I want to start wearing jeans to work. I’m scared I’ll look too unprofessional and it will prove to be very costly. So I’m trying to figure out what I can do to balance it out.
Some thoughts I had: 1) Wear a Ralph Lauren shirt with the logo, 2) Wear some sort of status symbol loafers --I have no idea which–could use some suggestions here, 3) Make sure the jeans are not faded at all, 4) Wear some kind of expensive jeans.
Please don’t suggest a tie and sports jacket–that ruins the whole idea.
What’s your profession? It might be a silly question, but does your company’s dress code policy allow for jeans? If so, what are your coworkers wearing with their jeans?
Well, anecdotally, I once commented that a friend was looking particularly sharp at work one day because he was wearing a sports jacket. And he pointed out that he was also wearing jeans. So even if you don’t like the idea, a comfortable jacket can make you look pretty spiffy.
I’m not sure of your motivation for wanting to wear jeans if the consequences of looking unprofessional could be dire – it’s not like khakis are that uncomfortable. But I’d suggest new, unfaded jeans. They mark you as totally unhip, but they at least don’t look ratty.
Definitely new, unfaded jeans, and a nice button-down shirt. For more casual days, a conservative sweater. And I think the most important thing is to wear good shoes, like spiffy black leather loafers. To me, that always dresses up jeans.
I do a kind of specialized management consulting where I usually work out of my office with clients coming to me every day. On the days that I go to their offices I wear a business suit.
I work for myself so the dress code is whatever I say it is.
No coworkers to speak of. Occasional secretarial or computer help.
I’m supposed to look better than my crews but at the same time I am in the field all day long. What I wear is clean jeans, solid colour button down shirts and either black or brown suede casual shoes. Some times I will wear a pair of black athletic shoes if I know I am going to be in and out of houses as I take my shoes off and these slip on and off.
The motivation is purely psychological. I agree that the texture of khakis, which I usually wear is as good as denim. I would just like to be able to wear jeans all the time. De gustibus and all that.
Get a comfy sportscoat- something with extra pockets, maybe one of those specialy made for travelers type coats. Wear white, 100% cotton shirts- let them be slightly wrinkled. Keep a tie in your desk- for “those occasions”.
Faded is OK, but never ripped or torn. Always very clean.
Wear leather deck shoes at the very least- high quality ones, with a brand-name.
Yes, another vote for black jeans, they look much more professional than blue (until they fade, but using special black clothing detergent slows the process). I also have several pairs of green, gray, and khaki-colored jeans that look professional when worn with a black button down shirt.
Also, for the ladies there are many nice denim skirts out there which I personally think look better than linen (they don’t hang as frumpily, and don’t crease as much). Target has lots of nice denim pants and jeans that are cheap but nice looking.
I don’t really see the problem with wearing a sports coat/blazer. Its one of those love-or-hate styles. At the very least, a lot of people do it.
Not sure about the black jeans. At least, not straight black jeans. I’m not sure of the style or brand at the moment but there are some really nice dark blue, almost black coloured, with gentle fading, and dark stitching that look quite sharp. Especially with a button down shirt.
Impeccable fit and a top quality belt will go a long way. Don’t wear jeans if they bring out any figure flaws (gut overhang, etc.) If you have the kind of figure flaws that any jeans will bring out, you will not be able to pull off the look-professional-in-jeans bit.
If clients come to your office, you can probably get by with having a top-quality sports jacket hanging prominently on a peg in your office. You probably won’t even need to put it on. Just dust it off periodically…
I’m guessing you are not going to be working there long. If you can’t judge what clothes are going to fit in, then it’s a good bet you won’t fit in, in more ways than clothes.
You could be right. One of my survival skills has been to know who I am and know who I’m not. And I’m not a fashion expert, far from it. That’s why I’m soliciting info from this board. It’s helped before and I’ve gained a lot of respect for the people who take the time to share the things that they know, and I’m willing to try this approach again.
Anyway, I’ve muddled through for 23 years in my business community so far (wearing khakis and business suits). How long do you figure I can last? And how much is that bet for?
Logos and professionalism don’t necessarily coincide. Fixation on branding and logos is irrelevent to the situation at hand – you want to look decent.
Decency is attained through proper fit, quality materials, and a high standard of workmanship on a garment.
Gucci bit loafers and a polo player won’t do you any good here – you’ll simply be that guy who bought into marketing.
To properly pull off the “professional in jeans” look, you’ll want jeans with a decent rise (likely middle rise – lower rise jeans look a bit young, high-rise jeans are geriatric). Distressing should be minimal. You’ll want a clean, seamless integration with the rest of your outfit. Decent shoes (leather, good soles, etc.) and belt will go a long way, here. Allow me to recommend a pair of Chelsea boots, as these look excellent with jeans and you should look well turned out in them.
The cost of the jeans is, again, irrelevent. Price is not value. You’ll want something with a good cut that is flattering to your body (bootcut favors the slender, straight-legged favors those with a bit more to hide). The weight of the denim involved is at your discretion. Elaborate detailing is likely a poor idea in this situation.
A sport jacket is a very good idea, though you’re opposed to it. Guys in tucked-in shirts without some sort of outerwear tend to look very…unfinished, unless there’s a good reason they’re sans coat (seated for some length of time, working outdoors, etc.).
On another note: avoid avoid avoid the dreaded “American Jackass” look that pairs jeans, striped shirts, and horrible clunky Kenneth Cole monstrosities.
