            In our previous installment related to preparing your wardrobe for the changing seasons, we covered the best ways to optimize your professional attire for colder weather.  We want to remind everyone that above all else, staying warm and staying safe is a top priority, so we understand that style might not be a major concern at this very moment; but when it is safe and comfortable enough to venture back outside on those brisk morning strolls to the office, it's worth glancing over.  While this isn't the first time a polar vortex has taken North America by surprise and it certainly won't be the last, they tend to fizzle out almost as quickly as they dropped down to those atypical latitudes.  Snow has fallen in Miami within the last century, and the mercury in Los Angeles crept up to 95 degrees one year, in January of all months.  While exceedingly rare, these strange events are certainly not impossible, so it's best to be prepared for anything.  Since spring is just a little over a month away, it's a good time to start thinking about optimizing your wardrobe for those rising temperatures and keeping yourself cool and comfortable as the days get longer.

            Short of keeping a spray bottle at your desk or showing up to work in your swim trunks, in this article we'll go over some tips and tricks to help you beat the heat when you have to suit up for those all-important board meetings and mandatory seminars.  

            Whether you walk outside of your home into a blast furnace or a meat freezer, what your clothing is made of will be the most important component of keeping you comfortable.  In the warmer part of the year, materials that are light and loose will do wonders for your overall comfort level.  This is one of the reasons why linen as a suit material is so popular.

            Linen is derived from the flax plant, and its fibers outperform cotton in terms of strength, durability, absorption, and the length of time it takes to dry.  These properties will keep your body and your clothing free of moisture—and therefore heat—more efficiently than other materials used for garments.  As the individual strands of linen fibers are also more tightly wound together than their cotton counterparts, linen suits can generally get away with lower thread counts, thus increasing breathability of the material.  It's yet another reason why so many suits in pastel colors are made with linen.  The propensity for bright colors to reflect light and heat away from your body, as opposed to black and dark blues, work symbiotically with linen's inherent ability to breathe.

            While at first glance it might seem counterintuitive, wool is yet another popular suit material for the warmer season, in spite of its association with colder weather.  Compared to most other materials out there, wool has superior wicking properties, which means that it is able to facilitate evaporation more quickly by drawing moisture away from the body.  We would advise, however, to stick with thinner wools during the summer months and avoid its thicker varieties such as flannel.  Wool's versatility in terms of its superior temperature-regulating properties is what makes it so widespread across the globe in all climates, as well as the gold standard for suit materials worldwide.

            Even though they're not quite as superior in terms of keeping you cool as linen and wool are, opting for wool/cotton blends is still miles ahead of settling for anything in the synthetic realm.  While blends don't quite have the same wicking properties as pure wool, the tradeoff is that they do come at a generally lower price point and possess a more inherent durability.  If you happen to live in a predominantly hot climate and are required to wear suits often, going with wool/cotton blends is certainly a cost-effective and comfortable option.

            Just as you would avoid synthetic materials in winter, it's even more important to avoid them in the summer.  Synthetic fibers such as polyester do a terrible job of keeping your body cool in spite of their resilience and durability.  While suits made from linen or wool cost more up front initially and require a little more proper care and maintenance, you'll thank yourself later when the temperatures start to rise.

            For professional attire, winter months tend to give everyone a better ability to accessorize and customize their outfits, as the cold weather requires more layers.  In the summer months, however, less is always going to be more.  But that doesn't mean you have to forego style for the sake of comfort.  When it comes to comfort, it's more about what others can't see rather than what they can.

            Just like it might seem counterintuitive to opt for a wool suit in the summer months, many professionals also don't realize how beneficial undershirts can be when the mercury rises.  If an undershirt adds another layer, how in the world is that going to keep you cooler?  Well, it relates back to the wicking process and drawing moisture away from your body, and this effect is extremely beneficial in hot climates of both humid and arid varieties.  An undershirt will help keep any moisture off your body and perhaps more importantly off your outer clothes.  If there's anything more uncomfortable than wearing a suit made from material that doesn't breathe, it's a suit that's saturated with moisture.  Undershirts will allow you to avoid this unpleasant scenario even in the sultriest climates. 

            The fabrics of your dress shirts also play an important role in keeping you cool and comfortable.  Just as you would with your suit jackets and trousers, opt for wool, cotton or linen over thicker materials.  On those scorching cloudless days, color is almost as important as the shirt material itself.  You're better off with shades of white, light blues, and pastel colors rather than black or navy, as you want to reflect light away from you, not absorb it.

            As the human body tends to lose much of its heat from the head and feet, it's important to make sure your socks aren't too thick.  You'll even notice this tendency on your days off in your own home resting on the sofa.  Regardless of where you set your thermostat, you'll feel more comfortable in thinner socks or none at all than you would in socks with a thicker consistency.  Be advised, however, that you shouldn't forego socks altogether when you're required to dress formally, as there still needs to be a buffer between your skin and your shoes to effectively regulate heat and moisture.  So long as the material can breathe and isn't too constricting, you'll be able to stay comfortable for longer, even if you're forced to brave the outside heat in a full suit.  As we mentioned before, it's oftentimes the components of your outfit that other people can't see that make or break a person's comfort level.

            We've all likely been stuck at a wedding ceremony at one point or another that was held in a church not yet retrofitted with air conditioning, and when we find ourselves in such a situation, wearing a tie can really hamper our ability to stay comfortable.  When you purchase dress shirts you plan to wear during the summer, it's important to make sure that the collar size is just right in order to avoid that suffocating feeling when you have to wear a tie.  A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should be able to fit your index finger between your neck and the collar without having to force it, or to get a more precise measurement, use a tape measure around your neck and then add half an inch.  This will ensure that you can wear your tie all the way up to your top button without feeling constricted or having to loosen the tie itself, as that can sometimes detract away from your overall style, depending on the occasion.

            If you happen to live in places such as Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, or Las Vegas, you'll notice that what passes as formal in these cities can be quite different from formality standards in New York, Washington, and Chicago, and this is especially true during the summer.  Sometimes the weather is just too hot to accommodate a full traditional suit during the daytime.  In such cases, many events and places of work opt for business casual in lieu of more formal dress codes, and there's nothing wrong with using that to your advantage.  Wearing a dress shirt, sans tie and jacket, can do wonders for your comfort level.  Just always be mindful of when it is appropriate to dress down a little bit.  If you have no choice but to wear a full suit to wherever you're going, keep a spare hanger or two in your car to hang up your jacket while you drive, as this will optimize your personal comfort as much as possible without having to drastically alter your outfit.  Keep in mind, however, that business casual isn't necessarily an invitation to be casual, in the sense that most people use the word.  Save the polo shirts and floral prints for weekends and casual Fridays.

            For more information on keeping your cool during the summer, check out the Enzo Custom guide to summer suits, or step into one of our showrooms where an expert clothier will help you get fitted and answer all of your questions relating to comfort and style tips.  If you feel more comfortable at home, you can make an appointment with us via videoconference. 

In our previous installment related to preparing your wardrobe for the changing seasons, we covered the best ways to optimize your professional attire for colder weather.  We want to remind everyone that above all else, staying warm and staying safe is a top priority, so we understand that style might not be a major concern at this very moment; but when it is safe and comfortable enough to venture back outside on those brisk morning strolls to the office, it's worth glancing over. 

Optimizing Your Professional Attire For Warmer Weather

In many cases, the essence of what defines personal style shines through in the subtleties of your attire rather than just your jacket or trousers themselves. Often, these small things can go overlooked and have a profound effect on your overall fashion sense, as one's style is only as good as the sum of all its component parts. Your belt, your shoes, your jacket, your tie, your dress shirt, and even your watch and cufflinks all work symbiotically to create a look that you'll either love or loathe by the end of any given evening. So how do we figure out what makes or breaks an outfit?

Lots of fashion tips that circulate are pretty obvious. We've all heard that your belt should match your shoes. We all know that you shouldn't wear a plaid button-down shirt with plaid shorts unless your goal is to give someone a migraine. We know to choose only one, not both, when it comes to cummerbunds and waistcoats; or that wearing a necktie with a wingtip collar is generally not appropriate for black-tie affairs. After being required to wear formal attire on many occasions throughout your adult and professional life, a lot of this stuff is just second nature.

But do you know how far down your shirt your tie clip is supposed to be fastened so it doesn't flap around in the wind? How is your pocket square really supposed to be folded? Is that lapel pin absolutely necessary? How do you keep your tuxedo studs holding your shirt together from falling out? Are your cufflinks facing the right way? What about your watch and sunglasses? And do they match your outfit appropriately for the occasion?

In this article, we'll outline these pesky little nuances that can make or break a person's overall style. As with most things, the devil is almost always in the details.

We've all been there at some point or another. We get all dressed and dapper for an important board meeting or event, only to realize the hard way that your company keeps the thermostat in the building at a frosty 82 degrees; you loosen your tie but you can still feel everything underneath your suit sweltering in that boardroom more on par with a greenhouse. The logical thing to do in this situation would be to simply remove your jacket and roll up your sleeves. But is it appropriate?

