May 29, 2024 • 49 mins
Welcome to Tailored Talks with OMJ! In this episode, hosts Brad, Will, and Kendra dive into the essentials every man needs in his wardrobe. As they navigate through the chaos of wedding season at OMJ, they take a moment to strip things down to the basics and discuss the core pieces that form the foundation of a great wardrobe.
Brad shares an inspiring story about how dressing well can boost confidence and even change career trajectories, emphasizing the importance of starting with the basics. The team explores questions they've frequently encountered, such as where to invest in your wardrobe, the versatility of different pieces, and how to dress better for work without overdoing it.
Each host presents their top 10 essential items, offering insights into building a versatile and timeless wardrobe. Whether you're new to fashion or looking to refine your style, this episode is packed with practical advice and tips to help you feel confident and look your best every day.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Music.
(00:34):
Welcome to Tailored Talks with OMJ. We're back. I'm Brad, co-host and co-founder of OMJ.
To my right, Mr. Will Jones. Hey, guys.
And Ms. Kendra. Hi, how are you? How are you guys doing today?
Good. Wonderfully well. How's the week been?
(00:54):
How's your week been? Week's been good. Busy. Has been busy here at OMJ.
So we're recording this on May 24th.
We're in the thick of wedding season. So it's a bit chaotic, but in a good way.
We welcome all the weddings to come to OMJ. I think we're at around 70 weddings
(01:19):
for the month of May that we've worked on.
And obviously they are all each a joy, but each a task in its own right to do
them and do them well and hit those timelines.
Nothing worse than an angry fiance. We try and never let that happen.
(01:40):
Totally. But welcome, guys. So today it is Back to Basics Day.
So what that means, we're going to talk all things in a wardrobe that are your
basic everyday essentials.
So every wardrobe, it's got to start somewhere.
Oftentimes we see, especially for guys, it can be very overwhelming.
(02:00):
A lot of guys, fashion, shocker, is not the most important thing in life for them.
Second or third or fourth most important thing. It's just not on top of their to-do list.
And they don't know they need it until they need it, and then it's sort of too late.
And then there's nothing worse than going to job, event, every day,
(02:25):
and just feeling not your best.
And so I think a lot of times in fashion and even with us, it's easy to get
ahead of ourselves on all the different things we can do and capabilities.
And I think for most, it comes back to, we just really need to talk about the
basics for guys and maybe do a little more talking about that.
(02:48):
I think it resonates a little bit more.
I know with OMJ personally, it's sort of been incredible over the past 11 years
how we've been able to help so many guys, especially demystifying the art of dressing well.
So making it seem easy, stress-free, and you can really change somebody's trajectory
(03:08):
in their career and life. I've seen it so many times.
I know that's a bit audacious to say probably for some, but it's just close,
but so many times. Actually, quick story.
A good friend of mine from college, a little bit younger.
He dressed fine. He wasn't, you know, I wouldn't say he wasn't like lost by
(03:32):
any means, but he dressed fine. I think that's the best way to say it.
And, you know, he came to me our earlier days and was like, you know, I need some advice.
We had not officially, well, we haven't, we didn't have a storefront at that time.
So we We were still early on and we were creating custom. We had started doing custom.
(03:54):
So he was really one of our first like custom clients other than Mr. Will here.
Well, well, but you know, he worked at a, in an environment that they did dress up.
He was obviously the young, you know, one of the younger guys on the totem pole and a bigger office.
(04:14):
So it's a bit of the rat race where you've got a lot of competition work-wise,
you know, dress-wise, everything.
And so started working with him, very basic, navy, gray, white,
you know, just working with him, building that out.
And within six months, he became sort of like the guy at his work.
(04:35):
They started asking him style advice. It started with that, like,
Like, oh, I really like that, the cut of that suit.
And oh, I like how you have that tie. These are all basic things.
And by the end of like six months, he was sort of the guy at his work known for staff advice.
And to see how much his confidence grew from that was, that was an aha moment for me early on.
(05:01):
Because you have somebody who, again, it was fine, but he sort of became that
leader in a category at work, unrelated to his job, but it empowered him and set his trajectory.
And my guess would be that down the road, perhaps, it translated into a boost
in performance job-wise.
(05:22):
I would 100%. You have to think that way.
I mean, it was for me. I know we're all in this, so obviously we notice it and
see it, But so many times, if you look good, feel good, when you go to work. It comes across.
It does. It sort of sets everything. So I'm going to start with what does basic mean to you guys?
(05:43):
Wow. I'll defer to Kendra. I think basics for me are classics, right?
I think for me, like you have so many things to worry about when you're getting
ready for work, outside of work, family, career.
The last thing you want to do is worry about putting on clothes.
So for me, basics is really these essentials in your closet that are your go-tos.
(06:03):
You can always add things in later on, but it's your essential, your set.
Let's say there's just a few things that you always go to of your set clothing.
Like, because I think it's important to be ready last minute for whatever you need to be.
So whether that be like a sport coat, you need to be ready to go.
And I feel like a lot of people forget these things and maybe don't have them
(06:24):
because they don't know.
So I think it's good we're doing this. Definitely. And I think about versatility
as well within one's wardrobe and, you know, having those essential items in your closet to wear.
And I used to jokingly say this, but in fact, I really mean it.
Almost blindfolding yourself, being able to walk into your closet.
