to hide it, I literally had to sneak out during a bathroom break and buy a belt ($30!) from the only store in the area that sold them. What a costly mistake...!
at the begining of my internship i didn't pack a belt and we had to introduce ourselves to like 60 people via a microphone was horrible :(
also another flub is showing your t shirt through your shirt
for women it would be when you have your skirt/pants on we can see your underwear outline
saw an analyst who had a wife beater undershirt on and a single ply white shirt, not the best combo.
I've forgotten the belt before and just fluffed my shirt up a little and kept working. Luckily I didn't have to introduce myself or be in any serious meetings that day. I'm sure it was a bigger deal to me than those around me. I'm not even sure if anyone noticed.
As to the underwear through the skirt- if I'm looking closely enough to notice this I'm not disgusted if I see underwear lines. Is this going to change as I become more senior? Doubtful.
Blouse out shirt/keep jacket on.
when you wear a tie do you have to put it though the loop so you can't see the 2nd part?
i thought it was fine to not wear a belt if your suit was tailored (please correct me if im wrong)
If it has loops, wear a belt. Realistically though it doesn't matter at all. Do good work and don't piss anyone off and that is all that matters.
As was said above, if it has belt loops you must wear a belt.
If you get custom, however, the way to go is no loops and internal buttons for suspenders (no clip-ons).
Why on earth would you ever wear a shirt underneath your work shirt? You guys really sweat that much...?
Yes...my white shirts would be yellow
I can't tell if you're kidding man. I don't sweat at all, and I wear an inner shirt, because I thought thats what you did when you're wearing a formal shirt.
Because whether you sweat a lot or not, your body salts will take significant life off your shirts.
Do you work anywhere south of Montreal? How do you not sweat when wearing a suit in August?
I sometimes look like I just got out of the pool -- I just don't know how some people do it.
Dress shirt material is not designed to feel comfortable against bare skin. Also, if you ever have to step outside for more than 5 minutes during a hot day you will sweat. And for lighter colored dress shirts it can look sort of see-through without an undershirt. Also your body's oil/salts are not good for the longevity of the shirt.
Bro, wearing an undershirt prevents my shirt from getting marinated in crusted deodorant and "body salts" (had to use it). Therefore, I can wear the same shirt twice or when I'm really desperate, three times without laundering or making a trip to the asian sweat shop. Furthermore, this enables me to save time by laundering or spending $$$ at the sweat shop once a month. And finally, this allows more time for work, masturbating, or anything else you can conjure up to do with all of this free time that you now have.
Thank me later.
I've forgotten a belt while interviewing before. Actually less of a big deal because you will keep your jacket on (assuming your pants fit and will stay up Also seen a guy think it was "casual" friday on a thursday. Generally people just go no jacket/tie but this guy was wearing a buttondown, sweater and khakis, which was pushing it as is.
Had the same thing happen to me. Lose the belt if it's the wrong color. If your suit is tailored it shouldn't be a big deal, just keep your jacket on as much as possible.
c'mon, grow some balls! don't let a stupid outfit to put you down. I'd wear the same thing running around the whole building, because people will only notice ME. not the outfit. Being special is better than anything
wore some white loafers on my first day once!! The look of my coworkers:Priceless!
That sounds scary, look-wise.
rent-a-swag
Haha I love the avatar for this thread. The larger than necessary suit is fucking awesome. Most everyone has fashion blunders from time to time, it's how you handle it that matters. Being overtly awkward creates a mess, so if you can be self depricating about it it's just funny (for the most part).
I once wore my gf's skirt suit to work after a rough night out and still-tipsy morning. It was pretty embarrassing, but I have good legs so I nearly pulled it off. Basically you just sit at your desk and keep your legs together. Was a bitch trying to use the urinal though . . .
I wore some square toed slip-ons on Tuesday. It was pouring out and I really didn't want to get any good shoes soaked.
This is hilarious
I occasionally grab socks that don't match(each other or my pants) in a hurry. Outside of that, I have not done anything too egregiousness. At least not that I'm away of.
