I will admit to a soft spot for black tie, a fondness for three-piece suits and a liking for tweed jackets with cashmere sweaters and cords, when the occasions arise. But this leaning towards tailored clothing doesn’t rule out hoodies and sweat pants — as long as they’re confined to the gym! Because when it comes to dressing down, I’m with Jerry Seinfeld. In the episode called The Pilot, where Jerry and George are pitching a TV network with their idea for a new show, Jerry wants George to shape up and dress the part:

“You know the message you’re sending out to the world with these sweatpants? You’re telling the world, ‘I give up. I can’t compete in normal society. I’m miserable, so I might as well be comfortable.’” Jerry in The Pilot

Jerry really got it right. Clothing does send a message. But there’s an enormous side benefit to a well-groomed appearance and general sense of “dressing up” — it gives you a lift. Big time. One of the greatest advocates of this philosophy is my friend Bill Shaddy. As former Senior Director of International Personnel Operations at Pepsi, Bill knows “the right stuff” when it comes to stocking his closet. These days, however, things are a little more complicated. For starters, he has all the buttons on his shirts replaced with snaps. Bill, I should explain, has been living with MS for the last 18 years and snaps are just easier than wrangling with a button and bitty hole. Rain or shine, Bill dresses up. His only concession is a stylish cane by his side.

After life in the fast lane — including overseas postings in London, India, Cyrus and eventually Corporate HQ, just outside New York City — Bill now lives in Sarasota, Florida. Naturally, the local “dress code” is far more casual than his habitual boardroom haunts. He accepts that a relaxed dress code makes sense in Sarasota’s climate and that it’s a lifestyle thing, too. It’s only natural that clothes reflect the laid-back culture of Florida but I can picture Bill saying; “Dressing up just makes one feel so much better!” His sense of well being reflects a keen level of attention to detail. Trousers need a little extra knee-room to accommodate his new, life-changing walk-aid (link) and there are the snap alterations on shirts. Actually, Bill has become adept at making adjustments:

“My left side is sort of ‘going for the tide’ so I need to request restaurant servers to be certain my food is cut into bite-size pieces.”

Certainly the greatest adjustment was his decision to leave Pepsi. It was an intense and dynamic environment. The focus of his work was building local business teams in critical, emerging markets while helping to drive Pepsi operating systems. An essential component of his mandate was fostering the company’s global, cultural values at a local level. There were some challenges during the earliest stages of his diagnosis, when colleagues noticed something was not quite right. Ultimately, despite encouragement to remain on the job, Bill made his move to medically retire and relocate to Florida, so he could better manage his health agenda. Today, his mandate, depending on how he feels, is to deliver Junior Achievement basic business programs to students at local middle schools.

When it comes to dressing up, Bill Shaddy and I are on the same wavelength. Merci Bill for sharing your point of view!

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Back in the 1920’s and 1930′s, when self-proclaimed “Baron” Adolph de Meyer established an international reputation as the world’s first fashion photographer, neckties were de rigueur. The good Baron, as an expert in the style department, had opinions on everything including neckwear:  “…a perfect tie, and a good collar, that’s what makes a well dressed man.”

But in the almost ninety years since the Baron decreed his standards of style, things have changed. Even the most hallowed institutions have dropped necktie regulations. Gentlemen, it would appear, are no longer tied to the past.  So-called Black Tie Events are often tie-less. Witness the red carpet, Oscar Night, when megastars in designer tuxedos sport open-collared shirts.

From my perspective, a tie adds polish – it’s the final touch, like the period at the end of a sentence. Admittedly, there are a few ties I could do without; Colonel Saunders comes to mind, or bolo ties, or the monochromatic shirt-and-tie suite endorsed by Mr. Dapper himself, Regis Philbin. And then, there’s the entire category of funny, almost weird ties, synonymous with a special Sunday in June.

This year it falls on June 21st when, weather permitting, millions of men outfitted for bass fishing – wearing cargo shorts and sporting “hats-on-lock”– but wielding tongs not rods, will head for the nation’s backyard barbecues. It’s Father’s Day!  Some day, historians will pinpoint the year weird ties replaced noxious after-shave as the gift of choice for all these grill-men. But for the now, it’s time to exercise restraint when it comes to wearing these creations. Point blank, there is no right occasion for a talking tie.

I’m all for adding a vibrant note to conservative workday attire, but Jerry Garcia ties simply don’t belong in the workplace – unless, of course, your office is showbiz central. Sometimes, clients will ask about The Right Tie, about wearing a funny tie to make a presentation, or when they want to get a laugh. Remember, there’s a fine line between laughing at and laughing with – please consider the “goof-factor.”

My advice? Borrow inspiration from style icons Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.  This dynamic duo, always collared and tie-d, manages to strike every note right – funny, hip and cool, but impeccably turned out.

Feeling confident and self-assured about your own tie choices?
See:  Burl Veneer’s Tie Blog – http://burlveneer.blogspot.com
How to tie a bow tie – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vui9Lzg7o_Q&feature=related

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