As financial professionals, most of us have to wear some variation of The Suit and Tie to work every day. Most of us live in large cities and either walk or rely on public transportation for the daily commute. And while we spend the vast majority of our waking lives in fluorescent-lit, climate-controlled offices, for a few minutes each day, we brave the elements to get to work. Given the unpredictable/often miserable weather in New York, people who wear suits everyday have to deal with commuting in creative ways. Chances are, you’ve adopted some commute-specific wardrobe modifications for the subway and streets. Some general observations after the break:
- Shoes
You spend your hard-earned paycheck on a fresh set of Ferragamo loafers and you don’t want them to get screwed up. Fellow straphangers could step on and scuff them, a morning thunderstorm could soak them, and the pavement in New York City is rough enough to wear down diamonds, let alone a new set of single-soles. So you rock your ratty Nikes under your fresh-pressed Super 150s and don’t think twice about the color contrast between charcoal and neon green.
Try wearing an older pair of dress shoes for your commute, and leave your good shoes under your desk. Your good shoes will not only stay cleaner and scuff-free, but they’ll also last a lot longer.
- Shirt
Some guys are undershirt guys, some guys aren’t. I was always taught that it was a faux pas to allow the outline of your undershirt to be seen (it’s usually pretty obvious, especially in the sleeves), but it beats having pitstains. You can either accept that you will sweat and wear an undershirt to add a layer of protection, or go all-or-nothing and hope that you can make it to the office before your shirt looks like Tom Cruise’s in Tropic Thunder.
If you’re a sweaty guy – and who isn’t in 100 degree weather? – try wearing an undershirt under darker-toned button-ups on hot days. You’ll avoid the “undershirt look” while hopefully staying stain-free. If your workplace is business casual, you should take care to avoid crewneck undershirts, as they’ll show in the neck area.
- Tie
This one’s for the business formal guys. When it’s a billion degrees outside, even a nicely-fitted collar can be restrictive when fully buttoned and wrapped in a tie. So you compromise and leave the top button undone, while your salmon Hermes hangs sloppily off your neck. Some guys tie an excellent knot and can tighten up a tie in moments – perfect dimple, just touching the belt buckle. However, most guys’ re-tightened tie knots end up looking like a college freshman’s work.
If you’re forced to wear a tie, you might as well wear it well. Roll up a tie and pack it in your gym bag, or leave a few at work and knot up in the men’s room.
These observations might be obvious to you, but we've all struggled at some point. Everyone has their own methods when it comes to keeping the office getup fresh. What are yours?
Certain Dri for the sweat problem. Good point with the shoes, but what about if you were going to a meeting? Bring them in a bag/ briefcase and change in the bathroom/ lobby I suppose?
Certain Dri doesn't work for me. I could sweat in the dead cold of winter :(
I just wear a sweat-proof undershirt, lol.
boat shoes are a good move. They don't look too ridiculous like my Nikes.
My office has a gym, so I just wear my gym clothes to work. I keep my suits and a spare shirt and tie in a locker, we each get in the gym, and bring the other stuff I'm going to wear with me in my bag. As for sweat I'm lucky enough to not need an undershirt.
Rain and Business Clothes/Commute to Work (Originally Posted: 02/09/2018)
Female, business professionals, how does rain/snow affect your business casual/business formal attire? Do you bring a second pair of shoes with you during your commute? Where do you store your bulky rain boots? Is this something you find to be irritating? Any thoughts, questions, and concerns would be greatly appreciated!
I can't tell you how jealous I am that your office has a gym haha. That's awesome. Personally, I just keep some extra shirts at my desk in case it is too freaking hot outside and sometimes I'll rock a sneakers or sandals into work as I get in early enough most aren't around.
Hi briannar18, just trying to help:
Or maybe the following WSO members have something to say: RBC sargung1988 yoyo250
Hope that helps.
great approach to fashion tips!
I keep my suits and a spare shirt and tie in a locker, we each get in the gym, and bring the other stuff I'm going to wear with me in my bag. As for sweat I'm lucky enough to not need an undershirt.
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By the way, the shoes and pants in that picture are the exact color and shape you should wear to work.
Bostonian beaters for commute, AE's under desk, no one notices the difference and the Bostonians are comfy almost like sneakers.
Buy collar 1/2 size too big, choking isn't an issue, cinch the tie a bit tighter before meetings (this doesn't work for everyone, shirt sizing is what it is)
Keep spare set of clothes in office in case of storm
I learned all this the hard way through trial and error so do yourself a favor and take the advice on this thread. Honestly, I prefer to come to work in a T-shirt and sweats, I'd be more comfortable, but this is what you have to do. In my next life, I will be French and roll out of bed looking fabulous, and that will be that...or work from home, yeah, that's what I'm going to do.
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