(06:45):
Hopefully you haven't fallen or hidden anything in the process.
But, and then, you know, picking out a couple of items and ultimately being
able to wear what you choose.
And, you know, I, I think that there's a lot that, you know,
you can sort of find solace in when you do find those core pieces within your
wardrobe that you can rely on, you know, day in and day out. Well, absolutely.
(07:11):
I'm reminded I've been using this word a lot lately, among other things.
But what we want to get to, and I'm going to shout out to Cross here,
if he's listening, former OMJ-er, the term he dubbed unconsciously competent. incompetent.
So at first, yeah, what does that mean?
(07:34):
It means that you're able to do things easily without having to think about it and do them well.
So I think of basics as that, to your point, you don't have to think about what you're going to put on.
You don't want to, you don't have to give yourself analysis paralysis where
you're not sure if the tie goes with the shirt or the shirt goes with the jacket.
(08:00):
It just is easy. You know, everything you have goes with everything and you
can put together a great outfit without having to think about it. Definitely. Yeah.
So I use those sort of examples, I think from an OMJ perspective.
(08:20):
That's something we've done really well. I think it's our core ethos.
There was, there's a make it simple, but significant is sort of our,
it is, it is, we did not come up with that.
That is what we do live by. I live by personally.
It's actually from Mad Men. Imagine that.
(08:42):
Go back and listen to episode two and we'll expand further on that.
But it's from Mad Men. And I think it is simple to think about that,
but if you are just keeping it simple, it makes it easy.
And through that, as you sort of get comfortable and confident,
(09:03):
you're able to create a significant presence.
Because you can add on to things when you have your basics. Because it takes time.
Not to say that everyone doesn't have style, but if you don't have your style.
A lot don't. I feel like they just don't have a home to like everybody has their like thing.
Right. So I think you're exactly right.
(09:25):
But from a guy perspective, it's we think about even you even think about the
country across the country. Yeah.
So I think East Coast and you get like Midwest.
A lot of those guys, they don't they don't care. They don't care.
No offense to the people in the Midwest, but fair. I need a jacket,
(09:47):
so I'm going to get a jacket, and I can get this jacket right here, and I need three.
And there's not the thought put into it, and there's no need for that.
You know what I'm saying?
So if we can make, for OMJ, can we make things for everybody across the country
is something everybody can wear and feel good about.
(10:09):
From your guy who, I just want a jacket, I don't care, to your snobby clothes
horse guy who is all about the brand.
Those guys. All about the brand, which we love those guys too.
But it's being inclusive. That's helped us by sort of sticking with the basics,
(10:33):
not getting ahead of ourselves.
It's definitely helped OMJ to not only last 11 years because,
as we know, trends change,
but also always having something that's accessible for every type of guy and
being able to help every type of guy.
(10:54):
Get there. Well, and I'll mention as well, historically, if you look at,
say, Albert Einstein, who I wouldn't necessarily consider as a style icon, but he had a uniform.
He wore a black suit, a white shirt, perhaps a black tie at times.
And, you know, that really freed up a lot of space brain-wise.
(11:15):
And then, you know, he finds his E equals MC squared.
But I mean, And that's, you think about Zuckerberg also, same thing. Halston.
Deep jobs. All of them had a basic uniform because essentially they didn't want
to take the time to think about the clothing.
But I think at some point they had to think about it to go, what is the best
(11:35):
essential thing that I can pick to wear? For sure.
Right. And it's like, even like, say, Zuckerberg, like, he looks basic, but those are not basic.
Those t-shirts are a lot.
Like, his t-shirts are not cheap. The Brunello Cucinelli. Well,
and I think here, too, you know, we really cater to more of the peacocks,
(11:57):
but also, you know, those. Everyday guy.
Say like an Einstein, if you will, that are looking for, you know,
those essential pieces.
And then they can build upon it and perhaps become a peacock over time.
Perhaps. Should they go that way? You know, news, newsflash,
I'm, I'm not a super into fashion guy. I respect fashion.
(12:21):
I love great quality, but I've never been a flashy guy, ever.
In fact, I'm not really the, I've learned into fashion, I would say.
I didn't grow up, you know, that being the core.
I think I always had a bit of the interest and the design and the creative aspect of it.
It was there, but I wasn't, I didn't just know how to dress well.
(12:44):
Well, really, honestly, until I met Felipe, I would say.
And, you know, again, when we started this business, I was not Mr.
Fashion. So I'm curious.
Did Felipe, like, take you aside?
Or, like, where were you in the spectrum of, like, this style and clothing?
(13:06):
Because you're like, I wasn't until I met Felipe. So what's the story with that?
And I give yourself a little more credit. Yeah.
Well, and that's why I want to ask that question because I don't know which way it is.
Well, I think it was the basics for me.
It's always been about the basics for me. But he sort of introduced me to fit brand.
Like, you know, I think I was a big probably Gap guy. You know,
(13:29):
I never was really a fan of the logo on stuff.
Yeah. You know, the American Eagle logo, you know, I was never a fan of that.
So I think like growing up in Gastonia, Eastridge Mall did not have a lot of options.
Because it's about access. We did have a gap.
Sure. We had a gap. And so it was, I remember early on whites and blues and
(13:54):
light blue and, you know, just core things that you could get.
