LOOKING GOOD FOR LOTS LESS

– Dress Like A Fortune 500 CEO On A Mailroom Budget

            If there’s one term that describes upper middle class attire in a nutshell, it’s “understated.” The metric here is conservative and restrained in all aspects. Grey, black and beige are the accepted hues. Clothes are moderately cut and styled, no extremes. Tailoring is neither loose and baggy nor tight and taut. But a single pop of color can add excitement, provide contrast and show sophistication.

            Coordinating colors with suits is straightforward and simple. There are severe color constraints on what can be done with suits. For example, a dark, conservative suit that’s black, charcoal or navy blue projects power, authority and expertise. The shirt is white, ivory or a pale blue. A tie that color matches such a suit is certainly acceptable, but the overall effect is dull and uninspiring. However, the same suit paired with a tie in a bright, contrasting color such as red, maroon, yellow, gold or green makes the wearer stand out with style. Both solid and patterned ties work well. A pop of color using only a tie is the best choice when wearing a suit. Everything else, including shirt, belt, socks and shoes, needs to be conservative.

            For sport coat ensembles, there’s a far wider spectrum of acceptable color choices. Starting with the sport coat itself, a variety of colors, patterns and textures are available. Black, grey, beige and blue aren’t the only options. Shades of green, brown, ivory and even white are all OK. Patterns such as hound’s tooth, herringbone, hopsack, checks and plaids are pleasing.

There’s also far more leeway in shirts. Deep, vibrant colors that mirror or contrast with the sport coat may be worn. Pastels are another option, as are shirts with contrasting collars and cuffs. A variety of shirt patterns such as stripes, gingham, tattersall and plaid work well. However, it’s important not to mix shirt, coat and tie patterns that are too close to each other. The same holds true with colors. Go for some contrast. Otherwise, you can look like a vague, monochromatic blob.

With sport coats, more varied tie colors (and patterns) can be worn. Vibrant, eye-popping hues that don’t work with a suit do here. Pants worn with sport coats should also contrast. The object is not to look like a poor man’s version of a suit. A patterned pair of pants (say a bird’s eye, stripe, or hopsack) worn with a camelhair sport coat is natty and elegant.

Last, remember that it’s a single pop of color that is the goal. Too many colors mixed together won’t work. You’ll wind up looking like Bozo the Clown!