Send casual Friday down the laundry chute
July 14, 2011 5:32 PM Subscribe
I just started consulting. I wore suits all week. The workplace dress code is on the casual end of business casual. But I want to wear suits! Can I?
I'm on a 6-month contract where I'll be onsite all week, so my colleagues at the client site will see me daily.
Suits make me feel good. I feel like I’m there to Get Things Done - and I honestly feel like I'm more focused when I dress the part. So far I've felt more focused on how this is helping my career, not how soon I can get out of there and get paid. A suit also helps me not feel “too young” - I'm younger than 90% of the people at the client site, and in previous jobs I have fallen into the trap of being too deferential and underestimating how much I bring to the table. As long as these effects keep up, I want to stick with the suits. I don’t even want to drop down to tie but no jacket or vice versa - I want it all. But someone has already mentioned “you don’t have to wear a suit every day.” So how to navigate this without being that guy who's always overdressed? On one hand, I’m a consultant - I think it’s typical to dress up around clients, so my dressing up every single day would be normal in a way. And it's not like I wear it like armor - I take the jacket off sometimes, though I usually leave it on. On the other hand, the other consultants are mostly more casual than me (the one who wore suits all week came in casual today - so much for not being the only one).
I’m worried that I’ll look like that hipster who never goes anywhere without his hat. Am I going to seem crazy when I've worn nothing but suits to work for 3 months in an environment that's a bit more casual? Even the CIO wasn't wearing a suit when I met him.
Obviously, if I no longer enjoy wearing suits, I'll drop down to business casual. This question is about as long as I genuinely want to wear them.
I'm on a 6-month contract where I'll be onsite all week, so my colleagues at the client site will see me daily.
Suits make me feel good. I feel like I’m there to Get Things Done - and I honestly feel like I'm more focused when I dress the part. So far I've felt more focused on how this is helping my career, not how soon I can get out of there and get paid. A suit also helps me not feel “too young” - I'm younger than 90% of the people at the client site, and in previous jobs I have fallen into the trap of being too deferential and underestimating how much I bring to the table. As long as these effects keep up, I want to stick with the suits. I don’t even want to drop down to tie but no jacket or vice versa - I want it all. But someone has already mentioned “you don’t have to wear a suit every day.” So how to navigate this without being that guy who's always overdressed? On one hand, I’m a consultant - I think it’s typical to dress up around clients, so my dressing up every single day would be normal in a way. And it's not like I wear it like armor - I take the jacket off sometimes, though I usually leave it on. On the other hand, the other consultants are mostly more casual than me (the one who wore suits all week came in casual today - so much for not being the only one).
I’m worried that I’ll look like that hipster who never goes anywhere without his hat. Am I going to seem crazy when I've worn nothing but suits to work for 3 months in an environment that's a bit more casual? Even the CIO wasn't wearing a suit when I met him.
Obviously, if I no longer enjoy wearing suits, I'll drop down to business casual. This question is about as long as I genuinely want to wear them.
Wear a billion suits, but dress to the office culture at least once a week. You don't want the suit to become a talisman of a consultant who doesn't 'get' the office.
posted by Jairus at 5:37 PM on July 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by Jairus at 5:37 PM on July 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
But someone has already mentioned “you don’t have to wear a suit every day.”
"Thanks, but it's easier than deciding what to wear".
posted by pompomtom at 5:37 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
"Thanks, but it's easier than deciding what to wear".
posted by pompomtom at 5:37 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Yeah, what Jairus said. I'd actually limit the suit to every once in a while.
posted by sweetkid at 5:38 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by sweetkid at 5:38 PM on July 14, 2011
On the one hand, you're outside hired help so you can dress more smartly. On the other hand, if other people aren't even wearing ties than the whole suit may draw you out for attacks to try and bring you down to their level.
If I were in your shoes I'd wear the jacket when I walk in, and then for most of the day I'd stick with just the tie.
BUT, if it has such a psychological impact on you then go for it and just be mentally prepared for weird/oddball attacks out of nowhere on you from time to time because people will want to bring you down to their size and not feel like you're better than them.
posted by fantasticninety at 5:40 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
If I were in your shoes I'd wear the jacket when I walk in, and then for most of the day I'd stick with just the tie.
