WEAR A NAVY BLUE BLAZER

Many years ago business's that normally required men to wear suits and ties to work started something called "business casual Friday's. This trend was the beginning of the end. We were now on the " the slippery slope."

I opposed the casual dress trend at the company I was part of before I retired. I lost that battle. I don't recall overhearing any client walk into our office and comment how nice it was to see how casual everyone looked. But the trend continues to this day.

Men wear what ever they want where ever they want. We have gone from business casual to just casual. People worked from home during the pandemic. They worked in their pajamas if they chose to while sitting on their bed. I have heard that many people have returned to the office but are insisting on the very casual look. Many are dressing very casual whether at work, a nice restaurant, a wedding, or a funeral. I saw people at a funeral recently dressed as if they were going to Costco on a Saturday morning. { How about a little respect for the departed.}

The answer might be the navy blue blazer. The blazer was introduced to America by Brooks Brothers in the 1930's. The navy blue blazer will sometimes have brass or silver buttons. It can be a two or three button jacket. It may sometimes be double breasted. It might be made of wool, cotton, linen or flannel. It must be a solid color. If the jacket has a pattern, checks or stripes it is a sport coat not a blazer!

You can dress up with a blazer. Wear it to a wedding. Dark Charcoal Grey Slacks. Nice starched dress shirt and necktie. Shine your Black shoes. Maybe a pocket square. You are dressed up and ready to go. Wear it to a business meeting. Maybe a lighter shade of grey pants. How about some shined up brown shoes. This time a light blue shirt with or without a tie.

You could wear the Blazer on Business Casual Friday with well pressed khaki pants. A button down collar shirt. Try some brown loafers.

Wear it on the weekend with some jeans, maybe over a T-Shirt or sweater in the fall. and comfortable walking shoes.

Saturday night with any of the above options depending on where you are going.

You will always look good in your navy blue Blazer taking a Sunday drive in your Porsche convertible.

Have one nice Navy Blue Blazer and wear it often. You will help stop the never ending casual dress movement. You will look and feel better and be more confident. Who knows what new opportunities will come your way.

WRITTEN BY

RON TURETT