What role does clothing play in your life?

Supreet Chahal

Feeling seen is so important to all of us. Whether it’s our values, hobbies, interests, aspirations or personality, we all want people to see us for who we really are. I have clients tell me their aspirations during our consultations, which helps shape what type of style I create for them. 

The beauty of style is you can use clothing as a powerful tool to get ahead. What does this mean? Clothing says who you are without saying a word. Think: first-impressions, interviews, presenting a pitch, dates. entering a store or attending a networking event. These are all places and events where being seen as your best self really comes in handy, especially when you might not be able to engage with everyone.

I had a client who was an engineer, but wanted to start his own company that was focused on intertwining tech and art. Since he was Indian, he was afraid he was going to be put in an “engineer box” and get overlooked as a founder. It was a big concern for him because he was entering the world of arts. “I don’t want people to think I don’t know anything about art. I have so much interest and insight into this world, but no one can tell right off the bat.” I saw how he wanted to be seen right away.

First things first, we talked about what an artistic founder looks like. Artistic people love to have fun with their accessories like glasses, wear interesting shoes, opt for bolder prints and wear clothing that looks tailored. We switched his look from “polo shirt, jeans and running shoes” to “fun printed button down shirts, slim fit jeans and cool lace up boots”. We went for fabrics that were soft and stretchy so we wouldn’t sacrifice comfort.

He messaged me after his pitch telling me how great he felt. Not only did it feel good getting compliments on shirt, but he was able to embody his artistic side inside and out. He truly felt like an expert because he looked the part. As soon as he walked into the room, he got everyone’s attention as an expert. 

What does this look like for you? Are your clothes making you appear as you want to be seen? 

Enclothed Cognition: Your clothes effect your productivity

Supreet Chahal

Did you know what you wear effects your psychological processes and behavioral tendencies? For example, wearing sweatpants or PJs makes you feel lethargic, while wearing something more tailored makes you feel focused.

Enclothed Cognition is a study done in 2012 by Adam and Galinsky, where they found what you wear effects your productivity. Your symbolic power outfit leads to more confidence, while your lounging clothes have the opposite effect. This study is so relevant in the time of Covid, especially for those of us who are not used to working from home. What you wear matters.

I’ve had clients reach out for help with their work from home clothes because they don’t feel like themselves anymore. The good news is there is hope! Next time you are getting ready to start your work day, opt for something comfortable and stylish. It doesn’t have to be a suit, but avoid old worn out joggers. It’s about having clean lines and some structure.

Ladies, go for soft dresses or jumpsuits over your college hoodies. Suede or leather leggings and stylish sweaters are perfect too. I also personally love knit blazers because they have the softness of a cardigan, but look of authority.

Gentlemen, stretchy chinos, stylish lounge pants, henleys and sweaters look great. Keep things somewhat fitted and crisp. In meetings, you’re mostly seeing the top half, so opt for something better than an old t-shirt.

Need help building your productive work from home wardrobe? Reach out to learn about virtual programs, where your new clothing comes straight to your home: supreet@stylebysupreet.com

Men’s Style: How to Layer Field Jackets for Fall

Supreet ChahalLeave a comment

As the cooler weather sets in, it’s time to start thinking of ways to warm up… stylishly, of course. In this series I want to teach you the art of layering. Layering is one of the easiest things you can do to look stylish. Whether it’s jackets, scarves, cardigans or vests, you can layer it all. This post focuses on one of my favorite jacket styles for men: Field Jackets (also called M83 or a utility jacket).

Field jackets are great for transitional seasons like fall because you can wear them on their own or layer away. Field jackets are versatile because they look great with casual and dressier outfits alike.

 

How to Layer a Field Jacket

Denim Jackets

Denim Jackets look awesome under field jackets. When wearing a denim jacket, go for color in your pants (I.e. burgundy, khaki, black, cream, green etc)


Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Start with your shirt (henley, t-shirt or button down) and then your denim jacket. You can close your denim jacket buttons or leave them open, totally up to you. Top off your outfit with a field jacket and a scarf if you would like.

Photo Credit: He Spoke Style

If you need to shed a layer once you get indoors, unbutton your denim jacket.