I see lots of square-toed shoe people.
You know how new suits come with the designer's tag on the sleeve and you're supposed to cut it off when you buy them? I didn't know that and wore it to an IBD interview my senior year of college.
People in Korea still do this in a large scale I heard.
A guy in our office shacked at his girl's place the other day, packed his suit n all, but forgot the shoes. Had to throw the white sneakers from his trunk on with a blue suit. Lead to quite a few good jokes throughout the day.
I used to mix up navy vs. black socks so much that I bought one of those ikea drawer organizers so my blue socks are on one side and black is on the other. Mixed up my belt and shoe combo once, felt mortified, no one at the office noticed/cared
I'm 6'4 this shit don't phase me.
Noticed my room mate putting on his belt with the belt buckle on the left instead of the right like he should. Obviously, this is hard to spot, but you have to be careful with such faux-pas when around detail oriented people.
Is he a Kiwi? If so, everything's backwards. Even the toilets, when you flush them, the water spins the opposite way. Really freaks you out the first time you see it.
Bro..... my belt buckle goes on the left. It only says the brand name when I put the buckle on the left. Gotta flash that swag
Can't believe some of you don't sweat wearing dress shirts. Must be all fat and no muscle so your sweatglands are all blocked up.
By the way, my thread coming in HOT. I was able to escape the day with my messed belt, shoe combo.
Everyone's body is different.
I don't sweat a lot, but I sweat easily. Years of athletics and a still-rigorous exercise regimen have kept my body pretty finely tuned, so any core temperature change and I'll break a sweat immediately. I still don't wear undershirts, because frankly, I hate the pillowing effect at the waist. The compromise is that I do need to replace my shirts more frequently. The armpits and collar band yellow over a few months. Oh well, that's a trade I'm willing to make.
Some people don't perspire as much or don't secrete as many oils.
I don't have a problem wearing just the dress shirt. Some materials (even from "good" companies, such as JCrew) annoy the hell out of me and make me feel cold and have cold sweat I guess?
But good shirts that are comfortable but still dress shirts are just fine the way they are. The one thing that makes me sweat when wearing just a shirt is when I wear a suit over it, or summer in NY; but the office was A/C so it was okay for the 10 min I was outside each day.
You guys won't believe this...
My first year on the job I still commuted by car and that winter saw tons of snow, so since I had to step through snow and mud on my way from the parking lot, I (as many others in my team) wore boots on my way to work (though mine were construction-work-suited timberlands) and then put on the shoes I had parked at my desk.
One day I took the shoes home with me after work to shine them for the upcoming christmas party. Come next morning, I go through my routine of putting on my boots, getting in the car and driving to work, only to not find any shoes at my desk after getting there :-( The day was packed with work, so the option to return home and get them was off the table. With lunch break cut short due to the approaching deadline I realized I'll have a problem, so I tried to churn out work like a mad-man. "Damn, I gotta finish this and go get my shoes before I get to the venue".
But with the usual 10s of edits and re-arranging of charts and lines, my hopes were crushed. After sending off our stuff way into the start of the party, my team finally made it's way over to the venue and they made sure I came with them: "You're not getting out of this."
Arriving at the precise moment the CEO closed his speech, I open the door. Everyone silent, me in suit and boots, looking like I wanted to storm the place. Being well positioned to be first in line for the buffet (which the CEO opened right then) only offered a slight relieve...
Fairly unexpectedly (at the time), I had a high number of conversations with all kinds of senior guys throughout the evening, who just came over and started talking to me... None of them said anything, but they all had a weird smile on their face every now and then.
Wrinkle clothes.
Crazy clothing (Originally Posted: 03/12/2011)
I just saw a comerical for pants called "pajama jeans" basicly they were like yoga pant material but made to look like dennim jeans. "They are so comfortable you will live in them"
I litterly wanted to pull a Bateman and hack my tv into pieces with an ax upon seeing this comerical.
yeah. My ex had some from a different company, they're not innovative. They're called "jeggings"
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