BUT, if it has such a psychological impact on you then go for it and just be mentally prepared for weird/oddball attacks out of nowhere on you from time to time because people will want to bring you down to their size and not feel like you're better than them.
posted by fantasticninety at 5:40 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I don't think you're likely to be perceived as a hipster; you're more likely to be perceived as eccentric or not in tune with the work culture. And yes, that could have a negative impact on your career. Maybe not really measurable if you're extraordinarily good, but an effect that could make a difference in close cases.
If i were you, I would be worried that I would be regarded as someone who is not a "good fit" for the job because you're actively eschewing the prevailing casual dress norms. And you might be passed by for certain promotions or whatever.
posted by jayder at 5:42 PM on July 14, 2011
If i were you, I would be worried that I would be regarded as someone who is not a "good fit" for the job because you're actively eschewing the prevailing casual dress norms. And you might be passed by for certain promotions or whatever.
posted by jayder at 5:42 PM on July 14, 2011
You're going about this the wrong way.
You feel uncomfortable about being the youngest, so you're overcompensating by trying to dress like a grown up. But the truth is, being the youngest at work is awkward because you stick out, not because you're young. So dress like everyone else, and it will help your coworkers forget that you're a baby.
posted by telegraph at 5:44 PM on July 14, 2011 [13 favorites]
You feel uncomfortable about being the youngest, so you're overcompensating by trying to dress like a grown up. But the truth is, being the youngest at work is awkward because you stick out, not because you're young. So dress like everyone else, and it will help your coworkers forget that you're a baby.
posted by telegraph at 5:44 PM on July 14, 2011 [13 favorites]
Don't become "that suit guy." Keep your attire in the top 25% or so of the office if that makes you feel good or more comfortable, but don't be all overdressed every day.
posted by zachlipton at 5:49 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by zachlipton at 5:49 PM on July 14, 2011
There's an saying I heard: "don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want to have".
If wearing a suit works for you, makes you more productive and you enjoy what you're doing more in one, then wear it.
posted by NoraCharles at 5:54 PM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
If wearing a suit works for you, makes you more productive and you enjoy what you're doing more in one, then wear it.
posted by NoraCharles at 5:54 PM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
Wear what makes you feel comfortable. If wearing a suit makes you feel comfortable, ignore all of the above. You don't have to be a casual-attire conformist. However, be willing to be flexible.
posted by ovvl at 5:55 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by ovvl at 5:55 PM on July 14, 2011
Yeah, if I worked at your office I'd probably engage in some light gossiping about you with my co-workers . . . nothing cruel, just something along the lines of "why is that dude always wearing a suit?". In fact, I'd probably call you Suit Dude.
I think that wearing the suit to look older might have the opposite effect in a casual office -- people might think that you're a young guy who's trying to hard. I might be reading too much into this, but I would say it's *possible* that higher-ups might think, "who does this guy think he is? He makes us look bad when we meet with clients and he's the only one in a suit."
I would try to fit more into the office dress code. Maybe just wear a suit when you're meeting with a new client, to make a good first impression.
posted by imalaowai at 5:56 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I think that wearing the suit to look older might have the opposite effect in a casual office -- people might think that you're a young guy who's trying to hard. I might be reading too much into this, but I would say it's *possible* that higher-ups might think, "who does this guy think he is? He makes us look bad when we meet with clients and he's the only one in a suit."
I would try to fit more into the office dress code. Maybe just wear a suit when you're meeting with a new client, to make a good first impression.
posted by imalaowai at 5:56 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
If you're happy in the suits, wear them every day you want to - but Friday. Go casual on Friday to show that you know how and to fit in with the culture, which will be even more casual on Friday.
posted by ldthomps at 5:57 PM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by ldthomps at 5:57 PM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
If you're going to drop down one level of casualness (and I'd recommend doing that so that you don't become "weirdly overdressed guy"), I'd recommend losing the tie. Shirt and tie with no jacket always looks to me like prep school kid or Mormon. Suit with no tie looks to me well-dressed, but approachable and relaxed. And yes, on Friday, wear what everyone else is wearing.
posted by decathecting at 6:00 PM on July 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by decathecting at 6:00 PM on July 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
There's an saying I heard: "don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want to have".
