How do you do, friends? Thanks for visiting. Pinpoint Style is a project I've begun of incorporating the various rules of men's style (they're more like guidelines) into my office attire. I want to fit some spice into my business wardrobe without awkwardly standing out.
Of course I'm interpreting the rules within the context of my place of business, which happens to be rather conservative and errs on the business side of business casual. New York City provides the climate--by which I mean the weather and the attitudes. And I'm not yet 30.
I believe that anyone should apply so-called "style rules" with their own purpose, setting, and self in mind. So while I doubt that my ensembles will work for everyone, I hope that my perspective on style is generally applicable. Nonetheless, other young professionals will probably relate best.
Pinpoint Style might also touch on some other aspects of men's style if inspiration strikes. I hope you'll find this discussion to be interesting, and I welcome your suggestions and comments.
N.M.C.
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A Young Professional's Take on Doing More Than "Business Casual"
“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.” --Sir Hardy Amies
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Welcome to Pinpoint Style
"I don't wanna look like a weirdo. I'll just go with a mumu." --Homer Simpson
Deciding what to wear should not be a hassle to young men, aside from those who despise having to wear clothes at all or thinking about how they present themselves to the world. While I appreciate that many of us share Homer Simpson's disdain for pants and admire his disregard for how the world sees him, his noble way of life is incompatible with having a profession (such as being an associate at a large corporate law firm like this blogger) and paying off student loans (as this blogger must). Unfortunately however, even young professionals who readily accept that they must cover their nudity often find picking an outfit to be a chore.
I believe that fault lies with the incomprehensible "business casual" dress codes that firms have been imposing for the last two decades, even here in New York. After all, to anyone who retired before 1980, "business casual" would seem oxymoronic. It has nonetheless become a corporate term of art that permits anything to be worn, except for jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and tuxedos. It has made getting ready for work in the morning usually boring, occasionally confusing, and yields ensembles that are seldom flattering. Color coordination, accessories, and fit are often over looked among this morass of apparel options. The primary aim becomes being neither over nor under dressed or otherwise inappropriately conspicuous. Young men are also bombarded by fashion trends that change with the winds, and understandably reach for the lowest common denominators of acceptable apparel --outfits that tend to age the wearer beyond his years, add pounds and inches, and show no personality.
Having always found style to be important, this blog is my attempt to embrace the possibilities that business casual affords. I hope that others will enjoy this project of incorporating personal style into appropriate business attire, without coming across as a dandy or an attention seeker. If you can make getting dressed for work something to look forward to and be proud of your appearance, you'll always get the day started right. And since 90% of life is just showing up, I figure the odds are at least a little better when you show up well dressed.
N.M.C.