The answer to that question is, 'It depends.' If you find yourself a little too uncomfortable during a job interview, for example, you may just have to white-knuckle it and put up with it silently. But if it's just a meeting within your company, you've been there for a while, and you know everybody in the room, depending on the corporate culture in most cases you can probably get away with it, especially if others in the room are doing the same thing. When it comes to wedding ceremonies, especially if they are being held in a church, you're better off keeping your sleeves rolled down and your jacket on. However, during the reception, you can probably ditch the jacket and roll up your sleeves if it's hot, especially if it's being held outside. When you decide to roll up your sleeves based on your own judgment call, always keep your cuffs below the elbow.

Lapel pins can be a great way to jazz up your personal style, or even show support for a particular cause or candidate during political fundraisers. But sometimes they have the unintended consequence of detracting from your style rather than complementing it, since there are so many variations in sizes and types. For everyday office use, we would err on the side of caution when it comes to wearing one. However, if the pin is subtle and small enough to where it doesn't stand out in an overbearing way, you can certainly get away with it. Consider choosing a lapel pin that's narrow or at the very most no larger than the size of a dime. As far as colors go, you're better off choosing something with a more neutral tone to it, as silver or dark blue won't attract as much attention away from your overall ensemble. For events such as weddings or holiday parties, feel free to give yourself a little more leeway. Brighter colors and more intricate designs actually tend to fare better for more festive occasions. While the colors in your lapel pin don't have to exactly match the colors on your tie, try your best to keep them in the same ballpark, as this will complement your suit nicely without being too busy.

Perhaps the most annoying part of putting on a tuxedo (save having to tie a bow tie without a mirror) is ensuring that your studs don't fall out, because if they do, you likely won't notice when they fall out, and it will be nearly impossible to retrace your steps to find them, especially at wedding receptions on crowded raucous dance floors. Tuxedo studs are most likely to fall out due to a combination of rapid movement (dancing at a wedding, for example) and buttonholes that are too wide for the stud. The latter most likely occurs when renting a tuxedo and it's

been worn by several people within a given year. We would always advise against renting a tuxedo for most scenarios, but if you absolutely must when you have no other options, at the very least avoid using the studs provided if you can. Often the studs on rented tuxedos have a fastener that is solid, and over time improperly putting them through the buttons can widen the holes and therefore make the studs less secure. Higher-end studs generally have an adjustable clip for a fastener, so you can push them through the buttonholes without stretching them and then lock them in place to prevent accidental detachment. One of the benefits of purchasing your own tuxedo over renting one is that since no one else would have worn it beforehand, you can be extra careful when fastening your studs, and as a result are less likely to stretch out the buttonholes.

Like lapel pins, pocket squares might not always be the best accessory to wear around the office, but it's doubtful that anyone would fault you for doing so. Pocket squares are, however, more appropriate for formal events outside of the office, and they allow for a great deal of style leeway. Whether you want something bright or neutral, simply or intricately folded, or material that's heavy or light, pocket squares in almost all cases will add a bit of charm to your outfit regardless of your suit style.

Pocket squares work best when the material is in fact a square, where each side is of equal length. This makes folding it easier, no matter what design you choose. For a subtle look, the presidential fold is by far the best option, and also happens to be the easiest to do. Simply fold the material into a smaller square so the

top of it just barely peeks out over the top edge of your pocket. This look tends to be best when the pocket square is a solid color. For the classic one-point fold, where one point sticks out of your pocket, you'll have to fold the square diagonally first and then fold the other two ends inward. This works better for pocket squares with more detailed patterns. For two- and three-point folds, you'll have to fold your pocket square diagonally but slightly asymmetrically and then use a bit of trial and error to get the top points exactly the way you want them. Keep in mind that they don't necessarily have to be even; the slight asymmetry, as it is also with a bow tie, is part of the pocket square's charm.

It seems like a rather obvious piece of advice, but the next time you attend any sort of formal or black-tie event and you're looking for it, you'll notice that more than a few people sometimes get this wrong. For example, if you're in a sitting position with your hands resting on a table, your cufflinks should be facing up, not facing or touching the table itself. As cufflinks are likely to be the most subdued part of your outfit, you can pretty much take as many liberties as you want with them as far as style goes. For black-tie affairs, just make sure that they match your tuxedo studs; normally this isn't a problem, as cufflinks are often sold as a package deal with your shirt studs.

While tie clips can add a slight touch of style to your formal attire, they also serve a practical purpose. Tie clips will keep your tie secure on windy days and away from your lunch in the middle of the day. As to where you should fasten your tie to the placket of your shirt, the general rule of thumb is to keep it somewhere

between the third and fourth button on your shirt from the top down. One other thing to keep in mind is that you should never wear a tie clip that is wider than the tie that you are wearing.

Just like tie clips, watches and sunglasses also serve practical purposes. The former let you know the time and date, while the latter keep your eyes shielded from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun's rays. The only advice to follow here really is to make sure that you're not sporting anything that you would find in a novelty store, unless of course the occasion specifically calls for it. The general consensus today is that you should always wear your watch face up in the same way you would wear your cufflinks; this will also prevent inadvertent scratching of the watch face and subsequent potentially expensive repairs.

For more information on general style tips and accessories, feel free to stop into one of our showrooms where an expert clothier will answer all of your questions. If you feel more comfortable getting fitted into your next Enzo Custom suit from the privacy of your own home, you can also schedule an appointment with us via videoconference.

Often, small things can go overlooked and have a profound effect on your overall fashion sense, as one's style is only as good as the sum of all its component parts. Your belt, your shoes, your jacket, your tie, your dress shirt, and even your watch and cufflinks all work symbiotically to create a look that you'll either love or loathe by the end of any given evening. So how do we figure out what makes or breaks an outfit?

Quick Fashion Tips That Aren't Always Obvious

Since the beginning of the 21st Century, it is true that neckties have lost a little of their former ubiquitous popularity in the workplace, as many office dress codes, even ones that lean toward the more formal side of expectations, no longer mandate them.  Bow ties also tend to be less common these days, only seeming to make an appearance at black-tie dinners and formal weddings.  In spite of this trend, however, the necktie is still strongly associated with custom suits and formal wear, and any modern gentleman should always keep some of them on hand for those occasions that call for one.

            Out of all the accessories one may have in their wardrobe at their disposal, neckties along with bow ties have many benefits and versatile uses.  Barring maybe cufflinks and extra buttons, ties take up the least amount of room as far as accessories go, so even if you're limited on closet space, your wardrobe should be accommodating even if you have close to a hundred ties.  As far as their versatility is concerned, ties can change the overall vibe of your outfit if the occasion calls for it.  If you find yourself overdressed for something, simply take it off; if you need to class up your look a little bit, you can put one on in a matter of seconds.  Most of all, the greatest benefit of the tie by far is its endless style possibilities.

            Just like any other fashion accessory, ties do have occasional drawbacks.  If you have a fair number of them, they can sometimes be hard to sort and organize, and while they almost always add a bit of pizzazz to one's ensemble, they have the potential to make your outfit look sloppy if you don't tie it properly.

            So as far as your wardrobe goes, just how many ties is too many?  Save limited closet space, our take is that there really isn't such a thing as too many ties.  But as you amass a sizable collection of them, you may want to keep them organized in any way you see fit that streamlines your morning workday routine.  We've all likely been there before, but the last thing you want to do is show up to an important business meeting only to find that the tie you grabbed out of your closet at the last minute is riddled with hot pink polka dots or lights up with singing fish.  In this article, we'll cover some style tips and organizational pointers so you can really refresh your wardrobe for the New Year.

            When it comes to custom suits themselves, it's important that all components of your ensemble gel or match in some way.  With ties, however, much more leeway can be taken in terms of style.  In professional settings, the rule (or guideline) that's important to follow is the idea that less is more, although you can offer yourself a little more wiggle room with patterns and colors than you can with dress shirts, vests, or overcoats.  Do your best to stick with solid colors or subtle patterns, such as pinstripes, smaller dots, and narrow lines.  Accenting your outfit is always going to be better than huge contrasts where an outrageous tie might detract from your style rather than complement it.

            Moving out of the professional realm, weddings are great events to showcase a spiffy tie.  It's best to follow the general rules you would otherwise follow for your ties in a professional environment, but a wedding allows you to further expand your style options.  You're better off going with brighter colors to keep the mood of the event vibrant, jubilant, and joyous.  Consider shades of red, blue, purple, or green.  Any variations within the realm of pastel colors will suit you well for weddings and other events that call for celebration.

            In contrast to weddings and formal office settings, cocktail parties will give you the most freedom at your disposal in terms of what you can get away with in a tie, with the exception of strictly black-tie affairs.  As far as style is concerned, feel free to go as wild—or restrained—as you want.  It is said that rules are meant to be broken every once in a while, so if you feel like rocking that bright striped neon orange tie that's been sitting in your closet ever since the iPhone first debuted, it might be time to break it out from its hibernation.

            But before you set out to your next meeting or evening soirée, you may want to take some time to refresh your memory on the different ways in which you can tie your tie.  If you remember from one of our previous articles, the most common way to tie a tie isn't always the best way, depending on the event you plan to attend.  For weddings and other formal events, your best options are to go with the Full Windsor or Half Windsor knot, as they add symmetry and prominence to your necktie.  For everyday office settings, the common Four-In-Hand is acceptable, but you might want to consider a Half-Windsor as well, just to add a bit more uniformity to your style, as the Four-In-Hand is an asymmetrical knot.  Just remember to save the more exotic knots we covered for less official engagements, as their practical everyday use is limited.