This doesn't work if the CIO isn't wearing a suit, either. Senior executives not wearing suits is a way of saying, "There isn't a job here that requires or rewards suit-wearing."
posted by sweetkid at 6:07 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
This doesn't work if the CIO isn't wearing a suit, either. Senior executives not wearing suits is a way of saying, "There isn't a job here that requires or rewards suit-wearing."
posted by sweetkid at 6:07 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Suit guy at a place where its business casual are tools. Don't be that guy.
posted by sandmanwv at 6:16 PM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by sandmanwv at 6:16 PM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]
You don't mention what type of consulting this is, and I think that's important. If, on the one hand, it's important to either you or the person/people who engaged you that you seem more like a contractor ("insider") than a consultant ("outsider"), then you should take steps to fit in. On the other hand, if you need to keep your distance from the people in the office (say, as an auditor would), then setting yourself apart from them by how you dress is probably pretty savvy. Although if that's the case, wearing a suit when they're on the "casual end of business casual" may seem more like you're mocking them than setting yourself apart, so you should dial it down.
Feeling like you're bringing enough to the table without feeling deferential, though, comes from inside you and has nothing to do with what you wear. If you need to wear a suit in order to feel credible, you are wearing the suit as armor. Tell yourself whatever you need to so you can act like you have a lot to offer and people should listen to you, and people will listen to you.
The phrase that helped me turn that corner was "I don't need your business, and I'm not even sure I want you as a client". YMMV
posted by DrGail at 6:24 PM on July 14, 2011
Feeling like you're bringing enough to the table without feeling deferential, though, comes from inside you and has nothing to do with what you wear. If you need to wear a suit in order to feel credible, you are wearing the suit as armor. Tell yourself whatever you need to so you can act like you have a lot to offer and people should listen to you, and people will listen to you.
The phrase that helped me turn that corner was "I don't need your business, and I'm not even sure I want you as a client". YMMV
posted by DrGail at 6:24 PM on July 14, 2011
Best answer: As a consultant, part of your job is to understand your client's culture and adapt your own style to it. If you're overdressed, you're not doing that. A good rule of thumb is that you should look towards what the better-dressed managers there, and go for that look. Maybe go one level higher than that a couple of days a week, but not every day, and no more than one level higher: if they're all wearing t-shirts, a collared shirt with no tie; if they're in shirtsleeves, a tie and a sport coat, or a suit with no tie.
I'm at a client where everybody is casual, and, even months after he's rolled off, they still talk about how another consultant they had there insisted on wearing a suit and tie every day as an example of how he "just didn't get it". As for me, after a meeting with the COO where he showed up in boots and a leather jacket, I just stopped packing ties completely.
posted by strangely stunted trees at 6:35 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'm at a client where everybody is casual, and, even months after he's rolled off, they still talk about how another consultant they had there insisted on wearing a suit and tie every day as an example of how he "just didn't get it". As for me, after a meeting with the COO where he showed up in boots and a leather jacket, I just stopped packing ties completely.
posted by strangely stunted trees at 6:35 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
A pair of nice sneakers with your suit a la David Tennant would go a long way to dressing you down, but only if you can do so without being self-conscious.
posted by smirkette at 6:35 PM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by smirkette at 6:35 PM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]
Since you're there full-time, but your identity is tied up with "looking good", this situation calls for "dressy casual." Lose the tie (seriously, the tie should always be the first thing to go here. Don't show up in a shirt and tie and no jacket). Trade in the suit for a pair of slacks and a sport coat.
If you were just going on-site for meetings, I'd say keep the suit. But you're there full time. When you're gone, you'll want to be remembered as, "the polished professional who did good work" not "that suit guy."
posted by deanc at 6:41 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
If you were just going on-site for meetings, I'd say keep the suit. But you're there full time. When you're gone, you'll want to be remembered as, "the polished professional who did good work" not "that suit guy."
posted by deanc at 6:41 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ramp it down. As mentioned above, consultants want to be one notch above the norm dressing-wise. A sportcoat and khakis sounds like it's a good rung down. Use your judgement, and aim *not* to make people in the office uncomfortable.
If you want to keep a good impression and a subtle sense of superiority while "blending", invest in good shoes.
posted by graftole at 6:43 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
If you want to keep a good impression and a subtle sense of superiority while "blending", invest in good shoes.
posted by graftole at 6:43 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
imalaowai: "Yeah, if I worked at your office I'd probably engage in some light gossiping about you with my co-workers . . . nothing cruel, just something along the lines of "why is that dude always wearing a suit?". In fact, I'd probably call you Suit Dude.
