It’s Best Not to Be Defined By Your Belt or Suspenders (or Lack Thereof)
There’s a big difference between fashion faux pas and simply bad in terms of office style. To understand the basics, I suggest first reading Jessica Delfino’s Functional Friday articles focusing on work fashion to get an idea of what I’m talking about.
I just don’t understand some of my co-worker’s fashion choices and why they go on day after day without change?
Why would the offenders even bother? It’s no secret that the workplace is full of comments and small talk. Make consistent poor clothing decisions and that mistake becomes a typical discussion at the water cooler.
With that said, there are a few fashion mishaps within my workplace that just seem so obvious. I’m not talking about denim button-ups or a short-sleeve dress shirt and tie combination. My concerns have to deal with belts and suspenders. Belts for men, in particular. We’ll leave the skinny belts that women wear up around their armpits for another day.
My office actually features opposite ends of the pants-tightening spectrum.
The co-worker who never wears a belt.
This is really starting to get to me. Sure, you can go belt-less if you either a) forgot it or b) have the genius tuxedo pants with the controls on the sides. Askmen.com doesn’t consider a belt mandatory with jeans but in my opinion, they look rather silly without it.
It’s not like belts are uncomfortable. Their entire purpose is to provide comfort. There must be something I don’t know. Maybe my co-worker grew up during the Kriss Kross era and became sick of using a belt to support his sagging backwards pants. I don’t know. What I do know, career-wise, a belt is a great investment.
The co-worker who always wears suspenders.
Not recommended for everyday use.
OK, so there are worse problems in life than being known as a notorious suspender wearer. Regardless, why not mix it up? To some, it’s a lifeline to their pants, but I find it hard to believe a person can’t throw a belt in the mix every now and then. The non-belt wearer solution is a no-brainer, this is more of a recommendation.
Moral of the story? The clothes you wear to the office won’t make or break you, but a repetitive personal clothing choice won’t go unnoticed. For a measly $20-$30, a person can buy a nice belt and
eliminate the chance of being featured in a discussion at the water cooler.