            It's getting close to that time of year again where many of us will be in spring cleaning mode, and what better way to kick it off into full gear by getting your wardrobe organized.  While ties hardly take up any room at all, it can be quite tempting to just throw them onto a shelf or chuck them onto your closet floor, but we would advise against this, especially if you want some semblance of efficiency.  At the bare minimum, it's best to at least keep your ties in their own separate space for easy access.  Ideally, you want to either hang them up or lay them flat.  If you're short on room, folding or rolling them is also acceptable.  Just make sure that you do it in such a way that is uniform to avoid wrinkling or bunching.

            For those of you who are more meticulous and detail-oriented, consider color-coding them or sorting your ties by pattern or style.  You might also opt to sort them by appropriateness for event or even length.  No matter how you choose to organize them, settle on something that you'll be comfortable with and easily remember.  By doing this one simple thing, you might even find that the amount of time it takes you to get ready in the morning will decrease, since you will no longer have to rummage through drawers or bins to find that perfect tie for any given day.  This principle can be applied to anything else, really.  Belts, socks, scarves, and even cufflinks can all benefit from even the most rudimentary forms of organization.

            One final thing to consider is the benefit of using tie racks.  Some are wall-mounted, while others can simply be hung right onto your closet rack.  This eliminates the need to fold them as your ties can hang down without any creases in the material, and you'll save more room in the process.

            It's one of those things that we don't always like to admit that we don't do very often, but just like any other article of clothing, ties do need to be cleaned from time to time.  While you certainly don't need to take them to the cleaners as often as suits, jackets, and shirts, it's always a good idea to give your ties a good laundering every once in awhile.

            The easiest way to do this is to take your ties to the dry cleaners along with your jackets, shirts, pants, and other sensitive items.  As many ties are made from silk, a professional dry cleaning service will know exactly how to clean them without damaging the material.

            If you're a little more budget-savvy, another acceptable option to utilize for cleaning your ties is a steam iron.  Not only will a steam iron keep your ties fresh and crisp, but also take away any wrinkles at the same time.  Just be sure to use a steam iron only if you choose to do this; using a dry electric iron could potentially damage your tie's material and even burn some of the fibers if you're not careful.

            While some people swear by laundering ties so long as the material can handle a washing machine cycle, we would strongly advise against doing this at all, even for ties made from cotton or blended materials.  Laundering ties in this way can degrade the structural integrity of the material, so if you insist on cleaning them yourself, at the very least hand-wash them and never put them in the dryer.  It's also a good idea to check the material tags on your ties before cleaning them, but when in doubt, the safer bet is to let your professional dry cleaning service do it for you.

            It is said that prevention is the best medicine for many things, and keeping your ties clean is no exception.  Try to be more attentive and careful when you eat or drink, and if you're enjoying your lunch hour offsite, you might want to remove your tie altogether and put it back on later sometime before you arrive back to your office.  You can also use a tie clip to keep your tie fastened to your shirt, as this will not only prevent it from flapping away in the wind but also keep it from ending up as the primary starch in your soup.

            While our main area of expertise has always been custom suits, our selection of ties can offer the perfect complements to your next formal ensemble.  At Enzo Custom, our expert clothiers will provide you with accurate measurements, as well as fashion tips to maximize your personal style to its full potential.  Book your private appointment online today, step into one of our showrooms, or schedule a consultation via videoconference.

Out of all the accessories one may have in their wardrobe at their disposal, neckties along with bow ties have many benefits and versatile uses.  Barring maybe cufflinks and extra buttons, ties take up the least amount of room as far as accessories go, so even if you're limited on closet space, your wardrobe should be accommodating even if you have close to a hundred ties.  As far as their versatility is concerned, ties can change the overall vibe of your outfit if the occasion calls for it.  Most of all, the greatest benefit of the tie by far is its endless style possibilities.

Keeping A Broad Selection of Ties On Hand: How Many Is Too Many?

           Picture yourself, for a moment, at the beach on a perfect day.  The sun is shining without a cloud in the sky, the water is a comfortable 80 degrees, and you've got the whole location to yourself as far as the eye can see.  Then not a moment too soon, you understand why.  Storm clouds roll in, the temperature drops, and the rain turns your elaborate sand castle into an unrecognizable muddy mess, ruining any Internet posting opportunities of your architectural creation, since your phone is still comfortably at rest in your glove box.  Even a little planning ahead would have avoided this unfortunate mishap, as weather forecasts have come a long way since their introduction.

              Now that winter is in full swing, it's doubtful that most of us are even thinking about venturing to the beach anywhere when the weather is sometimes a coin flip between a leisurely afternoon stroll and salting your driveway in preparation for the latest incoming ice storm.  While we can't always predict the weather 100 percent of the time, we can at the very least keep our wardrobe ready for those wild temperature swings.  Even with colder mercury readings outside, there are things you can do to ensure that you never have to compromise on style to stay warm.

              While not all suits by themselves are designed with cold weather in mind, in this article we'll show you how to maximize your comfort level with some common (and not so common) tips and tricks when the weather tries to rain (or snow) all over your parade.

              Before you start digging around in your closet for those heavy liners and frumpy parkas, bear in mind that you may not need them, barring the most extreme conditions.  Even when you don't take layering into consideration, the material of your professional attire can make quite a difference in your comfort level when you have to venture outside.  When it comes to suits, wool is always going to be one of your best options.  The material's unique properties allow you to stay warm when it's cold outside and also cool and comfortable when the temperature starts to climb, hence its near-universal application in formal wear.  Most custom suits on the market today are made from wool, so no matter what you decide to wear with yours, having a suit made from wool strands is always a good starting point.  But sometimes a thicker wool might be necessary for those really cold days, and this is where flannel comes into play.

              In contrast to regular wool, flannel uses thicker strands with slightly more space in between each strand, making this material ideal for winter weather.  Keep in mind, however, that the term flannel is no longer exclusively used to refer to wool as it once was.  Articles of clothing marketed as flannel may in fact be cotton or some other type of blend that uses synthetic fibers, so whenever you're shopping for a winter suit, always double check the labels and when in doubt, it can never hurt to give the manufacturer a call.

              While wool and wool flannel are your best options for winter professional attire, you can still get away with wearing a suit made with wool/cotton blends, especially if your main concerns are budgetary.  While a blend might provide less insulation than 100 percent wool, there are certain things you can do to stay a bit warmer if you choose to go this route that we'll cover shortly.  Beside the price point, the other positive attribute of wool/cotton blends is a slight boost in durability, and this is particularly beneficial if your job may require extensive travel in the future.

              For winter weather, it's advisable to be cautious with anything made from linen.  While it's a great lightweight material for professional dress during the warmer months, its applications are limited on those cold winter days.  But if for some reason all of your other suits are at the dry cleaners and you only have one made from linen for the morning, consider wearing a scarf or overcoat.  The only material you should really avoid completely is anything made from synthetic fibers or composite synthetic blends.  Even though these materials are highly durable, they do not breathe very well, and this can cause problems with your personal comfort level once you are no longer outside.  In any event, it's best to stick to natural materials, with a greater emphasis on wool and flannel over others.

              Even if your wardrobe is well prepared for the winter season and wool abounds in your closet, a suit by itself may not be quite enough to keep you toasty on those frigid mornings.  By adding a few accessories to your ensemble, you'll be able to keep yourself one step ahead of those dreary weather forecasts.

              If you're not too big on layering or sporting overcoats, wearing a scarf is a very effective and efficient way to stay a little warmer on your way to work.  Other than preventing heat escaping from the upper parts of your body, a subtle color contrast between the scarf and your suit can complement your overall personal style with very little effort.  In contrast to vests or sweaters, scarves are more like neckties when it comes to color schemes and patterns; you'll have more leeway in terms of what you can get away with, so feel free to go as loud or as restrained as your personal style dictates.

              While vests aren't always associated directly with winter weather, they do offer a convenient way to add another layer to your professional attire without being overly conspicuous in the same way overcoats and sweaters can be.  With vests, you might have to be a little more conscious about what patterns and colors you choose so as not to detract away from the rest of your outfit, but if you prefer layering over staying bundled up all day, the vest is a versatile way to do this.  If you're worried about any mismatches or fashion faux pas, consider going with a matching three-piece suit to keep your style consistent.

              When it comes to sweaters, there are mixed opinions on wearing one in a strictly professional setting, as they are more commonly associated with casual attire.  However, if you spent the better part of your morning scraping ice off of your windshield, it's unlikely that most workplaces will judge you for wearing one underneath your suit jacket.  We would recommend sticking to solid colors that match well with whatever suit you decide to wear on a given day, and while wearing a sweater is acceptable for most practical purposes, use caution for very important engagements where even slight deviations from formal attire are frowned upon; think board meetings, court appearances, speeches, etc.

              If you're fortunate enough to live in a climate where those winter mornings aren't quite as bone-chilling as they are in some of the upper latitudes, staying warm may be much simpler than having to accessorize your entire formal ensemble.  Choosing a thicker fabric for your dress shirts or adding an extra layer with an undershirt may be all it takes.  While the main purposes of an undershirt are to keep you comfortable from potentially itchy materials and reduce the amount of sweat transferred to your dress shirts, it also has the added benefit of giving you extra warmth without altering the appearance of your formal attire.  Wearing an undershirt is especially practical when you pair white dress shirts with your suits, as it will reduce any inherent transparency in the fabric.  If an undershirt by itself isn't quite enough to keep you warm and comfortable, consider choosing dress shirts that are made from slightly thicker fabrics, as this will also prevent heat from escaping your body too quickly.