I think that wearing the suit to look older might have the opposite effect in a casual office -- people might think that you're a young guy who's trying to hard. "
We have this dynamic in our office right now. We're business/business casual except for Fridays where we're casual. There's one intern who started about six weeks ago and he's still wearing a tie and suspenders. And while we're trying not to snicker Suit Dude it is nearly always a topic of conversation. He's a nice guy but doesn't seem to *get it* and part of that is office culture. It also affects his speech. He calls us sir and ma'am and that's not our culture at all.
posted by TravellingCari at 6:53 PM on July 14, 2011
I think that wearing the suit to look older might have the opposite effect in a casual office -- people might think that you're a young guy who's trying to hard. "
We have this dynamic in our office right now. We're business/business casual except for Fridays where we're casual. There's one intern who started about six weeks ago and he's still wearing a tie and suspenders. And while we're trying not to snicker Suit Dude it is nearly always a topic of conversation. He's a nice guy but doesn't seem to *get it* and part of that is office culture. It also affects his speech. He calls us sir and ma'am and that's not our culture at all.
posted by TravellingCari at 6:53 PM on July 14, 2011
NoraCharles: "There's an saying I heard: "don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want to have".
If wearing a suit works for you, makes you more productive and you enjoy what you're doing more in one, then wear it."
ovvl: "Wear what makes you feel comfortable. If wearing a suit makes you feel comfortable, ignore all of the above. You don't have to be a casual-attire conformist. However, be willing to be flexible"
I work in a restaurant. Not only in a restaurant, but in the kitchen. A suit just wouldn't fly back there no matter how much I wanted to wear one.
posted by theichibun at 6:56 PM on July 14, 2011
If wearing a suit works for you, makes you more productive and you enjoy what you're doing more in one, then wear it."
ovvl: "Wear what makes you feel comfortable. If wearing a suit makes you feel comfortable, ignore all of the above. You don't have to be a casual-attire conformist. However, be willing to be flexible"
I work in a restaurant. Not only in a restaurant, but in the kitchen. A suit just wouldn't fly back there no matter how much I wanted to wear one.
posted by theichibun at 6:56 PM on July 14, 2011
I think that wearing a suit is a big mistake. (I say this as a formerly young person who was in positions of authority, and as a person who works in a professional and casual environment - a major technology consulting company.)
Wearing a suit when nobody else is actually makes you look younger, not more authoritative, because you clearly haven't figured out how to adapt and fit in. I've seen people wear suits to work and be perceived (not subtly, its been said out loud) as being someone who "obviously doesn't get what we're about" or "obviously isn't a good fit here." Being perceived as "not getting it here" decreases your credibility all around, as silly as that sounds
Part of work is fitting in. You'll have less credibility if you don't. Find something casual you feel confident in, and get used to it.
posted by Kololo at 6:57 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Wearing a suit when nobody else is actually makes you look younger, not more authoritative, because you clearly haven't figured out how to adapt and fit in. I've seen people wear suits to work and be perceived (not subtly, its been said out loud) as being someone who "obviously doesn't get what we're about" or "obviously isn't a good fit here." Being perceived as "not getting it here" decreases your credibility all around, as silly as that sounds
Part of work is fitting in. You'll have less credibility if you don't. Find something casual you feel confident in, and get used to it.
posted by Kololo at 6:57 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
A pair of nice sneakers with your suit a la David Tennant would go a long way to dressing you down, but only if you can do so without being self-conscious.
Noooooooooo. Unprofessional, immature, and definitely turns the corner to eccentric.
If you're within the top 25% of dressers, you're fine. If you're literally the only one at the office or in a meeting in a suit, you should tone it down, or at least take off the jacket.
Maybe you can split the difference with a vest?
posted by supercres at 7:05 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Noooooooooo. Unprofessional, immature, and definitely turns the corner to eccentric.
If you're within the top 25% of dressers, you're fine. If you're literally the only one at the office or in a meeting in a suit, you should tone it down, or at least take off the jacket.
Maybe you can split the difference with a vest?
posted by supercres at 7:05 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I don't think he was suggesting basketball shoes. Nice sneakers shouldn't stand out.
