People are changing their mindset on how to dress in the workplace with the current economic situation. After all, these are interesting times and interesting times call for interesting measures ... or something like that.

I wanted to start off by sharing a few tid-bits from a recent article: ''Worried Lawyers Embrace Gordon Gekko's Wardrobe."

Fear of layoffs has more lawyers giving up business casual and returning to business suits and tasteful accessories, according to at least one consultant quoted in the story.

"Power clothes" are back in fashion, and worried lawyers are among those embracing the style, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Communications consultant Gretchen Neels told the newspaper the bad economy is spurring the change at law firms she advises. "In our economic times, you really want to have your game on," she said. "You can't be too formal."

At men's retailer Paul Fredrick, 1980s-style clothing featured in the movie Wall Street is back in style, the story says. Big sellers include white-collared, colored dress shirts and yellow power ties.

But at Bickel & Brewer, power clothes were never out of style, according to the story. Even mailroom clerks wear suits at the firm. Managing partner Bill Brewer explains his sartorial philosophy. "I think people expect high-powered lawyers to look like high-powered lawyers," he told the Wall Street Journal. "Anything else is sending the wrong signal."

I am not advising that our friends at UPS and FedEx should start shopping with me, and I know that my reading audience is not all comprised of high-powered attorneys near New York either. However, I do feel that by dressing "better" we can promote higher levels of self image, client / business confidence, and poise ourselves for successes everyday.

For all of those readers out there who aren't quite at the top of the pecking order yet, dressing up can help you to cement your position as a professional who takes your prospective position with the company seriously in these uncertain times. It may seem shallow, but looking and feeling the part is sometimes the only difference between who gets fired, and who can afford to pay the mortgage for a few more months.

Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is the very definition of insanity. If we want to see positive results in our lives, then we all have to make a decision right now to do something different. It could be wearing a nicer pair of slacks to the office with a tucked in shirt for some. While others may want to wear a sport coat or suit more often.

And if you are the type that has questions as to what to wear in general and you are looking for some advice ... just pick up the phone and give me a call. Be certain in these uncertain times.

-- Mitch Bram is the director of sartorial splendor with Tom James Clothing in Madison. He'll be working toward building a more Fashion Forward Wisconsin by sharing his advice and expertise on the subject of proper dress.

E-mail your fashion questions to info@wisbusiness.com or call Mitch directly at 608-278-0391 or 608-712-6499.

Labels: Mitch_Bram

As I write this Thursday, it's -12 degrees outside with the promise of -27 this evening with wind chills as low as -45.

This is Mother Nature's way of making sure you have all been paying attention to my columns these past couple of months. Aren't you all so glad that we covered the basics of dressing well – even in sub-zero temperatures -- back in November? That's a hint as to where to find my suggestions if you are freaking out right now.

Well, let's get to it shall we? The question this month comes from one of my loyal male readers. "A lot of things are on sale now...if somebody were to buy a business wardrobe from scratch and had $1,500 to spend, how would you suggest that they do it?"

That is a great question, deserving of an equally great answer. The canned used-car-salesman answer would be, "You spend the $1,500 with me of course!" But, for better or worse, and to your excitement or dismay, I will not be taking the easy way, or "cheesy" way out (Get it, Wisconsin ...Cheese land?).

I'm going to play out two scenarios for you. The first will pertain to the gentleman who's looking to build a business dress wardrobe. The second will focus on the person aiming at the business-casual wardrobe. Each will be listed below with the key items that will be the most useful as first additions. Once we spend the $1,500 and get past the foundational basics, move up the ladder and start making some real coin so we can move to THE NEXT STEP (me!).

Scenario 1: The Business Dress Wardrobe

(2 or 3) Conservative suits. This means navy or charcoal...no black! Think simple stripes, textured solids, nothing too flashy.

(4 to 6) Dress shirts. Look for whites, blues, ecru (off white), with some texture or possibly faint stripes.

(4 to 6) Ties. This is where you can have some fun. Make sure to bring the colors in the tie to match with at least the color of your shirt, suit, or stripe or pattern in your suit.

(2) Belts. Black and a version of brown. Cordovan (Burgundy), chili, or dark brown will work nicely. Just steer clear of chestnut (light tan) until we get to ... THE NEXT STEP.

(2) Pairs of Shoes. You guessed it ... always be sure that your belt matches your shoes -- every time.

(6 to 8) Pairs of Socks. Go solid or fancy, whichever you prefer. Just be sure to match your socks to the color of slacks/suit you are wearing.

Scenario 2: The Business Casual Wardrobe

(1 to 2) Blazers / sport coats. A navy or black blazer is a must. If you're going with a sport coat, be sure that the pattern isn't too loud and has enough colors in the pattern as to be worn with different varieties of trousers.

(4 to 6) Dress slacks. Black, medium gray, camel tan, and medium brown are my four starter favorites. This combination will give you the most flexibility.

(4 to 6) Dress / sport shirts. Sport shirts can be worn with or without a tie depending on the circumstances and can be worn with or without a blazer or sport coat.

(2 to 4) Ties. Not an absolute must but can be worn with a dressy shirt and your blazer or sport coat or with a sport shirt on occasion.

(2) Belts. The same rules apply as above in Scenario 1.

(2) Pairs of Shoes. Ditto. See above.

Some of you might be saying that it's impossible to purchase everything on a $1,500 budget. I have worked for Boston Store, Macy's, S&K Menswear, and now Tom James. Depending on your store or outlet of choice you may be able to piece together twice or three times the quantity of items I mentioned...but as they say, "You Get What You Pay For." I would love to work alongside you at accomplishing your "next step" goals.

-- Mitch Bram is the director of sartorial splendor with Tom James Clothing in Madison. He'll be working toward building a more Fashion Forward Wisconsin by sharing his advice and expertise on the subject of proper dress.

E-mail your fashion questions to info@wisbusiness.com or call Mitch directly at 608-278-0391 or 608-712-6499.

Labels: Mitch_Bram