And when I went to college, I think, you know, and I'll also,
you know, Polo, Ralph Lauren,
obviously, but, you know, went to college and I'm exposed to Felipe who went
to Phipps Plaza in Atlanta on the weekends with his family.
(14:14):
Yeah. And the world of high fashion and he knows all about everything and it,
you know, I'm a big rabbit hole guy.
So went down the rabbit hole, but at my core, you know, I, I say this because
it's easy for people outside of this world to say, oh, well, they know how to do it.
(14:36):
So it's easy and I, you know, it doesn't relate because, you know,
it would be like, you know, somebody in finance, well, they know how to do finance
stuff cause they're in finance. Right.
And I'm not, so I'm over here and they're over there.
But really I say that because it should be universal.
(14:59):
Everybody can dress, everybody can dress really well. You can even start a clothing brand.
Without knowing everything about how to dress. So again, I've learned.
So my big thing over the last 11 years has any chance I get to impart my wisdom to.
(15:20):
Guys of all ages to get them confident, more confident, and,
you know, just communicating.
It can be really easy.
And so we'll be talking about that more with this podcast and just,
you know, over the weeks and years as we do it.
I think that'll always be an underscoring theme of this podcast.
(15:43):
But, you know, for today, sort of what I wanted to get into is some Q&A with you guys.
You know, I know we've all been in this a long time.
So what are some of the, you know, sometimes we forget the basic,
most basic of questions.
So I tasked you guys to think about some things you've kind of heard over the
(16:05):
years, questions about fashion advice and what you've given. then.
So we'll, you know, Q&A style, throw out something that you've kind of gotten over the years.
So something that I've been asked several times over the years,
and most recently, even last week when I was here at OMJ, is where should I
(16:26):
be spending the most money from a garment perspective?
What should I spend on, say, a suit or whatever that core piece might be within one's wardrobe.
And for me, it's about quality versus quantity.
So I really try to, you know, impart that, hey, you know, a Navy suit,
(16:49):
perhaps a hopsack Navy suit can lend itself to a lot of versatility within one's
wardrobe and, you know, can really pay dividends down the road.
You can mix and match with a suit of that nature.
And, you know, you don't have to necessarily break the bank,
but kind of finding a happy medium from a investment standpoint,
(17:11):
and just knowing that that particular garment will pay off in a myriad ways.
No, I think that's important to think about. And like, as you're saying,
like the most investment pieces, I think too,
since like my background goes kind of across the board of different things and
where I've been, I think sometimes it's lost as people are like,
(17:32):
where do I need to spend my money? Of course.
But also, I don't really always think it has to be expensive.
I think if you have core basics and they're tailored well, because I think that's the important part is,
let's say, if you have to shop at The Gap or if
you have to shop at an H&M or like any of
those retailers or even like a Belk or something like that as
long as you get a well-tailored garment after the fact so
(17:54):
you can do a navy sport coat and a dress shirt and slacks but
if they're tailored sometimes people don't know and
I think growing up for me like for whatever
reason like because I don't like multi-price points
that I shop at just because that's my style but anything
I bought that was like cheap or
low cost people are like oh my god what is that and you're
(18:17):
like you're ignoring everything so it's like
sometimes you can wear the cheapest thing and that's the thing that you
get compliments on but if the fit's in check yeah or even
like sometimes it could just be a basic t-shirt and they're like how does that
happen that it's the low cost thing that has really caught people's eye and
you might have something else additional that's a little more expensive so i
(18:38):
think it's kind of gearing towards what your style is and sometimes that's innate
like you might see a shirt and you're like does Does this work?
But I think the help is people knowing does this shirt look like a white dress
shirt, whether it be from the Gap or Target, is going to kind of work the same
if you have it tailored well.
Like, of course, it won't be as beautiful as Cuccinelli, but it's still going
(19:00):
to be something that's accessible and people don't see the inside of tags.
So they don't. There's actually one of mine.
So I think that's a great explanation. explanation the the way i would classify
it if i had to headline it y'all know i like my headlines,
fit over everything okay so a lot of young guys just graduated college or just
(19:24):
going to college or had a career change and they don't know where to start and
it's expensive to get nice things,
But to your point, go get stuff if you're on a limited budget,
a very limited budget, get those core pieces gap,
even, you know, H and M, you know, I know it's a slimmer fit,
(19:49):
you know, there's plenty of, you can go to Belk, Zara, Zara,
Zara is a great brand, but make sure it fits and take it to a tailor.
And you know as long as that fits well you're on a you're on a good you're on a good start so,
what are some other q and a questions that you guys have gotten i think a big
(20:12):
one is like what shoes can i wear with this.
That's a great one. This is kind of funny because, like, Brad,
it's a funny thing is, like, what I think of with suiting is sometimes my first
thought now because of where I've been is you can wear sneakers.
I know that's not everybody's jam, and I understand that. But I think it's gearing
(20:32):
towards being comfortable and,
like, because our workplaces have gotten a little more relaxed in style.
Like, you can do a classic dress shoe with a pair of slacks or a suit,
but you can also do a low-profile sneaker.
So but it depends on like i
feel everybody can pull it off but like you have to be at that point where
you're ready to do it and get your steps in yes i
(20:53):
mean i i think you know being such a more of
a health conscious you know generation as well
you know probably uh help the sneaker market
kendra is referencing my distaste
for vibram salt and let me clarify that
i don't have a problem with vibram soul shoes i have
a problem with middle-aged man in a
(21:16):
full suit a dress
a dress there's different versions of suiting we have
you know a very dressed up suit
navy navy pants silk tie and then you've got vibram soul shoes on it just doesn't
match and the tailoring usually is not great either so this kind of this i see
(21:39):
this as the The Mazda Miata of this generation.
