No Casual Friday

I've had the privilege of writing a number of pieces on the subject of style for Götrich & Co in recent years. Often, I've touched upon the fact that we've been moving towards a more relaxed fashion in recent years. My main job is in finance, specifically capital management. This is an industry that historically, like professions such as lawyers and accountants, has had a relatively formal dress code in the workplace. Even within these professional groups, fashion has now veered towards the increasingly casual, something which a lawyer I know finds peculiar. He argues that as a lawyer, he works tirelessly, so why should the style be relaxed...

Some time ago, I posted a picture on Instagram wearing a dark, formal, tailored suit, white shirt, and tie. A sort of uniform I've worn at work more or less every day for fifteen years until the pandemic hit. The picture was posted on a Friday, and I wrote something along the lines of "No casual Friday here, it's nice to dress up." I received some positive feedback on the picture, but there was one comment in particular that stuck with me and also laid the foundation for this text. The commenter wrote, "Remember, it's not you who dresses up, it's everyone else who dresses down." The more I think about it, the more I feel he's right. A suit, shirt, and tie shouldn't be seen as overdressing; it has been the norm for generations and is the most timeless and classic attire one can think of.

I'll readily admit that I've still tried to adapt to the current situation. Like the social creature I am, I have to say it has felt a bit odd to be the only one in this classic attire in professional settings. I've gone along with it, wearing chinos, a shirt, and sneakers or loafers like many others do in today's business world. However, after my post and some reflection, I've come to the conclusion that it's not for me. I've tried, but it simply doesn't work.

These days, I find myself wearing a suit more and more often, and it's a wonderful feeling. For many, it might not be a big deal, but personally, I feel a difference emotionally. I simply feel finer, more professional, and slightly straighter in the back when wearing a well-tailored suit. Those who have had the privilege of wearing a really good suit, I believe, can relate to this.

There's another reason why I prefer this style. We could call it my creative expression. Nowadays, we live quite spacious, and I've been able to indulge in a dressing room where all the shoes are neatly stacked on shelves, jackets and suits hang neatly, ties hang according to a color scheme on special hangers custom-made for me by a craftsman in the USA. There are a few cufflinks on a silver tray, and my pocket squares are in an old box I inherited. There's some art on the walls, and overall, it's really cozy to walk in there. The routine of the evening before work, going in there and choosing shoes, a suit, shirt, tie, and pocket square, is really pleasant. It's one of the few times I get to cultivate my creative expression. Even though most would say that most outfits look identical, there are nuances, differences in materials, gloss or matte finish, silver or gold, brown or black, white or sky blue that all need to harmonize. It's much more inspiring and stimulating every day of the week than deliberately dressing down."