That might seem to be an overly harsh statement, yet that is a harsh reality. Your closet is a graveyard of fast-fashion mistakes and conference swag. It is an urgent situation and it needs to be addressed immediately. You are wasting too much money trying to figure out who you are and how you look.
You should not waste your money on disposable items and invest in real pieces that would serve you for years. Imagine a portfolio of investments – you would never throw money at some memes, would you? So, why are you buying disposable blazers? Think of your wardrobe long-term – The Big Ten, here we come.
These ten pieces would bring you from your current middle-management struggle to a comfortable corner office. They do need some investment, however, the math of cost per wear is really easy once you do it properly. And remember – the quality is a best hedge against inflation.
First, you need a suit. A navy blue suit with a notch lapel is perfect for weddings, funerals and, most importantly, that random Tuesday when the CEO decides to drop by your floor.
Go for Super 110s wool – any higher percentage wrinlles if you just look at it. Ring Jacket or 1818 by Brooks Brothers suits you perfectly. No to skinny lapels – they look dated.
Now comes the watch. Don’t even think about buying a watch from some mall kiosk. You need to show people that you understand the legacy of this watch.
Tudor Black Bay 58 is currently the perfect one. It has enough history for watch nerds, yet is still not too fancy for someone to mug you in the subway. Vintage Omega Seamaster is another excellent choice. The key point here is that it fits under your cuff.
We got to footwear now. Your current shoes are making you feel embarrassed – they need to go. What you need is Goodyear welted cap-toe Oxfords.
Classic American choice would be Allen Edmonds Park Avenues, while in Europe you would prefer Carmina. These shoes will stay with you for a couple decades or even more because they can be resoled three to four times during your tenure. Even better, after a few years they develop patina which makes them look even better.
It is time for a change of denim now. Distressed skinny jeans do not suit an adult with 401k.
Raw selvedge from A.P.C. or 3sixteen are what you need. The jeans would be initially stiff and dark thus giving them a sharp look. However, with time, they would fade to precisely reflect your life. That is your wearable history.
Outerwear requires some changes as well. Nothing would beat a Barbour Bedale wax jacket because of its functionality. Rains, winds, looking rugged in a vineyard – these jackets do all of this. They are never out of fashion and you can re-wax them yourself to make them last for years.
Now comes grey crewneck sweater. That is a Swiss army knife of casual wear.
Merino or cashmere from Vince or John Smedley is what you need. You can use it either as a top layer over a t-shirt or under your blazer. It gives the impression of control even if there is none. And everybody needs that in their wardrobe.
The sunglasses are non-negotiable. No gas station sunglasses anymore.
Persol 649 or Ray-Ban Wayfarers are classics because of that. They fit almost all faces and are not too fancy. On top of that, they have polarized lenses which means that they provide you with some protection for your eyes – that is the only medical advice that I am qualified to give you.
The bag is crucial. A backpack is a no-go.
Leather briefcase from Filson or Frank Clegg is both functional and durable. It develops patina which tells everybody about the deals closed. It shows that you take care about organization and business. Or at least pretend to be one.
The white dress shirt is the final piece. And it has to be crisp.
That is the place where you need to get measured – Proper Cloth. Collar gap is the silent killer of professional look while non-iron fabric is the lifeline in case of 6 AM flights. Keep it pristine because nothing kills an outfit quicker than a dingy collar.
There we have it. Ten pieces. And that is all you need to build an entire decade worth of confident outfits.
So, let’s put aside the fast fashion racks at Zara and save up. Buy yourself one piece at a time and build your uniform. You will save on morning decisions and get that promotion you deserve.