Tesar-Reynes

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“In the old days”, it was really easy to figure out what to wear for work. Not being a fashion plate, I had it all organized. I didn’t have to be really awake. I owned six summer suits and six 3-season suits. All I had to do was grab the suit that was the furthest to the right on the rack. The suit dictated the options for the color of the shirt; they in turn dictated the tie choices.

I think my wardrobe consisted of about 35 dress shirts and maybe 150 ties. It never took any thought. I think I’d looked all right when I walked in the office.

Today, office casual means different things at different companies in different parts of the country on different days of the week. I suspect that closets and drawers have to accommodate a much bigger selection.

Whenever I’m asked what to wear for an interview, I always suggest that candidates should wear a suit, the equivalent of a blazer and a shirt and tie, or a blouse. Once they get into the interview situation, they can be invited to take off their coat and sit comfortably.

Once someone has started a new company, it’s incumbent on them to ask people what the dress code really is. They should ask people at different title levels at different ages, then make their own determination of what is proper. If you’re not sure, lean conservative. No one ever gets in trouble for going a little on the conservative side.