Well, and I was about to say, a nice tapered leg, if you will.
You probably wouldn't notice the Vibram. Sure, I think it's a whole lot.
I think, too, like in my, like, I'm not down with the Vibrams either. That's not anything.
But, like, that low-profile common projects or just a white leather sneaker
that has a slight opening, just a sneaker opening, is perfect because it lays just right.
(22:03):
I think, no, you're exactly right. Right. And, you know, the person who wears
that also knows, hey, I'm going to have a little less formal of a fabric here.
Well, and it's a good like three day weekend shoe. Right. It goes with any ensemble. Right.
They're wearing that with a textured suit that's not...
(22:25):
Has a sheen on it. Yeah. It's a little different. It's a different style.
Might have a little open weave.
Open weave. There you go. A little texture to it. I think, you know,
again, so what we're veering out of, honestly, is when you get to that,
you know, there's somebody who has strayed from the basics.
Yep. Okay. And we see a lot of guys, they try to run before they walk.
(22:49):
This is true. This is also my thing in life in general. Like,
well, we have a whole podcast on.
And literally in the vibram soul run before
they run they can't run because they don't have they have to wear vibram soles
so they can run I think this is anything like put your you know put your time
in get comfortable this can apply to your job your career entrepreneurship,
(23:16):
this is across all generations I won't just pick on Gen Z sorry guys like you
gotta work more than six months Before you get a promotion,
you gotta, you gotta have a, if you're creating a brand, you have to have that
for more than six months before you're recognized as a pinnacle brand in the
(23:37):
industry and get all the love and respect.
You don't get that overnight. You don't, you don't get that.
Just because you created it and you're a little bit creative and you have a good eye.
You don't get to go to the top. A couple people may do it on Instagram and it
just works out for them, but that's not for the most.
(24:00):
So put your time in and start with the basics.
Sure. And I think there's something to be said for revisionist history too.
You know, you find yourself trying a multitude of different looks.
Ultimately, you come back to your basics. But then once you,
you know, have a real feel for what you like and how that integrates into your
(24:24):
wardrobe, then you can mix and match and you can have some fun with it as well.
But until you experience those growing pains, you won't fully appreciate it.
Yeah. We all have the cringe moment, I'm sure. even if you think something's
gonna work and like you wear it and you're like this didn't work for what i
wanted it so and so much of it is subjective too and and that's actually another
(24:47):
question that i get a lot of times can i pull this off that's good it's a great
one can i pull this off and.
Perhaps you can perhaps perhaps i think as a you know expanding on that if you
believe you can can, most of the time you can.
Sure. And I think working within borders too, like it, like,
(25:10):
I don't think you should push it.
Like when somebody asks that question, because you get that a lot,
like, can I pull this off? Does this make me look silly?
And it's like, I think if you feel comfortable in it, but if you put it on,
you're like, does this make me look silly? You look silly.
If you have to ask the question, the answer is probably no.
And everybody can get to that point. And I think that goes back to my rant where
(25:31):
you, You got to learn and do it.
And the longer you kind of experiment and figure out what your personal style
is, you'll get confident and comfortable and kind of knowing what that is.
And that really is the operative word, comfortable. Yeah.
And even like my personal style is still very basic to this day.
You know, I mean, Felipe picks on me all the time.
(25:52):
You know, I'm just, I like what I like. I like things that are timeless and I like earth tones.
There's nothing wrong with that. You've also done your homework.
Yes. I do have a few hours on this.
But I've never graduated, I guess, if you could say, to a little more flash,
which it's just not comfortable for me. I don't think that's your brand.
(26:16):
There's a lot of clothing guys.
They're wired that way, and they look great. I'm not knocking on them. But they can pull it off.
They like that. That's their style, their staples, if you will.
And they can peacock a little bit more than I like to personally.
(26:38):
It's just never been my style.
It never will be. I may occasionally have a little burgundy on.
Resident don draper yes but
yeah it's just never it's never really been my style to to
go too flashy so i'll never go that route but i
i i that doesn't mean brad's over here judging if you do i've i commend it i
(27:01):
might even be dare say a bit jealous if i see somebody pulling off you know
a great we have a red blazer hanging up in the back that so many guys love and
i I personally am like, I would never wear that ever,
but it looks great on that.
So, well, and it makes our jobs more fun as well. Sure. You know, absolutely.
Any other questions you guys have gotten? Gosh, I feel like throughout the years
(27:25):
there's been so many questions. There's thousands we could go through.
A big question I think is probably like, do I always need a jacket?
I feel like that one's been kind of interesting because I feel like you don't always need a jacket.
Sometimes you can still look a certain way. Like interviews,
I feel like jacket definitely. Definitely.
(27:47):
But like day-to-day for work, because we've gotten so more relaxed,
you can do like different style shirts that kind of bring that same presence to it.
Whether it be like a short sleeve
shirt or like a long sleeve shirt with a little slight pattern to it.
Because it's like, I think, again, being comfortable is really important.
