FASHION FORWARD, WISCONSIN

By Mitch Bram

Question: Politicians aren’t always wearing ties … should I?

Mitch: Finally, someone asked, “The Question.” In my eight-plus years in the clothing business, it is nice to hear someone verbalize their questions regarding their dressing habits. Ironically enough I think about 99 percent of us ask this very same thing each morning before heading to the office. We are just to afraid to ask whether we are right or wrong.

My name is Mitch Bram. And I am the director of sartorial splendor with Tom James Clothing in Madison. The WisBusiness.com team and I will be working toward building a more Fashion Forward Wisconsin (that’s a riff on the state motto, folks). I look forward to sharing my advice and expertise on the subject of proper dress to ensure we all look and feel our best no matter what the occasion.

Now, back to our question. Let me clear it up for you. The answer is: Yes … and no. Seems pretty cut-and-dried doesn’t it?

Here is how I see it. The only three times that a tie is not required are as follows: Functions labeled business casual; a corporate or office setting deemed casual Friday; and finally, drinks after hours with friends or colleagues. Also, when I say no tie, it means no tie. Not top button on your shirt undone with tie hanging loosely around your neck. That doesn’t say, “I’m casual.” It says, “I’m drunk.”

And I want to be perfectly clear on the word, “casual.” In my opinion, we have all dragged casual through the dirt here in Wisconsin these past few years. Dockers, with your golf outing giveaway polo, and a pair of Birkenstocks is not “casual.” That is what I call “simply sloppy.” Wear the clothing; Don’t let it wear you.

What most all of us fail to realize is that clothing is very much a part of us. Aside from the obvious visual implications, it also changes our confidence, attitude, and overall effectiveness from productivity to profits. Let’s keep the weekend attire for watching our Badgers and Packers kick some butt. Once Monday arrives, it’s time to wear quality, well fitted, smart outfits that make an impact on who we are, and what we do.

— Bram directs sartorial splendor by appointment at your home or office or at his Madison office. Call: 608-712-6499 or visit:

http://ilsuitu.myplaxo.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/1/bab/5b

E-mail your fashion questions to info@wisbusiness.com