As silly season comes to a close, try these five easy style tweaks to get into a positive frame of mind
The ceremonial Polishing Of The Shoes, undertaken by my father every Sunday before the working week, was the sign that the ease of the weekend was over. I think of it every time summer ends and my colleagues and I drift back from coral-streaked Italian skies and Grecian bays to the office. That sense of “back to school” never leaves, although today the September reboot involves intelligent suiting over new pencil cases and Hush Puppies.
There’s a sense of smartness and solidity that feels reassuring after the August silly season. It feels somewhat grandiose, in our cost of living times, to consider a whole new workwear wardrobe. So instead consider adding or tweaking one little element of your return-to-work image; a smart update rather than a complete overhaul.
It’ll help you get into a positive frame of mind; you’re not just shrugging on the old suit and schlepping back to the grind, you’re purposefully finessing your appearance to make the best of your professional life over the autumn months. I for one am resolving to wear more suits after the increasing creep of casual attire in my workaday wardrobe (apologies to my colleagues). Here are five easy tweaks to bring a bit of oomph into the office.
I’m not recommending everyone buy a costly new suit, obviously, but increasingly – like a lot of men – I need one that’s not so “precious” about the rigours of life. Resolving to walk to and from the office, for example, plus post-work socialising. Cue a tech fabric variant which – hold your breath – can go in the wash. I’m going to give it a go and will dutifully report back.