I think because our day-to-day work has kind of changed and a lot of people
(28:10):
are working from home, I feel like that top thing has become more important.
The rule of three is kind of what I think about because you are right.
But think about it in terms of pant and shoes do not count.
Shoes do not count for rule three, but pant and shirt.
And so you don't need a jacket, but you, you know, you want a third piece to that.
(28:34):
Yeah. You know, maybe it's a, maybe it's a tie.
Maybe, you know, again, not, not my style of vest, but maybe it's a vest.
You know, there's some other accessory that you add to that to bring that out.
You know, a big question I've gotten over the years is how do I dress better for work?
So especially in my career in banking and finance, this was a common question
(29:00):
and a common thing I've seen.
There was just a Wall Street Journal article about finance bro dress attire
that I will certainly commentate on in a future newsletter.
But it's a real thing. So there's a lot of folks that they're eager to,
hey, I want to dress better, but I don't want to go too far, right?
(29:24):
And so my advice has always been it's different for every job,
but my rule is one level up.
So if at your work everybody's wearing polos and chinos, wear dress pants and
a dress shirt and maybe a sport coat, a more casual sport coat.
It would not make sense to walk in in a full Navy suit and a tie,
(29:47):
and you'd just look silly.
So know kind of like what the vibe is. But if you are at a job where a lot of
folks are wearing, you know, a sport coat, maybe do dress it up with a suit, you know.
But go one level up. If you go one level up, you're always going to be safe.
You're always going to sort of be, you know, the top of your fellow coworkers.
(30:11):
And yet you're not being disruptive. Yes. To the hierarchy.
And you don't want to stick out as a tryhard either.
But I think, you know, if you're looking around like, I'm good,
I'm wearing the same thing as everybody else.
Your management sees that too. And so how are they going to know?
(30:31):
How are they going to separate you? So it's not a hard rule of you can't dress like everybody else.
But if you're wanting to stand out, that's an easy way to do it.
It's an easy way to separate yourself.
Obviously, your work should speak
for itself. But if everybody is wearing khakis and a shirt and a vest,
(30:52):
a casual and a down vest from, I don't know, Patagonia.
Even Montclair. Montclair. I know Montclair is a great brand,
but you still look the same.
I mean, if that is what you're wearing and everybody else is wearing,
you're just missing an easy opportunity to stand out.
(31:14):
I think I should. Well, in finance, or finance, fashion has become so ubiquitous,
you know, and so you've got the perfect playing field to differentiate yourself from the pack.
Like, and this would be my question, since your background is in finance,
how, because I'm, my background, of course, is fashion, but like,
how did that become a staple?
(31:36):
Like, because it really is, you just described what the article said in,
that's a nationwide article that that is the uniform, but how? How?
Because it is, I think it's a culture emphasized on work and a lot of really
hard workers in finance, a lot of really smart guys.
(31:57):
And so the emphasis is that needs to be easy. Okay.
They didn't have this podcast to listen to. Yes. What they're wanting to do
is have a basic uniform that they don't have to think about so that they can
think about the things that actually matter at work. So I get that. I do.
But what we're kind of saying is, yeah, this is an easy opportunity to stand out.
(32:21):
And I know when I was in banking, I had a...
Manager several higher levels up, come to me and say, you know,
I always notice that you're dressed well.
And if I ever am in a pinch and I need somebody to come with me to a presentation,
(32:44):
or a town hall, you know, a meeting, you know, and I would meet with literally
CFO at Bank of America. I worked at Bank of America.
This was not him saying that. This was earlier in my career.
When I was just starting, but I would take you with me and you would be the
first for me to think about.
(33:05):
And he didn't even probably know exactly what I did at work. I'm sure.
Nor did he know if I was any good at it, but I was in a, it was a more casual
environment where I was on a lot of polo and dress pants. And so that always
stuck with me for my career.
I'm so glad he called me early on to sort of validate that. And I wasn't doing anything.
(33:28):
I mean, this was like, I maybe wore a sport coat. I mean, I just stepped it
up a little bit, like, come on.
But to get the validation, it clicked with me early on. You know,
you always want to be ready.
Even if you have a sport coat at your desk or a tie at your desk,
you always want to be ready because you want to be that person they think about
if they need something. And it has nothing to do with my work ethic or my work
(33:50):
at all. It was purely how I was dressed.
And so that kind of, you know, that gave me an opportunity early on to sort
of know what that is like to take that one, you know, one level up.
Because I think that's important. Like, as much as we don't like that people
judge looks and things like that, this is what happens in the world.
And like, perception is everything.
(34:11):
They want someone standing next to them that like presents the full picture.
And we're not necessarily saying, hey, clothes make the man.
But hearing that anecdote from you,
it shows, though, that it does have an impact. It does have an impact.
And yes, it doesn't make anybody, but I think it elevates. It can elevate you
(34:32):
in a way, you know, just like if you're in an interview.
And we've done quite a few custom suits for kids graduating and they need something
to interview in. And we've gotten to actually advise them like,
hey, here's what you get. Here's the tie that you wear.
And the amount of times they come back and say, I just felt so much more confident
(34:55):
when I was in that interview.
And it made an impact for me.
So I think what we also did was we put together our own sort of top 10 list of basics to own.
So these are going to be things, the essentials, the basics in your closet.
I think we probably have a lot of things that are on each other's list,
(35:18):
but these are just our top 10 for no other reason.
