I’m currently working in a job training/placement program for young people with special needs (autism, for example). The other staff members dress reasonably casually, as do other staff in the building housing the program. Nor do many of the people who come in for training seminars and purchase items from our student-run cafe.
I like to wear ties, and still have a bunch since high school (granted, the styles of ties likely have changed since then). Last year I wore them in the HS where I worked and it fit with other male staff. Putting aside the safety issues of wearing a tie where I work (which is much less now), So should I tone it down this year? Will I be looked at as if I’m overdressing or weird?
There was a period of my life when I worked for a guy who was a bit strange. I chose to wear ties for some reason, and I owned hundreds.
After a month or two of me wearing ties, the guy I worked for also began wearing them, which kind of weirded me out. Everyone found it hilarious that I influenced the dude.
After a year or so of both of us wearing ties each day, I abruptly stopped. He continued. Everyone laughed. If I’d continued working for him my plan was to begin wearing hats.
Five or so years ago every time I owned went to GoodWill along with the two suits I owned. I no longer have the option to wear a suit/tie.
And that’s a very valid reason for dressing as you choose - I do the same sometimes if I feel I need a confidence boost (not ties, I’m a girl, but a smart jacket and sharp shoes!).
Wearing a tie doesn’t feel like overdressing to me, unless you’re pairing it with a grey pinstripe suit.
Be careful putting those on! And I’ve always found it mildly frustrating that guys aren’t offered suits in a wider range of colors. A friend wore a bright plum-colored suit to his HS graduation. I always coveted it.
I’ve been told by people who have worn ties (and suits) to work that it makes them feel like they are at work and that it sets them in work mode. So yeah, its a self motovation thing for the people I knew. Myself, I haven’t worn a tie to work since the late 80’s and don’t miss the damn things a bit.
Right— since when is wearing a tie “overdressing”? It’s not like there is a list of casual vs non-casual accessories.
If you are going to wear a suit, though, wear a nice suit. Never wear a shabby suit. (Or maybe you can pull that off, who knows?) People will probably notice you wearing a suit, but may just ascribe it to being European…
I’m sure they are, but that is considered super casual:
Move to Europe! Sure, you still get your bankers in their dark greys and blues, but it’s not unusual to be walking down the street in Paris or Milan or Lisbon and see a nattily-dressed fellow in a colorful combo — a suit of olive, or powder blue, or pumpkin, or mustard, or even pink.
If I still wore suits, I’d sign up in a heartbeat. Because when I moved here, I tossed my boring old American slacks and cargo shorts and replaced them with a rainbow of hues. On the rare occasions I go back to visit the States, I definitely get double-takes for my look — say, white linen pants, salmon-colored shirt, flowered socks. It’s a different world here.
Sounds as though wearing a tie wouldn’t be bizarrely out of place (I wouldn’t expect to see one on an arborist or auto mechanic) and I’d think it could actually add a little additional air of professionalism based on your job description. I say go for it. I don’t know that I’d pair it with a whole suit since that likely would seem like overdoing things but I think a tie would be fine and make you happy.
I’m personally at home in a suit and tie and hold the opinion that a properly fitted and worn suit & tie shouldn’t be feeling restrictive or uncomfortable. But I work from home these days and have little reason to get that formal anymore.
Tie, long-sleeve shirt, business slacks? It’s a step above business casual and a good look. Out of curiosity, what tie knot do you use because a bad one cough half-windsor cough can ruin the look.
