I like the idea of taking a classic look and switching things around a bit. A blue button down shirt is one of those "foundation" pieces that every style and fashion advice column would start with. Simply paired with gray slacks and a good set of shoes, you would have a solid look that would be classically stylish. You will, however, blend in with the rest of the crowd that takes themselves to be a bit more "professional" than the blue shirt-khakis set. I work in a restaurant, so I'm not restricted by much of a dress code and I get the chance to play around with this office look to end up with something a bit more fun on my office days (though I go with a good set of shoes.)
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Brooks Brothers Extra Slim Fit Chambray Western Shirt
A chambray shirt with snap buttons and double western pockets is definitely not office approved. Chambray itself is a decidedly workwear fabric. Appropriate for the blue collar shlepping around of wine boxes I get to do. The western details aren't too aggressive since, well...it's still a Brooks Brothers shirt. This Medium shirt was $34.75 on sale, which is now lower with the Brooks Brothers Friends and Family Sale that is going on now. |
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| Hem details. |
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| Grey corduroy substitutes for the solid grey slacks. Another casual fabric in a slim style that moves away from the conservative side of things without being too out there. I really like the textural contrast these have with the chambray. These cords are J.Crew 33x30 slim fit that I got off the sales rack for about $14. |
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| The belt is the cheapest part of this outfit. It's Merona, from Target. Dark brown on one side, hot pink on the other. I picked it up in college. I like the pop you get from the pink (I like pink...) and the shade of brown works surprisingly well with the shoes. |
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| The shoes are Alden Color No. 8 Shell Cordovan Longwings I picked up at Leffot for about $700 after shoe trees and taxes. I usually support shopping cheap, but for fuck's sake, spend money on quality pieces that will last! These Aldens are built like tanks and will probably last longer than me. Long Wing Bluchers are definitely business wear and act as a solid foundation to the rest of the outfit. The rest of the outfit can be fun, but the shoes are all business. |
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| Bright ass pink Uniqlo socks. Uniqlo should launch online shopping in the US next month when they open their new stores in New York. I like their socks because they are cheap (3 for $12 or 4 for $12) and come in every color you could want. I like adding the pop of color to add interest to an outfit with socks. |