 

Denim Shirts

Denim Shirts add a nice contrast to field jackets (and make a perfect alternative if you don’t like denim jackets).

The example below shows how nicely denim and green contrast. I love the idea of a printed field jacket to really stand out of the crowd.

Photo Credit: Southern Gents

 

Your jeans don’t have to wear ripped to pull off this look.

 

Cardigans

Cardigans work great under field jackets if you prefer a softer layer. You can go for a shawl neck or classic V neck cardigan. This look can be easily dressed up or down.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Start with a shirt (t-shirt or button down) and throw on your cardigan. You can keep the buttons done up for a more smart look or leave them open to keep it casual. If you need more warmth, feel free to layer a vest on top of your cardigan.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Scarves

Scarves look great with field jackets, especially if you go for one with some print. You can either loop your scarf once around your neck or leave it hanging on either side with no loops. Feel free to wear your scarf under or on top of your jacket. I prefer under.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Outerwear for Short Men (In-Depth Guide) – Peter Manning NYC

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Puffer Vests

Puffer Vests look great under field jackets and give you that added warmth you need.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

You can either go for a button down shirt, henley, sweater or sweatshirt. Once you have your base layer, you can add in your puffer vest. Your field jacket will go on top of the vest.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Tweed Vests

Tweed vests can also work with field jackets if you prefer a slightly dressier look. You can dress it up or down based on what else you choose to wear with your vest (I.e. jeans, chinos etc.).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Start with a tucked in button down shirt and add your tweed vest on top. The fabric of the jacket in the above example is an example of a field jacket that looks slightly dessier, I would opt for that dressier style with a tweed vest.

Photo Credit: Stay Classic

 

Dressing Up a Field Jacket

If you find yourself wearing mostly dressier clothing, go for a field jacket that looks a bit dressier too. Usually going for khaki or a darker color with fewer pockets looks dressier. Avoid over-sized or distressed jackets if trying to dress up your field jacket.

Note: Field jackets do not replace a blazer. This is a smart causal look, not formal.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Styles that work for dressing up = minimal and simple

Photo Credit: Bonobos

Photo Credit: Banana Republic

 

Colors and Prints

Field jackets come in classic colors like green, tan, brown, navy and black. Green is probably the most popular. If you prefer to dress your jacket up, go for a tan, brown or navy.

Casual Styles

Field jackets made of mostly cotton have a tendency to look more casual. Here are some examples of jackets that appear more casual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dressed Up Styles

Jackets made of nylon, polyester or waxed cotton will look more dressy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outfit Examples

Below are some of my favorite outfits with a field jacket. If you want more outfit inspiration, checkout my Men’s Field Jacket Pinterest Board. 

Smart-Casual

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Trendy/Hip

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Dressy

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Hope you enjoyed this post and are excited to rock your field jacket with confidence! Feel free to ask questions in the comments below!

Guy’s Edition: Date Night!

Supreet Chahal

Ready for date night? Perhaps you’d like to sip some craft cocktails at ABV in the Mission – I recommend the celery gin and tonic! Wear a fun and subtle printed button down with some dark denim and use brown accessories to lighten up the outfit. Don’t forget, Karl the fog likes to roll in, you’ll need a jacket. Go for a simple collar jacket that compliments your outfit without making it look too dressy or too casual.Screen Shot 2017-10-18 at 10.38.10 PM

Guy’s Edition: A Pop of Orange

Supreet Chahal

Guys, ditch the blues and grays! Start exploring colors like camel, burnt orange, deep greens, and burgundies to make your look style forward without blending into the crowd. Fall is the perfect time to experiment since all the deep tones are out.

Details:
APC Sweatshirt
Acne Studios Jeans
Rag and Bone Boots
Woolrich T-Shirt
Filson Backpack 

Guy’s Edition: Nature Day

Supreet Chahal

Take urban hiking to the next level! Whether it’s exploring the city or going to parks, here’s an easy going stylish look for your weekend activities! Having a great boot is the perfect alternative to always wearing sneakers.

Details:
J.Crew Jacket 
AG Jeans jeans
Everlane T-shirt
Ugg Boots
Bryant Park Belt