Kendra, I'll start with you. Just kind of go through your top 10 list.
So my top 10 for men's clothing is going to be a navy sport coat, classic shirt.
Denim jeans navy suit button-down
shirt classic shoe chinos dress
(35:39):
shirt casual t-shirt and a casual jacket and i feel like those things are going
to kind of get you by that's great awesome and i and to expand on that because
mine is a variation of that uh same so with that what what What Kendra just
listed off, those 10 items,
you get, do not check my math on this, but 84 different combinations.
(36:04):
Okay, I didn't go that far because I was not in finance.
Was it not 85? This little back of napkin math here.
But you get multiple combinations with those 10 things.
You can create 84 different looks to wear.
Honestly you have those 10 things that's all you need so
(36:28):
it i i like to when i'm
explaining something for folks a lot of times i like to
take steps backwards and deconstruct it
and so you know you start
with this big picture idea basics are good you know think about the basics and
then you dwindle that down of how do i get to that and so are the point of this
(36:50):
exercise is all you need is 10 items and you're ready to go so this is that
easy you have these 10 items or some variation,
and you're good to go and then you're good to start your journey.
And then grow from there. Well, mine is super similar. And, you know,
we all keep coming back to this term versatility.
(37:11):
And that's probably the most spoken word at OMJ week in and week out.
But it is true. The more versatility one can get out of their wardrobe, ultimately the better.
So for me, number one being a navy suit, particularly a hopsack suit.
So something that has an open weave, something that might have a little texture
to it as well to where you can blend it with other pieces of your wardrobe and
(37:35):
not just wear it as more of a formal piece as in, say, just a standard blue suit.
Also, I would look at perhaps getting a sport coat with a pattern,
say, houndstooth or glen plaid and perhaps in an earth tone as well to weave into your wardrobe.
A white dress shirt you can never go wrong with. And
(37:57):
I'd strongly recommend at least having one French
cuff white dress shirt in your wardrobe so that
you can dress up for say more formal occasions
a la tuxedo and you
know perhaps you want to carry it over to your suiting as well but but also
to maybe go for like a medium spread collar with a standard white dress shirt
(38:19):
will will pay off well and you can really dress it up or dress it down gray
trousers to me are the most optimal piece with With respect to one's wardrobe,
you can mix and match gray trousers with any sort of top, whether it be,
say, like a blue dress shirt, a white dress shirt, and a crew dress shirt,
(38:40):
or perhaps something that has a stripe or a pattern to it as well.
A V-neck sweater, whether it be in merino wool or cashmere, I feel like will
really serve one's wardrobe.
And especially if you've got suiting that's a little darker,
perhaps go with a stone color or a camel color in the V-neck.
(39:01):
And that also acts as a layering piece, so in colder months, it'll serve you well.
Chinos are always a popular option, whether in brown, navy, black.
You know, you really can't go wrong with a chino to dress it up or down.
Denim's always fun. You can go the selvedge route, and you can go with,
say, a white even during the summer months.
(39:24):
Or go darker for a more elevated look for nightlife, perhaps.
Perhaps loafers for me are key.
And whether you want to go the Belgian route, the penny route,
the tassel route, you really can't go wrong.
And ultimately, if you have a black pair and say a brown pair,
you could arguably even wear, say, that black pair, a penny loafer perhaps,
(39:47):
ultimately shine to the hill with a tuxedo.
And so you've got that added, again, that versatility. An overcoat in either
blue or black. you can wear it over a t-shirt looks fantastic and then last
but not least ties pocket squares.
Watches the light just you know a
(40:09):
great way of accessorizing you know your your outfit and
bringing a little splash to one's ensemble suspenders etc i love it so for my
top 10 list i do have a i think a lot of the same things you guys do so i'll
quickly run through it but I think a Navy suit was sort of the pinnacle of mine.
(40:29):
And again, as Will mentioned, something with a texture to it because you can wear that jacket.
If it has a little bit of a texture to it, you can wear it.
It's easier to wear as a separate so it doesn't look like you're wearing a suit jacket.
So Navy suit was sort of my number one. A few of my other ones, white Oxford.
So white Oxford button down. You can wear that casually. You can dress it up.
(40:52):
Dark denim. So I went, maybe I went a little too specific in my list.
But if you have one pair of denim, I would say a dark denim.
Again, you can dress that up, down.
Medium or a dark brown loafer. So I did one dress shoe here.
And that dress shoe being, you can, again, you could wear that with your denim.
You could wear it with your suit.
(41:14):
A navy or burgundy, like grenadine tie, which is like a solid,
has a texture to it. That's a great piece.
I have a, a knit polo, so not a golf polo, you know, those are,
those, those would be fine to have, but you know, I think a dressier polo,
but that will give you the ability to wear it and layer it.
(41:36):
So you can wear it under a sport coat or you could
wear it just on and so on
with a pair jeans or chinos and a
sort of alt blue textured sport
coat so this would be something an alternate
version of navy so maybe it's a little bit
lighter or a brighter blue a little richer blue maybe
(41:58):
has a slight pattern to it a white or light blue
dress shirt and then i also have like a sweater yeah
something to compare again you can layer that you
can wear it with just the dress pants of the
suit you can throw a
shirt on underneath it you know you can throw the white oxford underneath
it you could wear a tie with it underneath have that
(42:19):
over that you could wear just a sweater with the
suit you could you know all of these things go together so that is my top 10
list and i think all of them kind of we keep saying that they're essentials
like we did this separately and we all kind of came up with the same things
that and if you were to search top Not 10 Essentials.
