Wanting vs. Needing

I had a great conversation this week with a friend and client, Mr. NL (whaddup, if you're reading this!)

He's been a client now for over five years, and we got to talking about how much the corporate dress code has changed.

Mr. NL is a financial advisor, and it was always a guarantee if he had an appointment with someone during the day, and they were a banker or lawyer type, he would always show up with a suit and tie on.

Not only was it expected for the industry, but there was a good chance his client would be wearing the same thing, and well, you can't be underdressed now, can you?

As things have begun to get more casual, with bankers (especially investment guys) wearing polos and lawyers dropping the ties for dress shirts and sport coats, it has required all of us to re-think how we approach business dress.

Mr. NL mentioned wearing more sport coats and trousers than his counterparts, and this really stood out to me.

You see, instead of being worried about being overdressed or underdressed, Mr. NL looks cool and well, like himself.

One day it could be a polo, but most days well-fitting sport coats and trousers are the preferred choices for him.

Not because he has to, but because he wants too.

I think that's the right place for all of us to land.

Just because society has become more casual, it doesn't give you the excuse to mail it in.

It also doesn't require you to wear a suit and dread it, if it's not your thing.

WIN WIN

With purpose,

DW