Alternating Normality-Suits with Flair

Drawing from my last post, I want to explore how what we wear truly affects both perceptions and personalities. Primarily how people perceive one and how one perceive themselves. Does this then subsequently affect our own attitude actions and behaviors; about ourselves and toward others.

Many labels are preconceptions. Opinions are often formed based on the books cover and with no reference to the title or the blurb. We are a breed of 'judgers'. It is what we all do. This judgement therefore largely rest upon the first impression. The image and not the personality.

Labels as I have argued before are a means of categorisation. We have a powerful desire to place things into a category. This is just human nature and is neither good nor bad. However at times, judgement needs to be avoided or at least limited. Job Interviews, Special Occasions and the like all form under a formal, appropriate or expected attire. While this is important and while some are more important than others for formality, others allow a certain controlled degree of individuality, creativity and flair.

Lets take a job interview. Suit is a must 99999999999.9% of the time. Even a really relaxed company such as certain independent media and creative inspired outlets, would expect at least a proper shirt. It is therefore the ability to make this outfit your own that comes purely down to you.

Lets take a suit as the first example. Black or grey seems to be the industry standard these days in most suit shops (real suit shops, not Topman/River Island. I will come onto these later).* Other than this there is little real variation. Pinstripe and blue seems to be the next option, with some variations on grey shades and brownish/murky colours too. Budget constrains come into this obviously but a good, well fitted suit wade of a % of wool is a good start. Real leather shoes, a silk tie and a good quality overcoat to complete the look.

*On the matter of the Topman and other high street suits. They are good, don't knock them, however they have two key flaws. One is that the quality is poor for the price you pay. You may pay £150 for something that looks good but is not got any wool in at all. 100% Polyviscouse or something similar. The second issue is that of the fashion style. It looks great...for the season, then next season it suddenly looks old and dated. It is not a live long classic. While I understand for many readers hear fashion is not a key element it may be a starting point for your first buy.

So moving on the alternating of the attire. Why not go for a 3 piece suit over a 2 piece suit. Definitely more traditional and a timeless classic. The waistcoat always adds something and whats to say you couldn't mix it up with a different colour waistcoat. It is definitely different!

The shirt is next. It aught to be well fitted and must compliment the shirt. All black is very striking, especially if it is well fitted and of fine quality. White with a grey suit and black tie works well too.

Next there is the accessories. The tie can really portray the personality of the individual. A tie can come in every conceived pattern and colour. Choose one that expresses you. A blending colour or a stark contrast. A deep red tie goes well  with all black. I have a turquoise shirt and tie combo for a grey 3 piece suit I have. I have seen an all black with a green tie. It worked for him.

Moving onto other things you could include are things such as pocket watches, pocket handkerchiefs, fine Jewelry or watches. Necklaces and wrist bands or bangles that represent you are also popular. With the bands wear them under the sleeve for the occasional flash of colour. Cuff links also can display a hobby, interest or sport.

As always with all things, the devil is in the detail and it is the accessories that can display your personality to the world. Take care and pride in your appearance and people will respect you as an individual. Make everything your own and put your subtle mark on it.