(42:40):
They probably would say, oh, the internet.
Yep. They would probably say some version of the same thing that we just gave you.
So anyways, before we close, any bad fashion that you've seen.
There's lots of bad fashions. Anything to stay away from. I think it's fit more
(43:04):
than anything. Yeah. That's important. Yeah.
To stay away from. I think, and this is going to go against my previous life,
but I think kind of doing the most trendiest thing is a mistake.
There's nothing more harmful than like, and it's really the weirdest thing.
If anybody remembers like the high-end designer Balenciaga arenas,
(43:26):
not to knock anyone that still has those and wears those,
but you're talking about a $1,095 shoe that
was only wearable for a year or two i feel
like i get it it was on trend everybody loved them
but like they didn't make it past and so i think it's you've got to like think
that cost per wear concept that sometimes that low profile sneaker or something
(43:49):
like that i just feel like things that last are really important just outside
of work in work that it makes more
sense to do something that's not too far if
you're going to spend a lot of money on it and sustainability wise
too you know how much waste is there for you know a lot of your companies making
(44:11):
cheap trendy clothing where does that go you know and ultimately less is more
this is more you know and investing in those core pieces perhaps you know you
can only spend but so much But,
but find, find the best you, you can,
and, you know, taking care of the garment and then also ultimately being able to alter the garment.
(44:35):
Alter it. It's, it's interesting. So a plug for OMJ. I mean,
everything we make will last forever.
We haven't tested that because we haven't been around forever,
but everybody that I've made stuff for, you're still wearing the first piece.
I'm in a jacket that's nine years old. Yeah.
Well-made things will last forever. You gotta take care of it.
(44:56):
I did have a friend who had a dog so I can't warranty if your dog gets a hold of it. But my first like.
Pair of Allen Edmonds, another great brand. My first pair of Ferragamo's I got in 2009, I think.
I still have them. In fact, they held up longer and they're now not in style.
(45:19):
You know, so I don't wear them because they're not, they weren't a super basic,
simple item, but they held up well.
Well and you know if you take care of it you get them resold so
you know another thing if it's well made even your even
your bigger designers like a ferragamo i love ferragamo they
do have a they do have a more simple line of
(45:42):
shoes that i do have some of but you know when you're getting something that's
a little more on trend and it's well made it will last but it's not going to
last maybe with what you're wearing yeah so and you're really losing out on
that versatility right too with But I think you hit on an important point is talking about shoes.
Like, I know we only did 10, but that's a really big one too, is well-made shoes.
(46:07):
That I think are really important is essential because they get you through.
Shoes. And a lot of also for our men, a lot of women will tell you that's sort
of the first thing they'll look at is.
I am one of those women. And not to get Shakespearean, but socks or no socks. That is the question.
Yes. Yes, I'm a no-sock guy.
(46:29):
I also admittedly own my own clothing company, so I can get away doing that.
I probably wouldn't do that if I was in a boardroom.
So dressing for the occasion, I think, would influence that.
And I have a pair of Crockett & Jones suede loafers on. It's a great brand.
I've worn these four days out of the week for the past six months. Yeah, superb.
(46:54):
I'd like to beat them up, see how well they do. They're phenomenal.
And they still look new. Yes. I do try to take care of my stuff.
Anything else before we close? I think we've covered it.
So if you first, number one, if you have any questions, we're going to be doing
a Q&A mailbag episode or incorporate that into a future episode coming soon.
(47:21):
So feel free. DM us on Instagram. Email us info at omjclothing.
We would love to answer those sort of live. And if we don't, we'll still answer you.
Also, if you need any basics, OMJ Clothing, we know a guy, or a guy and a gal
(47:42):
and a guy that can help you. So we would love to have you in.
Otherwise, we hope you have a great week, guys. And we hope this has been helpful for you.
And please, if ever you have questions or we can help, please reach out.
Thank you all so much. Thank you.
Music.
(48:09):
So we have two events this weekend going on. So we have the Coca-Cola 600 and the Monaco Grand Prix.
So exciting. Do you guys think the fashion is going to be the same?
Very little crossover, I imagine. But who knows? You know, Lewis Hamilton and
Ryan Blaney might be wearing the same ensemble.
What about the fans in attendance? I think that's the... I think the fans in
(48:33):
Monaco, like at the Grand Prix, are going to be totally different style.
I think they're going to go high
fashion because I think they're really trying to be a part of that mix.
Now, I'm going to admit, I've never been to a NASCAR event.
I've been to one of Oracle's. I can promise you there will be no high fashion.
If it is, the sleeves will be cut off and there will be beer and there will be lots of debauchery.
(48:58):
Hey, there's nothing wrong with a vintage Dale Earnhardt t-shirt.
So do you think jeans shorts are going to be? Probably.
Jorts will be in full effect. Jorts are going to be. Should be fun.
Will they be wearing socks or no socks?
Well, we'll have to ask Mr. Shakespeare. Or shoes. Or shoes at all, yeah.
(49:18):
Music.
Music.
(00:34):
Welcome to Tailored Talks with OMJ. We're back. I'm Brad, co-host and co-founder of OMJ.
