Suiting Everyday Occasions

Dressing to delineate the different moments of life

Welcome to the interregnum, where we wait. For those who don’t follow or, possibly, care about politics, a quick recap. We had an election in British Columbia; my party won the most seats but not a majority. There are recounts and the need to count more than 175,000 absentee ballots, which shall take about two weeks. Oh, the seat that could give my party a majority was decided by nine votes. So we wait. Now that everyone is caught up.

It was back to work on Thursday. And that means being fully suited, properly booted and appropriate accessories adorning.

While walking through the building I ran into a fellow who works for the other party. We shared the proper pleasantries, congrats all round, how we’re all looking to the final count being complete. As an aside, I shared my preference for sports with clear results over judged sports like figure skating – because right now it feels like the whole province is waiting for the Russian judge.

But he noted that we also had different waiting styles – he was in jeans and t-shirt. I was not (see above).

And that got me thinking – it’s not so much that clothes make the man, but that clothes mark the occasion.

To varying degrees, different situations call for different uniforms. Each can be made to reflect you’re taste but, to me at least, there are certain rules that make dressing easier and act as a guidepost. Not talking going all English school boy uniform or jeans falling off the hips; that uniformity actually robs folks of any individuality. Snob or slob is not distinct.

When I go to work, for me, a suit and tie is the uniform. Now, I’m pretty conservative when it comes to suits. Purchases should last, not be too trendy. So there are no skinny suits, electric blue is banned and burgundy is not happening. But the solid suits that can last are a perfect palette for adding vibrancy. Pocket squares are a good accessory, along with colourful socks but not novelty ones, shoes that matchup with the style of suit are essential. And playing with the pattern of ties and certain shirts, aside from the old standby white and blue, can make standard combinations have a new vigour. One lesson learned, though, is not to use too many things – don’t have puff, tie clip, lapel pin, vest and cufflinks. It’s simply overpowering. Be selective.

Now the uniform boundary can be pushed with sports coats, which add different feel and texture depending on the season. In my closet is a black and white jacket that has a 60s feel (the era not my age) which works by keeping the entire ensemble to those two simple colours from tip to top. For the crispness of three seasons in Victoria, tweed – interspersed with blue weave – serves well and matches well with a variety of combos. A couple of unstructured jackets are perfect for almost all circumstances, semi-casual or casual – dress pants, cords, regular pants or jeans. But my fave sports coat – which keeps its power to impress through limited viewing – is blue velvet. It’s luxurious mingling with charming – it always gets a strong reaction, with men mostly not in support, while women far more supportive.

One tangent: a turtleneck can be deployed in a variety of ways – without looking like a 1970s college prof or Steve Jobs. (Actually, avoid the black variety.) But a turtleneck with a suit can take a standard look and give it an air of nonchalance without looking bizarre. It also works well paired with jeans and the aforementioned sport coats. Mocknecks, though, remain very risky.

When the weekend comes, well. Once upon a time that meant a variety of slogan t-shirts, which have now been consigned to the charity shop for a variety of fit reasons. Replacing them is variety of solid t-shirts, polos, knits, zips and half-zips and, yes, some short-sleeve shirts, plus linen ones. They match with cords, jeans or, hopefully soon, shorts. There is one only one real hoodie in the wardrobe – as in no zip and a hood, bought in Seattle with the king of hoodies – which is kept for a trip to Niagara Grocery on a Saturday morning for some of the best bacon in Victoria. But the guilty pleasure is the track pants, which are a Sunday staple. Comfy, warm and suitable for just about any chores the day can throw about you – the height of versatility. Pair them as you wish – Vans or boots, half-zip or t-shirt – they are remarkably adaptable.

Workout clothes are another story. The hint is in the name. So unless about to or just finishing one, they deserve to be shown the proper respect and worn in the appropriate setting.

This demarcation by clothes is not a new occurrence. For years, I’ve gone to work dressed casually, changed at work and then at end of the day changed back. At the pub, others remain in a work clothes but I wanted to be in my ‘drinking pants’ as folks dubbed them. Reflection illustrates it goes deeper than that.

Some folk think of clothes selection as an imposition that is a roadblock to getting the day started; thoughtful picking of an outfit is reserved for special occasions to them.

I like the routine and delineation that comes from marking the everyday occasion. Now it’s time to suit up – in the best sense of the word – with the appropriate armour for the day.