This doesn't work if the CIO isn't wearing a suit, either. Senior executives not wearing suits is a way of saying, "There isn't a job here that requires or rewards suit-wearing."
Depends on the company, but I've worked places where the CEO or a handful of executives dressed down considerably compared to the rest of the upper management team. These places were weird exceptions to the general rule (and I think that the CEO was a former engineer, which could explain things), but it does happen from time to time. Don't go by what just one guy is wearing.
posted by schmod at 7:52 PM on July 14, 2011
This doesn't work if the CIO isn't wearing a suit, either. Senior executives not wearing suits is a way of saying, "There isn't a job here that requires or rewards suit-wearing."
Depends on the company, but I've worked places where the CEO or a handful of executives dressed down considerably compared to the rest of the upper management team. These places were weird exceptions to the general rule (and I think that the CEO was a former engineer, which could explain things), but it does happen from time to time. Don't go by what just one guy is wearing.
posted by schmod at 7:52 PM on July 14, 2011
Yup, you look like the new kid who doesn't get it. At least lose the tie and jacket.
If you want to maintain the feel, maybe try keeping just the shoes? Shoes always dictate how dressed up I feel - though I am a girl, so there is a bigger range in shoe options.
posted by kjs4 at 8:28 PM on July 14, 2011
If you want to maintain the feel, maybe try keeping just the shoes? Shoes always dictate how dressed up I feel - though I am a girl, so there is a bigger range in shoe options.
posted by kjs4 at 8:28 PM on July 14, 2011
I'm the same. I like wearing a suit and am generally better dressed than my colleagues. Thankfully, they aren't dumbasses who judge solely on what I'm wearing, but the work I do. And we make it a bit of fun with me - that I'm the smart dressed guy - but equally I'll occasionally compliment a colleague on what they're wearing. "Nice shoes!"
I tend to wear basic suits (single colour) rather than 'fashionable' - pin stripes, suspenders, handkerchiefs, etc. Not fancy - working clothes.
Remember too - the best thing about working in a suit aside from its smartness is its very variability! As decathecting suggested above, I go tie-less when something more casual is sought - and I do this most Fridays (although I'll have a tie in a drawer). You can take your jacket off or on. You can roll up your sleeves. Nothing gives the impression of 'gee he must be getting stuck into it' than seeing me with rolled up sleeves.
posted by jjderooy at 8:38 PM on July 14, 2011
I tend to wear basic suits (single colour) rather than 'fashionable' - pin stripes, suspenders, handkerchiefs, etc. Not fancy - working clothes.
Remember too - the best thing about working in a suit aside from its smartness is its very variability! As decathecting suggested above, I go tie-less when something more casual is sought - and I do this most Fridays (although I'll have a tie in a drawer). You can take your jacket off or on. You can roll up your sleeves. Nothing gives the impression of 'gee he must be getting stuck into it' than seeing me with rolled up sleeves.
posted by jjderooy at 8:38 PM on July 14, 2011
Tone it down a notch. If you want to keep the suit, wear it in, then ditch the jacket until you leave. Everyone wins.
If that is still too much, drop the tie after lunch.
posted by milqman at 8:50 PM on July 14, 2011
If that is still too much, drop the tie after lunch.
posted by milqman at 8:50 PM on July 14, 2011
I work in a place with a pretty similar dress code to yours -- casual end of business casual. Even the owner of the company just wears open-collared button-down shirts. I like wearing ties, maybe for similar reasons to your liking to wear suits: it makes me feel like I'm "at work," I feel more in-charge, whatever. I've gotten a few cracks (even from the owner). I usually just come back with something a bit snappy -- "yeah, I like to feel like I'm really at work when I'm at work" or similar. That pretty much takes care of it.
I do make concessions -- I wear jeans and a tie on Fridays ("whoo! jean Friday!"), and no tie on Saturdays (I have a funny schedule). I figure that helps balance things out a bit. I'm still probably seen as "tie guy" behind my back, but I'm pretty okay with that.
I do like milqman's suggestion above, but mostly, just try to find a little balance -- give some nods to the company culture, but keep your own as well.
posted by wandering steve at 9:27 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I do make concessions -- I wear jeans and a tie on Fridays ("whoo! jean Friday!"), and no tie on Saturdays (I have a funny schedule). I figure that helps balance things out a bit. I'm still probably seen as "tie guy" behind my back, but I'm pretty okay with that.
