What do you think of when you see the word “fashion”?

Models walking down the runway in ridiculous clothes that you would never wear even if they were affordable?

We have to wear clothes. Society doesn’t like nudity. And at this time of year, you’d plain be uncomfortable. Certain things also shrink in cold air.

I recently got called out on my “too casual” look and it made me a little frustrated. I try to wear clothes that are comfortable, but I definitely don’t want to offend anyone. When it’s 100+ degrees outside, it makes it very hard to wear pants and a long sleeve shirt, let alone a suit. In my profession, I’ve never had to wear a suit thankfully.

In the past when I worked in the entertainment business whether in Hollywood, NYC or Europe, the fashion of choice was jeans, a button up shirt and a blazer. The shoes would either be boots or tennis shoes. That’s right, in that business; it is acceptable, almost necessary to show that you’re a “creative type” by wearing shoes and maybe even throwing in some crazy socks.

But now, I’m back in the Midwest and things are a little different.

It’s not like the 40’s 

(the men in this picture were homeless) where men wore suits along with a fedora and women wore dresses. It’s much more laid back today.

I’ve always thought that the person who tries too hard by showing that they have spent a lot of money on their wardrobe is simply trying too hard.

On the other hand, if you show up to a business meeting in sloppy shorts or destroyed jeans and a t-shirt then you risk the chance of saying that you are a sloppy person who doesn’t care about anything.

What do you wear? If you are a service profession who goes out to homes to meet with prospects and customers, you have to look presentable but at the same time wear something functional. You don’t exactly want to wear shinny dress shoes and a suit if you’re a plumber. But what if you work on computers? Are jeans and a polo acceptable?

What if you work in retail setting? What kind of impression do you need to make?

It all comes down to who you are and what you do? If you’re not sure what kind of impression you’re giving off, just ask someone who is not biased and will give you their real opinion. Everyone has their opinion and you will probably get many different types, if you get many of the same, then it may be time to change how you dress.