SMART THREADS


The well-dressed man at work this season


One trend this year is the single-breasted suit with only one or two buttons; two buttons make you look taller. Jackets have two vents in back.


Justin Davidov L


ooking good and in style goes a long way in signalling that you are not only experienced but you are vibrant


and vital, in a world where the boomer gen- eration is clinging to all the best jobs. Suits are in so your choice of tie becomes


important. Nothing dates a man like a tie that’s out of fashion. Nor, however, should you go wild and


latch onto the latest trend (have you seen the "baby ties" that are all the rage in the younger set these days? Tese things are worn with a vest and fall mid sternum – not a look for a guy who wants to be taken seriously.) For the office, be conservative and spend a little more than you would on your casual dress; good quality goes a long way in putting your message across. If you want to look up-to-date and please


your lady, look for a narrower tie: they are ranging from skinny at two inches to narrow in the 2.8-inch range. Te widest one that is still fashionable would be three inches at its widest point. Tere are a wide range of colours and patterns: the diagonal stripe still says power the loudest, but we are seeing horizontal stripes, subtle checks, dots and tiny floral patterns as well as a few solids. Silk is still king. If you wear a striped tie, you might want


to wear a pair of socks in the same colour with a similar pattern. Shoes ands belts should match colours and material.


Suits are sleek Baggy pants are gone and the trend


is to the slimmer look with slimmer-cut jackets. For work, hanging next to the narrow-gauge pinstripe should be a new grey suit, perhaps in a wrinkle resistant stretch fabric that’s perfect for travelling.


Jackets have two buttons and a medium notched, peaked collar. Subtle grey checks in classic patterns are also in. On trend this year is the single-breasted


suit with only one or two buttons; two but- tons make you look taller. Jackets have two vents in back. Another thing that has come back is the pocket square to finish off the suit. Worn with the sleek suit, it’s neatly folded showing only a margin of colour. Te double-breasted suit was big last


year, less so now, but it can still denote a certain flair and a lot of confidence. Trousers are still flat front. Te look is


trim. Vests are back. No matter what you wear, good quality is


always in. Fine materials and good tailor- ing speak volumes about you.


Casual Khaki is not so high on the menu these


days. And never show off your chest hair. Open collars should just be one or two buttons at the most. Sweaters, crew necks and sports jackets


(with grey pants) are still cool. Herring- bones and tweeds are back in. But remem- ber: good cut, good materials and good fit are all very key to saying “I’m successful.” Tree things not to wear to the office Shorts: leave these for the golf club or the


beach, never the office. Sandals: A definite no-no at the office.


Other people don’t want to see your bare feet and of course you'd never leave the house in socks and sandals! Hats: Yeah, they’re trendy right now, but


take your cue from the other guys in the office. Follow their lead. Starting out, in a new job, caution is always the best policy.


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