I do like milqman's suggestion above, but mostly, just try to find a little balance -- give some nods to the company culture, but keep your own as well.
posted by wandering steve at 9:27 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I like wearing a suit and am generally better dressed than my colleagues. Thankfully, they aren't dumbasses who judge solely on what I'm wearing, but the work I do. And we make it a bit of fun with me - that I'm the smart dressed guy
There's a certain thing you and the OP are both missing: a suit in the context when no one else is wearing a suit -- particularly when you point blank say 'it makes me feel like I'm "at work,"' -- is not being "smart dressed." At that point, it rises to the level of "wearing a costume." Do not come to work "in costume."
If someone who worked in a law firm expressed his preference for wearing tuxedos or bermuda shorts-suits to the office, we'd have given much the same answer: you don't look "smarter dressed" than everyone else -- you look like you're showing up in a costume.
Well-dressed, "put together," "polished" = good
"costume" = not good
The guy who mentioned the intern that calls every "sir" and "ma'am" has this right, because it's similar to wearing a suit in a casual environment: yes, technically, addressing people as "sir/ma'am/mr/mrs" is "more polite." But in an environment where those formalities are not required or expected, it's awkward and puts everyone else on the spot.
posted by deanc at 10:05 PM on July 14, 2011 [6 favorites]
There's a certain thing you and the OP are both missing: a suit in the context when no one else is wearing a suit -- particularly when you point blank say 'it makes me feel like I'm "at work,"' -- is not being "smart dressed." At that point, it rises to the level of "wearing a costume." Do not come to work "in costume."
If someone who worked in a law firm expressed his preference for wearing tuxedos or bermuda shorts-suits to the office, we'd have given much the same answer: you don't look "smarter dressed" than everyone else -- you look like you're showing up in a costume.
Well-dressed, "put together," "polished" = good
"costume" = not good
The guy who mentioned the intern that calls every "sir" and "ma'am" has this right, because it's similar to wearing a suit in a casual environment: yes, technically, addressing people as "sir/ma'am/mr/mrs" is "more polite." But in an environment where those formalities are not required or expected, it's awkward and puts everyone else on the spot.
posted by deanc at 10:05 PM on July 14, 2011 [6 favorites]
I'd have to disagree with how you present my points, deanc, but I guess its where you come from. The questioner clearly wants to wear a suit, and in the environment, that's fine. A suit is a universally recognised multi-purpose wear suitable for business, office or formal social event. And as mentioned you can easily modify your suit to "suit".
These are things unlike a tuxedo or bermuda shorts-suit.
If you were going to randomly teleport me to anywhere in the human world, I'd ask to put on a suit first (and probably a nice coat of course).
posted by jjderooy at 11:03 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
These are things unlike a tuxedo or bermuda shorts-suit.
If you were going to randomly teleport me to anywhere in the human world, I'd ask to put on a suit first (and probably a nice coat of course).
posted by jjderooy at 11:03 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I could go either way, it depends so very much on the culture of the industry you're in.
posted by desuetude at 11:04 PM on July 14, 2011
posted by desuetude at 11:04 PM on July 14, 2011
Maybe you can split the difference with a vest?
Oh god don't for fuck's sake do this. The only worse than being known as "Suit Guy" is being known as "Vest Guy."
posted by dersins at 11:31 PM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
Oh god don't for fuck's sake do this. The only worse than being known as "Suit Guy" is being known as "Vest Guy."
posted by dersins at 11:31 PM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
In the business/professional world, unless you're employed in a creative field, the number one rule of thumb is NOT to call attention to yourself with your style of dress. You have to stop thinking of your suit like it's a security blanket or a superhero cape. While you may enjoy feeling more grown up and authoritative in your suit, it's not likely being perceived by others in the same positive way. I agree with others who commented that it may actually emphasize your youth and inexperience. At best, you might come across as tone deaf to office culture (especially if even the senior execs don't wear suits) and like you're trying too hard. At worst, you might be viewed as pompous and hoity-toity, and get labeled "suit guy."
posted by keep it under cover at 11:53 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by keep it under cover at 11:53 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
A suit is a universally recognised multi-purpose wear suitable for business, office or formal social event.