              Before we move on, one last thing to consider when dressing for winter weather is choosing your socks.  It's one of those items that many people overlook when considering warmer formal attire, but wearing thicker socks can be quite effective.  As much of the heat from the human body can escape through the feet, choosing socks that have a greater thickness than your typical dress socks can do wonders for your comfort level during colder weather.  In formal settings, do your best to stick to solid dark colors so as not to detract from the rest of your outfit.

              Last but certainly not least, overcoats are perhaps one of the easiest ways to stay warm, and the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks.  With various styles and fabrics to choose from, overcoats have the ability to keep you stylish and warm simultaneously without the need for excessive layering.  They're great when you're in a bit of a hurry, and you'll likely appreciate the extra pocket space if you're not keen on lugging a briefcase around everywhere you go.  The only potential downside to wearing an overcoat is that some of them tend to feel heavy and might be a bit too much if the temperature outside isn't quite down to freezing just yet.  When shopping for overcoats, pay close attention to the material and when possible, try them on when you're wearing a full suit to see if it gels with your comfort level.

              From all of us here at Enzo Custom, we wish you a happy and healthy 2021 going forward.  While we've got you covered for the winter months, stay tuned for our next installment of this article, where we'll give you tips and tricks on staying cool during the summer season.  For more information on creative ways to stay warm and stylish this winter, stop into one of our showrooms or schedule an appointment with one of our expert clothiers via videoconference.

Now that winter is in full swing, it's doubtful that most of us are even thinking about venturing to the beach anywhere when the weather is sometimes a coin flip between a leisurely afternoon stroll and salting your driveway in preparation for the latest incoming ice storm.  While we can't always predict the weather 100 percent of the time, we can at the very least keep our wardrobe ready for those wild temperature swings.  Even with colder mercury readings outside, there are things you can do to ensure that you never have to compromise on style to stay warm.

Optimizing Your Professional Attire For Colder Weather

As far as anyone can tell, the New Normal is here to stay, at least for a while. With more people working from home than ever before, dress codes in many business circles across the globe have tended to skew toward the casual side, even in cases where people are still expected to show up to a physical office. In spite of this, standards of professionalism haven't fallen by the wayside, and dressing the part for whatever industry you're working in is as important as it ever was.

For the better part of the 20th century, the full suit and tie was ubiquitous, and it was rare to find an office that didn't adhere to strict dress code standards. This started to change more noticeably beginning in the early 2000s, when casual office dress became more of the norm rather than the exception. Today, it's not uncommon for even large companies to forego dress codes altogether (save normal expectations of decency), and this trend is even more prevalent in relation to the recent surge of remote positions. But the full suit and tie is far away from being anachronistic, and it is likely to remain a staple of office attire for the foreseeable future and beyond.

Fashion trends can be quite fickle, and just like weather vanes, they can change directions in less time than it takes someone to change lanes on the freeway. What is old can become new again, and what is trendy one year can be tossed aside into the bargain bin to make room for something else that might last a few years or a few decades. Out of all the fashion trends we've seen over the years—from the dignified to the outrageous—the full suit and tie has, more or less, remained a constant beneath the ever-changing standards of what is considered formal and

what is not. In essence, it's always a good idea to be one step ahead of the game when something goes in and out of style.

In this article, we'll discuss the ways in which you can prepare your wardrobe for the future of both casual and formal office dress as trends tend to ebb and flow. No matter what your line of work may be, it's always good to have a broad sampling of items in your wardrobe for those unexpected twists and turns as you navigate the ups and downs of the professional landscape.

Nothing exudes professionalism quite like the full suit, and this is true even with standards of office dress becoming more casual with time. Having a decent amount of suits on rotation is especially vital if you happen to work in finance, law, sales, or public service, as these fields have lower rates of remote work than some other industries and often require in-person meetings. One of the greatest positives about suits these days is that even in formal settings, you won't be as limited in style options as you may have been 25 or 30 years ago, where anything outside of classic black or navy blue was sometimes seen as pushing the envelope as far as dress code formalities go. Other than a handful of workplaces that enforce a strict dress code almost to the point of requiring a uniform, your formal attire can include suits with pinstripes or crosshatch patterns, colors such as grey, tan, or light blue, and variations in their structure as it relates to your individual comfort level (think British, American, Italian-style suits, etc.). If your workplace requires a more formal level of dress than others, it's always a good idea to have classic black and navy blue

in your wardrobe, but consider other colors and patterns as well, so you don't wear yourself out on the same outfit over and over again.

As far as formal attire goes with dress shirts, you'll likely have some leeway, as well. Just keep in mind that your dress shirt should pair well with the jacket and trousers you're wearing on any given day. It's best to save the loud colors and crazy patterns for days where you might forego your jacket, as you want to complement the colors in your suit, not detract from them.

In addition to the finer points of style, if your place of work mandates a more formal standard of dress, this might cause a few minor headaches if you frequently find yourself working longer hours or your boss is a little tight with the thermostat. When picking out your dress shirts, comfort should always be a priority, and this is where the material of the shirt can be just as important—if not more so—than the styles and colors you ultimately settle on. No matter how hot or cold the inside of your building is, wool and wool/cotton blends are always going to be your best bet when it comes to everyday comfort. Linen can also do wonders for your comfort level in the summer months. Just be wary of any shirts made from synthetics like polyester; while the material itself is highly durable, it doesn't breathe very well. Whatever you choose, make sure that you yourself will be comfortable in it for an entire day's work. Boosting your personal comfort level has the potential to boost your overall mood and productivity, as well.

Vests tend to be less common at the office these days, but they've seen a slight surge in popularity in the context of formal events outside of the workplace. If you like how a vest looks on you, don't feel shy about wearing it to work. But just as

you would with dress shirts, make sure it's something comfortable that won't impede your movement or ability to breathe.

In formal settings, ties will always give you the most leeway in terms of style. Even something that's loud or intricate can provide a nice accent to your overall outfit rather than taking away from it, since it's only a small part of your entire ensemble. They also hardly take up any room at all as far as closet space goes, so even if you're stretched on storage, a hundred ties can take up less room than two overcoats. The more ties you have in your rotation, the better off you'll be. At the very least you can give the appearance that you're wearing a different outfit, even if you have to don the same suit more than once in a given week.

As winter is fast approaching and cold weather is already in full swing across much of the country, scarves are yet another great way to accessorize your formal along with your casual office attire. Just as it is with ties, the style possibilities are nearly endless. Since facemasks are now commonplace, scarves also give you the added benefit of covering them up with something a little more stylish. As opposed to an overcoat, sweater, or vest, scarves allow you to regulate your body temperature with more control and versatility. For those particularly frigid days, you can wrap it around your entire neck and the lower part of your face. If it's not too blustery outside, simply keep it loose around the back of your neck and over your jacket lapels.

Dressing down is definitely in, and has been for quite some time now. However, just because your workplace might not require formal dress doesn't mean

you have to forego the finer points of style altogether. For most people, business casual simply means wearing a dress shirt and a pair of slacks without the jacket and tie, but this varies by region as well as profession. In spite of the rise in more lenient dress codes, especially with the increase in remote work these days, the standards for business casual appear that they will likely remain the same as they've always been. For some, business casual might even encompass wearing a polo shirt and jeans, but if you're unsure of your office's unspoken dress code, it's wise not to push the limits, at least not at first. As with most things fashion-related, it's often a judgment call.

If you decide to go the business casual route, one key thing to keep in mind above all else is that your belt should at the very least match your shoes, i.e. brown with brown, black with black, grey with grey, etc. While the rule isn't ironclad and the fashion police won't take you downtown for violating it, your overall style will be better served with this subtle matching symmetry. By following this one simple guideline, you'll be able to elevate your casual look to a level of sophistication on par with a more formal ensemble with hardly any effort at all.

While the necktie is normally associated with formal wear, it can also be a way to jazz up your business casual attire. The benefit of wearing one without a full suit is that you'll have a bit more wiggle room as far as style, color, and patterns go. At the end of the day, donning a tie or foregoing it altogether is up to your own individual discretion.

One last thing to be mindful of in the business casual realm is your socks. If they're appropriate for formal attire, they'll work just as well with more casual dress codes. Just avoid wearing socks, especially white ones, that you would normally wear to the gym or with a pair of jeans on a leisurely night out. Another downside is that your feet might even get a little uncomfortable, given the thicker material used for everyday pairs.

Here at Enzo Custom, we understand the importance of keeping a versatile wardrobe to maximize your style options in both professional and personal worlds, so going from formal to casual—and everything in between—is quick and painless. Whether your personal style leans toward the formal or casual side of things, Enzo Custom has got you covered going forward. Stop into one of our showrooms today to get fitted during your private appointment, or if you don't feel like venturing out, consider scheduling a meeting with one of our expert clothiers via videoconference.

The Future of Formal and Casual Office Dress

Zoom meetings, Skype chats, and videoconferences are all the rage these days, especially as many of us are stuck—or gifted with, rather—working from home.  While many in the professional world are already familiar with these services, some still struggle with these emerging technologies, especially since there isn't a universally accepted code of etiquette as there is with phones, emails, and texts, other than being generally polite as you would otherwise.  In this article, we'll discuss the ways in which you can keep your virtual business meetings running smoothly, taking into account both style and practical considerations.

