I like ties. My dad was a management consultant and wore a suit every working day. So, I grew up with the example of “two plains and a fancy”. I teach in a tie where most dress extremely casual. I like what the touch of formality brings to the classroom, but, moreover, I like that mixing and matching can magnify one’s wardrobe. Ties make this much easier.
I think I now have in excess of 50 ties. Teaching for days a week in a 10-week term, this gives me more than enough to not wear the same tie twice in a term. Having a variety of shirts and several colors of slacks allows me to possible go the entire year without wearing the same combination twice. I have never run the numbers on the possible combinations, but, if I am willing to go with some less than perfect combos, the possibilities are quite extensive.
I hope to have some impact on my students’ professional dress. I have a couple of rules:
Have a color scheme. I prefer greens, golds, and blues. The ties I have can go with most any shirt or slacks I have. I call this my “Garanimal” approach—like the children’s clothing. Some term, I will randomly select my combos and see what happens.
Buy classic styles. Don’t fall victim to fashion trends. The classics remain in style long after they begin to wear. Avoid ties that are too fat or too skinny. An old friend once told me that “anyone can be in fashion, but it takes an individual to be in style.” Have your own style.
Buy quality. By clothing that is made to last. With the Garanimal approach, you need fewer items to have an extensive wardrobe.
Avoid items that don’t pair well. Two plains and a fancy is no longer an absolute in men’s fashion, but some things just don’t pair well. I try to avoid printed shirts (e.g., stripes). These often require a plain tie to work well. Plain ties always look the same. Colorful ties, on the other hand, can have many personalities when paired with a variety of shirt colors.
Start small and build. A few shirts and pants can go a long way. Invest is ties that can make the combinations. Consider that 10 ties, two shirts, and two pairs of slacks can create 40 potential combinations.
Have fun. I love the challenge of not wearing the same clothing combinations. It makes getting ready for work less of a chore. (But, I am a bit strange, I suppose.)
Personally, I would like to see traditional business dress return. We are just too casual in the work place. I like to mix it up by challenging the status quo. Care to join me?
Carpe momento!
Image: https://pixabay.com/p-2581203/?no_redirect