Yet More J. Press Goodness. . .

Recently arrived, a cotton poplin number courtesy of J. Press! The usual two or three minor alterations are necessary, along with a pressing (pun unintended), but then we're all ready. I might even take it in a suit bag to my upcoming conference in New Orleans at the start of June, to wear during a planned presentation.

Full disclosure here. I do have a beige suit in the rotation already, and have worn it routinely in May-June and August-September, but I have never been quite happy with the fit. Somehow, the coat has always been a little off even after the usual alterations. It's either a Southwick or Samuelsohn oddly, and these usually fit well without too much effort from my tailor. It's puzzling to say the least.

I know. I know. First World problem. Time to donate it, and begin enjoying this one instead. Press items fit well without much attention from the tailor, which is what we're really after, right?

My late father, a stockbroker and corner office guy, in both Philadelphia and Manhattan, had and wore beige or tan suits during the summer months -- and seersucker -- among other warm weather professional attire, so I'm psychologically at ease wearing similar items myself. Even in slovenly 2024.

He was a confirmed Brooks Brothers man, unlike yours truly, while I prefer Press and Southwick although I certainly have a few of the former in the summer and winter rotations. Plus a few Italian- and Swiss-made things with more of a continental cut, or English drape depending on the garment in question.

Dressing presentably needn't be something to which we resign ourselves and avoid except for weddings, funerals, and, ahem, court appearances. I humbly suggest that, on the contrary, it can be an enjoyable pursuit that makes us simply feel good as we walk through the front door to the car and then from the car to the office door, or some version thereof.

As I remark now and then here, the occasional compliment from a passerby, while never necessary, is always delightful to hear and adds a spring to one's step. And that's not a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

The Problem of "Business Casual" Attire. . .

This is how it's done. Business Casual the RIGHT way, ladies and gentlemen. Even during the summer months. A photograph (taken by Studio B Portraits ) which appeared in 425 Business Magazine in May 2017. T his post on the problem of business casual dress began as a quick postscript to a previous blog entry last week but quickly grew and grew as additional thoughts occurred, were developed in more detail, and revisions made. So much so, that it seemed, eventually, like a better idea to make the initial P.S. afterthought into its own entry . Are ya ready, Freddy? Then, here we go. . . ------------ U nless you actually plan to sell beach snacks and trinkets on Cozumel, become a serial barista, or greet customers at a fancy nightclub after taking out huge student loans to attend university somewhere for four or five years, plus an MBA afterward, it's really a better idea to err on the side of (somewhat) more formal work at...

Friday on Campus Style. . .

S omewhat atypically, I was on campus for several hours today helping with an interview that is part of a larger documentary project on which a colleague and I are working. Although I am behind the camera (I'm the audio guy in fact), what better reason does one need to dress presentably? Exactly. Everything worn, barring the recently purchased University of Wisconsin socks, a gift from the Grand Duchess, has been in the rotation for a while now. And, of course, there was the Panama hat, which I'll wear until we pass October 1st when the felt fedoras reappear. -- Heinz-Ulrich

Tan Suit Tuesday. . .

W hile it's now after Labor Day here in the U.S,. we still have almost three weeks left of summer according to the calendar. And since today was bright, sunny, and pleasantly warm (though far from hot), it seemed like a perfect opportunity to trot out my tan cotton suit and tan loafers/belt. Slightly disheveled, yes. And the shoes need some Renovateur to moisten 'em up But not a bad overall look if I might be so bold. -- Heinz-Ulrich

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