Suits aren't nearly as multipurpose as they used to be. As a somewhat extreme example, I work in software, and have had colleagues discuss on multiple occasions at several different employers that anyone wearing a suit to an interview for a technical position would be rather unlikely to be hired (recruiting has generally been up-front with candidates and advised them to go no fancier than business casual). Even for non-technical positions, wearing a suit would likely make people think the candidate "doesn't get us," fairly or not. Wearing a suit communicates a whole range of subtexts, and those aren't necessarily the messages you want to be transmitting. TravellingCari's point about the intern who calls everyone sir or ma'am is right on the money in this regard.
One idea that occurred to me this evening is that you might want to look for ways to add some more formal details to your outfit that can give you the self-confidence and focus that comes from wearing a suit, but that are small enough so you don't look over-dressed. kjs4's suggestion about shoes would fit well in this regard: a nice pair of shoes can dress up an otherwise causal outfit in a subtle and really positive way. I sometimes go for jeans with collared shirts with french cuffs and a spiffy pair of cufflinks (this generally requires more casual/sporty shirts with french cuffs, which tend to be pretty rare, but they are out there). You could also opt for dressier and well-tailored slacks over the "Target employee who forgot his red polo shirt" dweeb khakis look. When it's cooler out, a sweater could a good in-between option; you could even try the sweater and collared shirt combo if you're feeling preppy.
I'm sure there are other variations on this. The basic point is to have details that symbolize wearing a suit for you, while not screaming "I'm wearing a suit!" on the outside.
posted by zachlipton at 12:53 AM on July 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Suits aren't nearly as multipurpose as they used to be. As a somewhat extreme example, I work in software, and have had colleagues discuss on multiple occasions at several different employers that anyone wearing a suit to an interview for a technical position would be rather unlikely to be hired (recruiting has generally been up-front with candidates and advised them to go no fancier than business casual). Even for non-technical positions, wearing a suit would likely make people think the candidate "doesn't get us," fairly or not. Wearing a suit communicates a whole range of subtexts, and those aren't necessarily the messages you want to be transmitting. TravellingCari's point about the intern who calls everyone sir or ma'am is right on the money in this regard.
One idea that occurred to me this evening is that you might want to look for ways to add some more formal details to your outfit that can give you the self-confidence and focus that comes from wearing a suit, but that are small enough so you don't look over-dressed. kjs4's suggestion about shoes would fit well in this regard: a nice pair of shoes can dress up an otherwise causal outfit in a subtle and really positive way. I sometimes go for jeans with collared shirts with french cuffs and a spiffy pair of cufflinks (this generally requires more casual/sporty shirts with french cuffs, which tend to be pretty rare, but they are out there). You could also opt for dressier and well-tailored slacks over the "Target employee who forgot his red polo shirt" dweeb khakis look. When it's cooler out, a sweater could a good in-between option; you could even try the sweater and collared shirt combo if you're feeling preppy.
I'm sure there are other variations on this. The basic point is to have details that symbolize wearing a suit for you, while not screaming "I'm wearing a suit!" on the outside.
posted by zachlipton at 12:53 AM on July 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
I would take it as an opportunity.
Wear suits, but with more flair and stylistic twists than would be allowed at a strictly suit place.
More interesting shoes. Designer or "find" accessories. That smartly short two-piece you bought in India.
posted by krilli at 3:01 AM on July 15, 2011
Wear suits, but with more flair and stylistic twists than would be allowed at a strictly suit place.
More interesting shoes. Designer or "find" accessories. That smartly short two-piece you bought in India.
posted by krilli at 3:01 AM on July 15, 2011
You're a consultant. It is completely okay to wear a suit. Even if your clients are casual, they might still expect you to be dressed up.
My workplace is on the casual end of business casual (big range but lots of people wear jeans, some even in t-shirts, some people wear trousers and shirts, occasionally a tie shows up, and the occasional person might have on a suit). I cannot imagine a consultant showing up without a suit on, though. You need to be sensitive to the office culture but I think that has a lot more to do with how you behave and interact with clients rather than what you're wearing. A consultant dressed down would stick out a LOT more than an overdressed consultant. And while the one guy in our office who routinely wears posh suits does stick out a bit and is often referred to as "dapper" (and he still pulls it off) the consultants are NEVER chided for wearing suits. As a consultant, you do have a certain amount of immunity for this stuff that permanent employees of the institution do not.