            Before we get into style tips and aesthetics, it's important to cover the basics first.  Zoom meetings can't happen without reliable Internet connections and electricity, so it's imperative that you make sure all of your devices are in working order.  The last thing anyone wants during videoconferences is dropped connections or intermittent signals.  If you anticipate greater reliance on videoconferences in the near future, make sure to reset your router and modem if you haven't already done so, and it's good to do this every few weeks.  With most models, all it takes is unplugging them and then plugging them back in.  This mundane but vital step will decrease the likelihood of bad connections.

            When you're on video calls with prospective clients or colleagues, a little professionalism always goes a long way.  This can be challenging at times, especially if you find yourself working from a smaller space than you're used to in an office setting.  Even if your new commute is only a few feet away from your bedroom door, do your best to set up a space that you keep separate from the rest of your living areas.  As tempting as it may be to open up your laptop while you're still under the covers, no one wants to talk business when it looks like you just literally rolled out of bed.  Keep your workspace—even if it's just your dining room table—neat, clean, and tidy while you're conducting meetings.  Better yet, keeping your television, bed, sofa, or messy kitchen out of view is just another subtle way to show a little bit of professionalism without putting in too much effort.  If you do have a spare office in your living space, treat it as you would an office away from home.  Keeping your office organized, especially when it's potentially going to be on camera, can do wonders on first impressions during Skype or Zoom interviews.

--This Goes For Your Virtual Desktop, Too--

            Yes, it's tempting to save all of your Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to your desktop on your computer, until it becomes so cluttered that it looks like you're playing a game of Solitaire with random folder icons.  This not only makes your work disorganized, but also can slow down the performance of your machine.  By sorting everything into proper folders and keeping your virtual desktop free of clutter, you'll optimize its output and ease unnecessary strain on your computer's internal components, thereby leading to better, cleaner connections for videoconferences.  Also, be sure to close out any unnecessary tabs you may have open in a Web browser, as this will also make your computer run more smoothly on video calls that can eat up a lot of data.

            Now that we've got all the housecleaning stuff out of the way, it's time to figure out your wardrobe.  It's true that not all companies and industries are the same, so expected standards of dress for business meetings—whether virtual or in person—are going to be different depending on what you do.  So it's important to gauge this aspect carefully.  A good rule of thumb to follow for video calls is that you should apply the same standards of dress you would normally adhere to for professional staff meetings in person.  Unfortunately, that means you shouldn't wear pajamas or sweat pants, even if your camera is only capturing everything above your desk; you'll never know when you might need to get up for that extra cup of coffee.  Above all else, be presentable and clean, no matter what dress code implications your company or clients may follow.  Even if you're not required to don the full suit and tie, being casual does not equate to being sloppy.  Save the hoodies, ripped jeans, and T-shirts for after your workday is over, or at the very least, once all of your videoconferences are through.

            Cameras unfortunately have limitations in the true colors they can reproduce, and while these considerations are of much less importance than looking clean and professional, loud colors and intricate patterns can cause visual anomalies that otherwise wouldn't be present if you were to meet someone in person.  You want your colleagues to remember what you're saying during a meeting, not to be distracted by a striped bright red tie that looks like it's moving across the screen even when you're sitting still.  Thankfully, most applications used for video chats allow you to see yourself as others see you, so you'll be able to test out your outfit before you conduct that important meeting.  But the best thing to do here is to keep your patterns and colors to a minimum, especially if you're in a hurry.

            Just like the colors and patterns on your clothes, it's best to achieve a semblance of balance with the lighting in your workspace.  You want it to be ample, but not too overpowering.  Cameras on phones, computers, and tablets tend to be hypersensitive in terms of how they pick up ambient lighting, so if your angle is off by even just a little bit, you might appear only as a silhouette on the other end of the line.  Conversely, you yourself might appear too bright against a background that is hardly visible at all.  Aside from a little trial and error, make sure any light sources aren't too close to your camera's lens or shining directly into it; just by following those simple guidelines, you're likely to come out ahead.  One more thing to keep in mind is distance between yourself and the camera.  Sitting at a normal desk in a typical office chair about 2 to 2.5 feet away from the camera lens should allow the upper part of your body—shoulders, head, etc.—to fit comfortably in the camera's frame without appearing too close or too far away.

            Certain professions, in particular the legal and financial ones, normally require a full suit and tie for the typical workday.  If you work in either of these fields, you may want to consider donning a full suit and tie even for your virtual meetings.  Your clients, especially in the legal field, will appreciate that extra touch of professionalism, even when it's not expected or required.

            But as more people are working from home right now, you can get away with dressing down a notch or two most of the time.  If business casual dress is more your style, at the very least keep your dress shirts in the same condition as you would if you were still heading to the office every day.  Common sense is always going to prevail here, so even if you have a little more leeway in what you can get away with, use that extra wiggle room wisely.  When it comes to bold colors and eye-dazzling patterns, it's best to err on the side of caution.

            If you're one of the lucky few who never had to encounter any dress codes while you were still heading into the office, there may not be any expectation to dress up at all for meetings, virtual or otherwise.  In this case, collared shirts are still preferable, but if you really want to push the limits of dressing down, just make sure your clothes are neat, clean, and fitting for the occasion.

            Aside from dress code tips and basic functionality of your Internet connections, when you're hosting meetings online, the placement of your home workspace is also vital.  We understand that not everyone can set aside an entire room in their home exclusively for work, but when it is possible to do so, it's best to keep your work area—whatever that may be—out of the way of any ambient household noise and heavy foot traffic that might disrupt your virtual meetings.  Even if you must work from your living or dining room, consider using a spare bedroom for video calls so long as the space is clean and suitable.  Being able to shut a door when you might have others working from your household will drastically reduce ambient noise that might get picked up from sensitive microphones built into modern computers.  Also consider keeping your videoconferences on the shorter side and sticking to what's important during the meeting, as others you're conversing with for work might have other calls to take and may be limited on time.

            Remote work can be quite an adjustment for some people, so if you can keep your cool by appearing professional and empathetic to your colleagues on the other end of the line, you'll find that everyone will be better off in both productivity and peace of mind.  In the spirit of virtual meetings, consider scheduling a videoconference with one of our expert clothiers here at Enzo Custom to get you fitted into something that will suit you well for your other videoconferences.  And don't worry, we won't judge you if you're wearing slippers on your feet when you order.

Zoom meetings, Skype chats, and videoconferences are all the rage these days, especially as many of us are stuck—or gifted with, rather—working from home.  While many in the professional world are already familiar with these services, some still struggle with these emerging technologies, especially since there isn't a universally accepted code of etiquette as there is with phones, emails, and texts, other than being generally polite as you would otherwise.

Keeping Your Professionalism Up For Zoom Meetings and Videoconferences

Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas is just around the corner. While in years past this was a time for large holiday gatherings across the country, this year is bound to be a little different with the ongoing pandemic still in full swing. However, this does not mean that all gatherings need to be foregone. There are still ways to get together with friends and family safely, and even if your holiday gatherings plan on being on the smaller side, there will likely be tons of opportunities to capture those precious moments on camera. In this article, we'll touch on the several ways you can dress your best for holiday photo opportunities, no matter what dress codes your family or friends decide to run with.

One thing we can't stress enough is that you should be prepared to plan your holiday itinerary in advance. With the new normal dictating appropriate health and safety measures, it's much less likely that you'll be invited to spur-of-the-moment last-minute holiday parties. While all of us might lament over the endless free food and open bars that we were once accustomed to, this is actually a good thing, as smaller planned gatherings will reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19, influenza, and other common ailments associated with the winter months.

Common traditions tell us that it's also appropriate to dress up, rather than dress down, for the holidays, but this notion isn't universal. This year, smaller family gatherings might opt for something a bit less formal in terms of implied or expected dress code, but that doesn't mean you have to show up with your standard remote-work just-rolled-out-of-bed look, either. Even if your plans don't require a full suit and tie, a nice dress shirt and a pair of slacks can go a long way.

In any event, larger gatherings may still take place even though they're likely to be way less common than last year. Given the current circumstances, you shouldn't feel afraid to decline an invitation if you don't feel comfortable around large groups of people; in all likelihood, your potential party hosts will understand if you decide to sit their gathering out. But if you choose to venture out, there are certain steps you can take to ensure a safer holiday experience, and these tips apply to both the party guests as well as the hosts.

If you plan on hosting a holiday event this year, consider keeping your guests outdoors whenever possible. They'll feel more comfortable if they're not confined to an indoor space, and proper social distancing protocols can be more easily followed. While we understand this isn't always possible depending on the weather in your particular area, if it's not too cold consider renting heaters to scatter throughout your yard or patio to keep your guests comfortable.

It's not quite a holiday party without a vast assortment of hors d'oeuvres and beverages, but this year, you may want to rethink how you serve them, especially if your guest list goes beyond your immediate family or extended households. For starters, it's best to keep all beverages including wine, beer, soda, and spirits in sealed containers meant for individual servings rather than keeping a bar open for the taking; think small bottles and cans rather than bottle spouts and ice buckets. This reduces the risk of any potential cross-contamination and as a result will ease any apprehension your guests might have. If you do plan on serving ice with your

beverages, consider using an ice machine or at the very least tongs or an ice scoop to prevent your guests from touching the ice directly.

