Everyone knows that New York City is one of the fashion capitals of the world. However, even as such, the vast majority of job and internship positions around the city have fairly strict dress codes. With this restriction put on fashion, many have to find alternative ways to fully express their personal style in the workplace without challenging the regulations of their job.
This Fashionisto shakes up his otherwise classic ensemble by playing with and modifying two traditional details of his look. Not only does this Fashionisto have to follow the rules of the dress code, but he is further limited by the options men’s fashion presents him with. In men’s fashion there are only four pieces which can really be changed to add finesse to an otherwise traditional men’s look: shoes, shirts, ties and collars. This Fashionisto chose to alter his collar and shoes, adding an artistic edge to his look.
The mandarin collar is a simply chic way to add personal style to an otherwise traditional button-down that is worn to work. The absence of a collar means a less restrictive and more casual feel which not only adds personal style but lengthens the neck as well. With menswear being a huge part of women’s fashion as well, this style is completely androgynous, and just a few months ago both M Missoni and Comme des Garçons brought the style onto it’s fall ready-to-wear runways.
This Fashionisto has also gone ahead and broken one of fashion’s “rules” by wearing camel colored shoes with not only a black belt but a generally black outfit. This light splash of color at the bottom draws the eye downward, forcing the viewer to look at all of the Fashionisto’s pristine outfit. Brown flat boots are a staple that should have a place in every Fashionista/o’s closet, however it is the way that one uses that classic piece that can turn it from something classic to an edgy detail.
How To: The upside to both of these beautiful detail pieces is that they are simple enough to be worn in a variety of ways. The mandarin collar can be worn with anything from a classic pencil skirt to add an artistic touch, to with edgy ripped up jeans to add class to the look. Brown boots, on the other hand, can be worn with anything and everything, but it really adds warmth and style when worn with black.