Keep wearing suits.
posted by Polychrome at 3:22 AM on July 15, 2011
My workplace is on the casual end of business casual (big range but lots of people wear jeans, some even in t-shirts, some people wear trousers and shirts, occasionally a tie shows up, and the occasional person might have on a suit). I cannot imagine a consultant showing up without a suit on, though. You need to be sensitive to the office culture but I think that has a lot more to do with how you behave and interact with clients rather than what you're wearing. A consultant dressed down would stick out a LOT more than an overdressed consultant. And while the one guy in our office who routinely wears posh suits does stick out a bit and is often referred to as "dapper" (and he still pulls it off) the consultants are NEVER chided for wearing suits. As a consultant, you do have a certain amount of immunity for this stuff that permanent employees of the institution do not.
Keep wearing suits.
posted by Polychrome at 3:22 AM on July 15, 2011
Just another data point: there's a youngish guy (I'd guess 23 or 24) at my office that's already full of young people, and this guy wore a suit (no tie) to work on his first few days (later downgrading to taking off the jacket), and when i first saw him i thought "oh, poor guy! he thought he had to wear a suit!" And then on day three of his employment i thought "Maybe he's here from out of town and didn't pack anything else?" and then a couple weeks in i thought "That young guy is still wearing a suit! Why hasn't he figured it out yet that it makes him look like such a n00b? Is this is first job and he just can't break free of the 'wear a suit to grown up jobs' mentality?"
I really hope you aren't the guy in my office. Because that guy looks like he's a clueless kid playing dress up.
posted by Kololo at 3:33 AM on July 15, 2011
I really hope you aren't the guy in my office. Because that guy looks like he's a clueless kid playing dress up.
posted by Kololo at 3:33 AM on July 15, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks all. It sounds like the weight of evidence is on the "suits every day is too much" side, so unfortunately I'm convinced. I'll start rotating occasional suits with more casual looks - just a tie some days, jacket and no tie others, and (ugh) the young professional's uniform (shirt, slacks, no jacket or tie) on Thursdays before I head home.
posted by Tehhund at 4:24 AM on July 15, 2011
posted by Tehhund at 4:24 AM on July 15, 2011
I used to be "that guy". I have beautiful ties and suit jackets that languish in my closet because it is frankly a wardrobe for a bygone age. I entirely relate to the desire to dress well and how it frames your mental outlook, but there is a larger contingent that prefers to dress casually and like or it or not they are the majority now. You can tone it down a bit by dispensing with the tie. I keep a nice coat hanger on the hook of my door and when I do wear the jacket it spends 99% of its time there. Your most professional feeling moments may be during your commute. ;)
posted by dgran at 6:39 AM on July 15, 2011
posted by dgran at 6:39 AM on July 15, 2011
Hmm ... There are two distinct ways to wear a suits. One is to wear a suit in name - usually a shapeless something, off a rack in a mall, and these usually do nothing for one's appearance. They are suits in name, made and worn to serve as a tick in a checkbox of proper-things-to-do.
Then there is to wear a suit in full shape and form. This suit fits, and is made out of materials that serve the wearer in both comfort and appearance. If this is done correctly, then people won't notice that you're wearing a suit; They'll be in the presence of a gentleman.
And besides the suits, then there are people - including those who judge others based on their appearance or even conformity. Sure, don't be the kid in the suit, but don't be the guy whose opinions are mostly of those around him. Nor should you acknowledge those opinions.
posted by krilli at 7:57 AM on July 16, 2011
Then there is to wear a suit in full shape and form. This suit fits, and is made out of materials that serve the wearer in both comfort and appearance. If this is done correctly, then people won't notice that you're wearing a suit; They'll be in the presence of a gentleman.
And besides the suits, then there are people - including those who judge others based on their appearance or even conformity. Sure, don't be the kid in the suit, but don't be the guy whose opinions are mostly of those around him. Nor should you acknowledge those opinions.
posted by krilli at 7:57 AM on July 16, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Part of succeeding in a given company is adapting to its culture. If the company's culture is such that wearing a suit would be construed as trying to appear better than, or more important than, your superiors, then wearing a suit every day likely is not a good idea.
On the other hand, if that kind of dynamic is not at play in your company, you have my permission to wear a suit every day and twice on Sundays.
posted by dfriedman at 5:34 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]