As a courtesy, offer your guests extra masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitation wipes. Many masks are sold in sealed individual containers rather than boxes in bulk, so for holiday gatherings the former is the preferred option. Also, if you're a guest rather than a host, bring an extra mask or two just in case. Hosts' rules about keeping them on or requiring them for entry may vary.

Now that all of the social etiquette is out of the way, it's time to get into the fun part, which is figuring out your style and what to wear when you decide to venture out for the holidays.

For large corporations and their holiday events, it's certainly customary to dress up rather than dress down, and depending on the particular corporate culture, a full suit might be expected if not required. Considering that many large companies have foregone their holiday events or at the very least scaled them down quite a bit, there might be less of an overall formal expectation. But if you're set on going to any traditional or corporate holiday events, especially one where there are plenty of photo opportunities, don't feel bashful about donning a full suit. A little style can go a long way.

If you go the suit route, subtlety will always be on your side. Consider opting for more traditional colors like black, navy blue, or tightly woven grey crosshatch patterns paired with a white or blue shirt. But in order to bring out that extra

holiday spirit, you might want to get a little more creative with your ties and accessories than you normally would for standard office attire. A rule of thumb is that you can never really have too many ties in your wardrobe, so if you can fish one out that's been buried in your closet for several years, whether it's solid red or intertwined with small Christmas tree patterns, now would be the time to lay it out and see how it pairs with your overall outfit. Ties, no matter how crazy or ostentatious, tend to be a better option than the dreaded ugly Christmas sweater, as it allows you to be fun and creative without drawing too much unwanted attention to yourself. Unless of course, that's the goal of the party to begin with. Then by all means, go with the sweater you would never wear in public otherwise.

Whether you decide to pair them with a full suit or feel like your dress shirt and slacks are missing something, a vest is yet another way to spruce up your attire. In comparison to your tie, your best option is to keep your vests on the subtler side; you want your vest to provide an accent to your overall outfit, not detract from it by drawing too much attention to loud colors or crazy patterns. But because it's the holidays, you can get away with a little more than you otherwise would be able to.

These days, you have to worry less about what colors or patterns you decide to wear whether you're in front of a still or moving camera, thanks to technological advancements. But it wasn't that long ago when certain colors and patterns were best avoided. In spite of advancing technology, there's still a chance that pinstripes that contrast too sharply or colors that don't pair well could throw off the camera's ability to capture a moment's realism. A dark violet tie, for example, might appear

much lighter in a photo than its true hue, and this is a result of the limitations of a camera lens to reproduce certain color wavelengths. In another instance, sharply contrasting pinstripe suits on a moving camera lens might actually make the suit appear that it is moving around, even if the person wearing it is standing still. To avoid these aforementioned problems, make sure you have plenty of light (but not too much) and try not to wear anything that might be too loud for a camera lens, even if it passes the test of the human eye with flying colors. When it comes to taking holiday photos, there's always going to be a little bit of trial and error involved, so you have to weigh in what works and what doesn't from time to time. If your suit jacket is a little too loud for the camera being used to take the photo, consider removing it. If there isn't enough light in your living room, try the kitchen or move everyone outside before you snap the photo first.

While there aren't too many rules set in stone as absolutes for holiday photos, one that we would say is important above all else is to do your best to take them in the afternoon rather than at night. Nighttime photos can be a great opportunity to capture the ambience of any event, but you might occasionally run into problems with color contrast and overuse of flash settings, leading to things like red eyes or navy blue suits that look much lighter on camera than they would in person. If you opt for nighttime photos of your holiday events, be sure to take plenty of pictures during the day as well to offset any errors you might encounter later with limited lighting.

From all of us at Enzo Custom, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season, no matter how you decide to celebrate. Remember that even if you plan on staying home for the holidays, be sure to check out our custom suit offerings so you can start off the new year with a wardrobe update, especially if your company plans on reopening their offices at some point in the future. Stop into one of our showrooms where we can offer you a private appointment to get you measured, or feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our clothiers via videoconference.

Holiday Parties and Holiday Photos in the New Normal

Over the years, we've seen quite a few fashion trends come and go. Some have stood the test of time, others faded away almost as soon as they were introduced, and a few have gone through periodic ebbs and flows. Wearing a sport coat with jeans, for example, is now rather commonplace even though at first the trend was bound to turn heads. Parachute pants, on the other hand, have reserved their place as a mere footnote in the fashion world. We're just glad that tuxedos haven't changed too much since their introduction, and that no one up to this point has been crazy enough to attempt pairing a belt with one, because let's be honest. There is absolutely no way anyone could make that look cool, or even simply not ridiculous and out of place. While there is definitely a hard-line rule keeping belts off the table for tuxedos, the same can't be said for suspenders when it comes to suits, even though they are more associated with the tux these days. But depending on the type of suit (and especially the pants that come with it), suspenders—or braces—can make an excellent addition to your ensemble if you're looking for a subtle change to your wardrobe without going overboard.

For decades now, belts have been the far more common accessory to suits, but this wasn't always so. Prior to the 1940s, suspenders enjoyed more popularity as the dominant accessory meant to give extra support to trousers. However, because they were seen in many circles as a form of undergarment, they remained covered by waistcoats and suit jackets most of the time; wearing them on full display was still deemed to be a little too racy for the time. This is one of the reasons why belts, especially in America, remain the more popular item. But over

time, even though suspenders became the less common of the two accessories, they developed into yet another way to convey style with functionality. In the realm of tuxedos, they have seen an increase in popularity due to their sleeker look in contrast to the occasionally frumpy cummerbunds that are more common. As such, many professionals are rediscovering suspenders as a way to boost their style when it comes to custom suits as well.

In this article we'll discuss style tips, as well as the dos and don'ts, of both belts and suspenders, along with the pros and cons of each to keep your wardrobe stylish and versatile without too much extra effort.

Every gentleman should always keep at least one pair of suspenders in his wardrobe. They are particularly useful in pairings with tuxedos, as doing so will allow you to forego cummerbunds or even vests if you want to convey a more modern look to your ensemble. But before we get into why they're beneficial for suits as well, it's important to briefly cover the types of suspenders generally available.

Two basic types of suspenders dominate the fashion market. One type is fastened to the trousers with buttons, while the other is hooked on with clips. The former type is almost always the most favorable, especially when it comes to suits and tuxedos. Most trousers are equipped with buttons on the inside specifically designed to fasten suspenders to the garments, thus keeping the connection points out of view. Clip types, on the other hand, simply clip on to the pants, and as far as

looking rather wonky as style is concerned, there's also a greater chance that they could come loose, so it's best to avoid this type. In the realms of both style and functionality, button suspenders will always win out.

One of the greatest aspects of suspenders is that it is superior to belts in their functional purpose. Suspenders tend to win over belts in this category because of the strong support they provide to your suit or tuxedo trousers. Since suspenders are designed to be worn over the shoulder and fastened securely to the inside of your pants, there is virtually no risk that your pants will end up falling off in a hilarious display of embarrassment, even when you're rocking it out on the dance floor of your best friend's wedding. From a style standpoint, they are also more versatile than belts, as they can be worn with both suits and tuxedos. In formal settings, subtlety tends to go a long way, so finding a pair of black suspenders should be easy, as they match with pretty much anything. But if you're willing to push the boundaries of your personal style, other patterns and colors are available as well. While the unspoken rule regarding belts is to make sure they always match your shoes, with suspenders you can get away with being a little more creative in your style selections, so long as you don't go too overboard with them.

Just like belts, suspenders can be worn with or without a jacket or vest, as the days when they were considered more or less of an undergarment are long gone. In spite of the tuxedo's rigid style codes, it is increasingly common these days to get away with wearing suspenders without the waistcoat, and it will also allow you to forego the cummerbund. There are varying opinions on whether or not to wear

suspenders and a cummerbund simultaneously, and we would argue that sometimes less is more. However, if you decide to wear a cummerbund with suspenders, just make sure that the suspenders go underneath it.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to wearing suspenders is the extra time it might take to fasten them properly, at least as opposed to a belt, which can be fastened within seconds. If you're in a hurry, you're more likely to put on suspenders the wrong way, adjust them improperly, or wear them too low or too high. The other major concern with suspenders is that some people find them uncomfortable to wear, especially since they are designed to be worn over the shoulders. If they're not adjusted properly, they do have a tendency to rumple your shirts and even feel like they're weighing your shoulders down. This drawback, however, can usually be avoided by taking the time to adjust the suspenders accordingly.

As far as style is concerned, suspenders are also limited in their scope of use, usually restricted to mostly formal attire in this day and age. While acceptable to wear with suits and tuxedos, they're not too popular for casual outings or pairings with jeans or khakis. For the latter types of trousers, the belt is definitely the preferred accessory.

On a final note, we want to reiterate that suspenders should never be worn with a belt simultaneously. While it is acceptable to wear suspenders with a pair of trousers that have belt loops, it is best to limit this practice to pants that go with a full suit, and even then, you do have the ability to get trousers made without loops if

you intend to wear your suit exclusively with suspenders. Doing so will give your custom suit a sleeker, more modern and uniform appearance.

Since the 1940s, the belt has been the preferred accessory for menswear, barring the tuxedo of course. And since belts were not considered to be lumped in at all with undergarments as suspenders were for a time, there was nothing wrong with wearing them on full display. Both stylish and functional, belts fulfill the same role that suspenders had up to that point and still do to this day. Due to their ease of putting them on, endless variations in style, and versatility between casual and formal wear, belts to this day remain more popular than suspenders.

Unlike suspenders, belts are much easier to fasten properly. If you're late and rushing out the door, you can be wearing a belt fastened at the correct notch before you even step foot into your car. If you value brevity and punctuality above all else, belts are certainly the way to go.

Versatility is another selling point. Belts can be worn with practically anything, from formal suits and khakis to more casual wear such as shorts and jeans. Wearing a formal belt with a pair of jeans won't necessarily look out of place, and certainly not to any untrained eyes. Adjusting them to the proper size is also an easier task than it is with suspenders; simply move the notch to the left or right and fasten through the loops on your trousers. Just make sure that in formal settings, the belt matches the color of your shoes to the best of your abilities.

Since belts don't require any buttons for fastening, there is no chance that a belt will come loose spontaneously. When suspenders are repeatedly fastened to the buttons on the inside of a pair of trousers, the thread holding the buttons in place can weaken over time, thereby increasing the chance that one of the pieces might fail. When you wear a belt, you're not wearing down the inside buttons at all.

But belts do have some drawbacks in comparison to their suspender counterparts. On occasion, especially if your pants are not fitted properly, belts can cause your shirt to bunch up over time, especially when you're moving around a lot. An easy way to avoid this, of course, is to make sure that your pants are tailored to your body as best as they can be. Since belts have fixed notches as opposed to adjustable straps, it may be hard to find a happy medium or that sweet spot in terms of how tight or loose you want it to be. If the belt is too tight, you might be uncomfortable all night, while if it's too loose, you risk having your pants sag down too much. When shopping for belts, it helps to be a little more precise as opposed to suspenders that usually have a little more wiggle room.

As far as style goes, it's important to note that belts should only be worn with pants equipped with belt loops, hence why they are never worn with tuxedos. If you have a custom suit with pants that don't have loops, you'll be limited to suspenders or foregoing any support whatsoever. In this case, it's imperative that your pants are fitted properly to avoid any dance floor mishaps.

No matter your style preferences and support needs, Enzo Custom has got you covered. In addition to custom tailored suits, we offer belts, suspenders, and a handful of other accessories to completely round out your formal attire. Step into one of our showrooms today for a private appointment, or speak with one of our expert clothiers through our offered virtual consultations.

Over the years, we've seen quite a few fashion trends come and go. Some have stood the test of time, others faded away almost as soon as they were introduced, and a few have gone through periodic ebbs and flows. We're just glad that tuxedos haven't changed too much since their introduction, and that no one up to this point has been crazy enough to attempt pairing a belt with one, because let's be honest. There is absolutely no way anyone could make that look cool, or even simply not ridiculous and out of place. While there is definitely a hard-line rule keeping belts off the table for tuxedos, the same can't be said for suspenders when it comes to suits, even though they are more associated with the tux these days.

Benefits Of Suspenders: Not Just For The Tuxedo

<title>College Admissions and Job Interviews: Is A Suit Too Much?</title>

<p>It's a question that's been hotly debated in not only the fashion world but also the professional one. And depending on who you're talking to and what field they work in, you'll probably get a different answer.</p>

<p>When it comes to job interviews and college admissions meetings, these are probably going to be the most important events to dress up for in one's professional and academic careers. And while getting that job or spot at your number-one college probably doesn't solely hinge on your attire, first impressions can go a long way. In spite of varying opinions on the subject, the general consensus is that while job interviews tend to be skewed toward the more formal side of things, college admissions interviews normally fall short of the full suit and tie. In any event, the person conducting the interview or meeting will appreciate clean, professional attire, as they will likely be wearing their best when they start hurling questions at you. Wearing clothes that are at the very least crisp and wrinkle-free will show them that you actually care about your upcoming professional or academic prospects. But what about those instances where you end up out-dressing the person conducting the interview? Or when no one bothered to tell you that the prestigious company you want to work for doesn't have a dress code at all?</p>

<p>In this article, we'll do our best to clear up any confusion or discrepancies in terms of what is acceptable attire for interviews and what is not, as common sense can sometimes be hard to follow when it is so nuanced in so many different industries and situations.</p>

<h2>The Job Interview</h2>

<p>Thanks to a rapid rise in remote positions as well as more relaxed dress codes at even the most prestigious of employers, a common misconception has circulated that the suit is all but dead. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, and this is especially vital to understand in the context of the job interview. While it might be nice to fantasize about strolling in late to your job interview wearing nothing but a bathrobe and being as blunt about your potential boss's choice of tie as you were about his management style and still landing that six-figure position, this scenario is at best a very rare exception and at worst something you would only see on late-night TV. In practice, this just doesn't happen, and you might as well aspire to win the lottery with this attitude. Professionalism in terms of how you dress and present yourself will put you miles ahead of everyone else competing for your position, so if you're at all unsure about what your potential employer expects in terms of <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blog/business-casual-for-men-the-guide-to-modern-office-dress" target="_blank">office attire</a>, it's always best to err on the side of formality during the interview process. Being overdressed in this scenario is almost always better than being underdressed, and if it's between you and someone else with the exact same credentials, they might be more inclined to pick the candidate who is wearing the better suit, as fickle as that may seem. A <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/customize" target="_blank">custom suit</a> that is tailored to your individual body type is always considered a nice touch by your potential employers. After all, what is a job interview but a sales pitch of yourself? You want it to be your time to shine, not for the company to second-guess themselves in hiring you.</p>

<p>That being said, not all employers are the same, and there may be situations where it would be advantageous to either dress up more than normal or even tone it down a bit, depending on the industry and the company you're looking to work for. It's always best to do a little research beforehand so you're not walking into an interview blindly.</p>

<p>The legal profession, for example, is one where pushing up the boundaries of formal attire is acceptable, if not expected. It's one of the few industries that hasn't deviated much from formal <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blog/business-casual-for-men-the-guide-to-modern-office-dress" target="_blank">office dress</a> as it was commonplace 30 years ago, and doesn't see too many signs of straying away from this. Classic black or subtle and tasteful pinstripes tend to be the winners here, and while you might be able to get away with some tightly woven <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blog/a-quick-guide-to-different-suit-patterns-and-styles" target="_blank">crosshatch patterns</a> in shades of grey or blue, it's best not to be too permissive with some of the louder colors available. Just like anything involving fashion sense, it's ultimately a judgment call. But chances are, if you're questioning whether or not your ensemble is too loud for an interview, you likely already know the answer.</p>

<p>Other professions aren't so cut-and-dry. Information technology, for example, was one of the first industries to abandon <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blog/dressing-for-a-formal-event-how-to-know-what-to-wear" target="_blank">dress codes</a> altogether. This isn't always true across the board, but it's a safe assumption that you won't find too many suits

and ties wandering the office buildings of Silicon Valley. However, this only seems to apply to those who are already working in that field and not prospective employees. Even in fields that embrace a laissez-faire attitude toward office dress, professionalism is still much appreciated. From a comfort standpoint, you might be able to forego the <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/shop/00/ties" target="_blank">tie</a>, but a suit paired with a crisp clean <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/shop/06" target="_blank">dress shirt</a> will give you a leg up on others who might be under the assumption that dressing down to a casual level is acceptable, even though it may not be. Consistency and effort are key here, even if the latter isn't executed at 100 percent. So long as everything matches (think belts, shoes, etc.), your prospective employers will be more likely to remember you.</p>

<p>As far as job interviews are concerned, our verdict is that the classic custom suit will win out over all else, and if you want to test the waters when it comes to feeling more comfortable and casual, the most you should forego, if anything at all, is the tie.</p>

<h2>College Admissions</h2>

<p>For those of you who might be just starting your academic endeavors and using those to further your career paths in the future, navigating the college admissions process can be a daunting task. On top of narrowing down the right choice for your needs and abilities, studying for college entrance exams like the SATs and ACTs, preparing college admissions essays, and ironing out all of the financing options, you may also be presented with the opportunity to have a one-on-one interview

with one of the college's admissions representatives coming through your city. While many of these meetings are optional depending on the university's admissions requirements, it can give you an opportunity to present your case as to why they should consider selecting you for their school. It also gives the admissions representatives a chance to get to know you on a more personal level, and just as it is true for job interviews, first impressions can really set the tone for the rest of your meeting. But you might be asking yourself, 'How much formality is too much?'</p>

<p>When it comes to college admission interviews, the unspoken rules on dress code are a little more malleable than they are with employment opportunities. While a full suit and tie might be more than what is necessary, we can't really think of any situation or scenario where this would hinder your chances or your performance during the interview, even if you end up out-dressing the admissions representative. Just as it's true with job interviews, that extra professionalism in dress is only going to make a good impression, not a bad one.</p>

<p>If you don't feel comfortable just yet in a full suit, at the very least you should wear a dress shirt and a decent pair of slacks and <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blog/pairing-shoes-with-suits-a-proper-style-guide" target="_blank">shoes</a>. Admissions representatives may not even expect this level of dress, but it will show them that you are taking them seriously.</p>

<p>As far as ties go, they are definitely more optional for this type of interview as opposed to being more of a requirement for professional employment settings. Whether to put one on or not is more of a style preference, but no matter what you

decide to do, you should feel confident and comfortable in what you wear. Confidence, just like dressing professionally, can do wonders for first impressions.</p>

<p>Overall, our consensus for college admissions interviews is that you should dress at the very least more than casually. While a full suit and tie may not be absolutely necessary, they certainly won't hurt at all.</p>

<h2>Takeaways</h2>

<p>Whether you're just starting out with your academic and professional career or you've been putting your nose to the grindstone for over a decade, all of us here at Enzo Custom will help you obtain the professional wardrobe you need, from suits and ties to dress shirts and accessories. Our experienced clothiers will work with you closely to get you fitted into the right custom suit that matches your own precise measurements, so give us a call today to book your <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/schedule" target="_blank">private appointment</a> at one of our locations or via videoconference.</p>

It's a question that's been hotly debated in not only the fashion world but also the professional one. And depending on who you're talking to and what field they work in, you'll probably get a different answer.

College Admissions and Job Interviews: Is A Suit Too Much?

<title>Etiquette In The New Normal</title>

<p>It's an unfortunate reality we all have to face. COVID-19 is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, and as a result many common etiquette practices have been drastically altered and in some cases, all but abandoned. Handshakes have been replaced by elbow taps, standards of dress have been relaxed, and reliance on digital means of communication has skyrocketed. Even so, this does not mean that all standards of professionalism have to be thrown out the window. While many of us have had the fortunate ability to work remotely since March, several industries still require in-person meetings, appointments, and hands-on interactions. Aside from the obvious sectors like healthcare and customer service, this is also true for many legal and financial institutions.</p>

<p>Although practices and regulations among states and locales vary, it is imperative to follow recommended guidelines in order to reduce the risk of spreading illness in the community. While some things are very clear (wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining adequate distance, etc.), others are not so cut-and-dry (maintaining your wardrobe more frequently, keeping living areas and workspaces clean, wiping down door handles, leaving shoes at the door). The former are obvious, while the latter may vary considerably between each person's comfort level. But the important thing to remember is that no matter where you work or where you live, communication is key to providing the safest and most comfortable environment possible.</p>

<p>In this article, we'll discuss the ways in which you can still adhere to <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blogs/news/business-casual-for-men"

target="_blank">professionalism standards</a> while maintaining health and safety protocols in an ever-changing social landscape. It is sometimes very hard to break old social habits (humans are a very social species after all), and adjusting can be more difficult at first than you might think.</p>

<h2>Wardrobe Maintenance</h2>

<p>For the purposes of this article, we'll start with one of the less obvious changes to everyday routines. Everyone who's ever owned a modest selection of <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/collections/suits" target="_blank">suits</a> for work understands the pain of forking over those excessive dry cleaning bills, and those with five or more suits in their closet tend to cut a few corners on trips to the cleaners when they can get away with it. Unfortunately, the pandemic has drastically reduced this ability. If your place of work requires you to be physically present in an office, it is wise to only wear your suit once before you clean it. That being said, there is more than one way to keep your suits clean, and if your <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blogs/news/proper-care-for-dress-shirts-methods-for-keeping-your-wardrobe-crisp-and-clean" target="_blank">dry cleaning</a> bill is getting in the way of better things you could spend your money on, consider spot-cleaning, UV-C lights, or washing certain elements of your wardrobe in the washing machine or by hand.</p>

<p>UV-C light technology has been in use for almost 100 years, and it's a great way to disinfect and clean clothing and equipment without damaging its structural components. It works best as an adjunct rather than by itself, but it does offer a cost-effective alternative to hand washing or dry cleaning when those more

traditional methods may not be convenient to do with such increased frequency. Several UV-C devices are available online and don't break the bank too much; just be sure to keep these devices away and out of reach from houseplants and household pets, as it is still a source of radiation and can potentially cause harm.</p>

<p>If UV-C lights aren't the right fit for you, consider purchasing a <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-your-wardrobe-ready-for-the-new-normal" target="_blank">steam iron</a> to keep your suits clean and wrinkle-free throughout the week. While it requires more work than UV-C lights, it's less of a potential hazard and it's still cheaper than running to the dry cleaners every other day.</p>

<h2>Greetings</h2>

<p>The handshake is ubiquitous. It's the universal sign of trust and competence in the business world, and also the proper way to introduce oneself in all settings in cultures across the globe. However, the handshake has all but disappeared almost overnight, being replaced with several other, more contact-minimizing greetings.</p>

<p>The safest replacement to the handshake by far is a simple wave. While it might seem like an awkward thing to do at first, almost everyone understands why a wave is more polite than extending one's hand during these trying times. It shows that you are acknowledging the other person while maintaining proper social distancing protocols.</p>

<p>In some social circles, tapping elbows or bumping fists might also be appropriate. While these greetings are riskier than a simple wave, they still

minimize contact in comparison to a handshake. In all likelihood, it won't be considered rude if you decline someone's fist bump. At the end of the day, it really comes down to your own and the other person's comfort level.</p>

<p>Hugs are also worth mentioning, and should be avoided except in the context of close family members or other people you live with. While hugs are less common in the business world, they are not completely unheard of. As it is physically impossible to adhere to social distancing standards with this greeting, people shouldn't be offended if you decide to stand in place or back away. As we said before, a wave is usually sufficient.</p>

<p>While a lot of this might sound like common sense, it's important to emphasize these situations, as the ways of doing business have changed so suddenly over the last six months. Which brings us to our next point.</p>

<h2>Digital Correspondence</h2>

<p>The company you work for has decided to shut all of its offices down temporarily, forcing all of its employees to work remotely. If this pandemic happened 30 years ago, this major switch would have likely been a logistical and technological nightmare. Fortunately for everyone living in today's world, Internet connections are commonplace, connectivity speeds are higher than they've ever been, and the infrastructure to handle so many more remote workers is already in place. Transitioning from an office to a work-from-home environment should be easy, right?</p>

<p>Well, yes and no. While working remotely takes away the burden of long commutes and excessive water cooler chatter, there are potentially more

distractions, as you may not be confined to a single desk and you may have others in your household also working from home. At a bare minimum, you should always treat your new home office space the same way you would treat your office away from home. Getting ready for the day as you normally would otherwise and sticking to standard working hours will allow you to establish a routine so you can stay focused, as some people find these new adjustments more difficult than others. Sticking to a routine will put you miles ahead of everyone else, and you may even find that your workday becomes shorter as your productivity increases the longer you've been working remotely. The other big component of working outside the office is communication.</p>

<p>It might be tempting to show up to your Zoom or Skype meeting wearing nothing but a bathrobe or an old T-shirt, but it's important to keep in mind that a little professionalism goes a long way. While you might not be required to wear a suit for your temporary remote positions, you should at least shoot for <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blogs/news/business-casual-for-men" target="_blank">business casual</a>, especially when you have to conduct video calls or any other face-to-face digital correspondence. Another thing to consider is that while dressing up may not be mandatory, for some people it helps them establish a more rigid, structured routine. The same goes for the space in your home that you use for work. While nothing beats spreading out on the couch with a laptop by your side, designating a spare room for an exclusive workspace can help minimize those inevitable distractions, and you might even be able to save money on your taxes, too, by taking advantage of the home office deduction.</p>

<h2>Office Etiquette</h2>

<p>Not all of us during these times have the luxury of working from home. Some offices never closed, and when the severity of the pandemic begins to fade, more will reopen for business. Keeping office spaces clean, especially shared or common areas, is a large component of reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Always keep plenty of spare masks handy at your desk, don't be shy with hand sanitizer, and make sure to wipe down your phones and keyboards. The latter is important in offices where you might even share a desk with somebody else when shifts change. One other thing that often gets overlooked is disinfecting your shoes. Whenever you come home, you might want to take them off first-thing, leave them by the door, and clean the bottoms of them after each use. This will reduce the chances of bringing in unwanted germs into your home from the outside.</p>

<h2>Takeaways</h2>

<p>While social norms and business etiquette have drastically changed, sticking to social distancing standards doesn't mean you have to throw common practices completely to the wind. If you are required to go into an office every day, make sure to take extra care in <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-your-wardrobe-ready-for-the-new-normal" target="_blank">maintaining your wardrobe</a>. Steam irons and UV-C lights can save time and money on those otherwise extra trips to the cleaners. It's also essential that you keep your workspace as clean as possible, especially in shared-desk arrangements. Keep as much distance as possible when meeting and greeting new people. If you work remotely, keeping a routine is one of the best ways to stay on top of things, even if it

means <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/blogs/news/dressing-for-a-formal-event-how-to-know-what-to-wear" target="_blank">dressing up</a> a little bit when you don't have to.</p>

<p>From all of us at <a href="https://www.enzocustom.com/" target="_blank">Enzo Custom</a>, we wish you a safe and healthy rest of the year, and together by following safety and cleanliness measures, we can get through this as quickly and carefully as possible.</p>

>It's an unfortunate reality we all have to face. COVID-19 is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future, and as a result many common etiquette practices have been drastically altered and in some cases, all but abandoned. Handshakes have been replaced by elbow taps, standards of dress have been relaxed, and reliance on digital means of communication has skyrocketed.

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