To my right, Mr. Will Jones. Hey, guys.
And Ms. Kendra. Hi, how are you? How are you guys doing today?
Good. Wonderfully well. How's the week been?
(00:54):
How's your week been? Week's been good. Busy. Has been busy here at OMJ.
So we're recording this on May 24th.
We're in the thick of wedding season. So it's a bit chaotic, but in a good way.
We welcome all the weddings to come to OMJ. I think we're at around 70 weddings
(01:19):
for the month of May that we've worked on.
And obviously they are all each a joy, but each a task in its own right to do
them and do them well and hit those timelines.
Nothing worse than an angry fiance. We try and never let that happen.
(01:40):
Totally. But welcome, guys. So today it is Back to Basics Day.
So what that means, we're going to talk all things in a wardrobe that are your
basic everyday essentials.
So every wardrobe, it's got to start somewhere.
Oftentimes we see, especially for guys, it can be very overwhelming.
(02:00):
A lot of guys, fashion, shocker, is not the most important thing in life for them.
Second or third or fourth most important thing. It's just not on top of their to-do list.
And they don't know they need it until they need it, and then it's sort of too late.
And then there's nothing worse than going to job, event, every day,
(02:25):
and just feeling not your best.
And so I think a lot of times in fashion and even with us, it's easy to get
ahead of ourselves on all the different things we can do and capabilities.
And I think for most, it comes back to, we just really need to talk about the
basics for guys and maybe do a little more talking about that.
(02:48):
I think it resonates a little bit more.
I know with OMJ personally, it's sort of been incredible over the past 11 years
how we've been able to help so many guys, especially demystifying the art of dressing well.
So making it seem easy, stress-free, and you can really change somebody's trajectory
(03:08):
in their career and life. I've seen it so many times.
I know that's a bit audacious to say probably for some, but it's just close,
but so many times. Actually, quick story.
A good friend of mine from college, a little bit younger.
He dressed fine. He wasn't, you know, I wouldn't say he wasn't like lost by
(03:32):
any means, but he dressed fine. I think that's the best way to say it.
And, you know, he came to me our earlier days and was like, you know, I need some advice.
We had not officially, well, we haven't, we didn't have a storefront at that time.
So we We were still early on and we were creating custom. We had started doing custom.
(03:54):
So he was really one of our first like custom clients other than Mr. Will here.
Well, well, but you know, he worked at a, in an environment that they did dress up.
He was obviously the young, you know, one of the younger guys on the totem pole and a bigger office.
(04:14):
So it's a bit of the rat race where you've got a lot of competition work-wise,
you know, dress-wise, everything.
And so started working with him, very basic, navy, gray, white,
you know, just working with him, building that out.
And within six months, he became sort of like the guy at his work.
(04:35):
They started asking him style advice. It started with that, like,
Like, oh, I really like that, the cut of that suit.
And oh, I like how you have that tie. These are all basic things.
And by the end of like six months, he was sort of the guy at his work known for staff advice.
And to see how much his confidence grew from that was, that was an aha moment for me early on.
(05:01):
Because you have somebody who, again, it was fine, but he sort of became that
leader in a category at work, unrelated to his job, but it empowered him and set his trajectory.
And my guess would be that down the road, perhaps, it translated into a boost
in performance job-wise.
(05:22):
I would 100%. You have to think that way.
I mean, it was for me. I know we're all in this, so obviously we notice it and
see it, But so many times, if you look good, feel good, when you go to work. It comes across.
It does. It sort of sets everything. So I'm going to start with what does basic mean to you guys?
(05:43):
Wow. I'll defer to Kendra. I think basics for me are classics, right?
I think for me, like you have so many things to worry about when you're getting
ready for work, outside of work, family, career.
The last thing you want to do is worry about putting on clothes.
So for me, basics is really these essentials in your closet that are your go-tos.
(06:03):
You can always add things in later on, but it's your essential, your set.
Let's say there's just a few things that you always go to of your set clothing.
Like, because I think it's important to be ready last minute for whatever you need to be.
So whether that be like a sport coat, you need to be ready to go.
And I feel like a lot of people forget these things and maybe don't have them
(06:24):
because they don't know.
So I think it's good we're doing this. Definitely. And I think about versatility
as well within one's wardrobe and, you know, having those essential items in your closet to wear.
And I used to jokingly say this, but in fact, I really mean it.
Almost blindfolding yourself, being able to walk into your closet.
(06:45):
Hopefully you haven't fallen or hidden anything in the process.
But, and then, you know, picking out a couple of items and ultimately being
able to wear what you choose.
And, you know, I, I think that there's a lot that, you know,
you can sort of find solace in when you do find those core pieces within your
wardrobe that you can rely on, you know, day in and day out. Well, absolutely.
(07:11):
I'm reminded I've been using this word a lot lately, among other things.
But what we want to get to, and I'm going to shout out to Cross here,
if he's listening, former OMJ-er, the term he dubbed unconsciously competent. incompetent.
So at first, yeah, what does that mean?
(07:34):
It means that you're able to do things easily without having to think about it and do them well.
So I think of basics as that, to your point, you don't have to think about what you're going to put on.
You don't want to, you don't have to give yourself analysis paralysis where
you're not sure if the tie goes with the shirt or the shirt goes with the jacket.
(08:00):
It just is easy. You know, everything you have goes with everything and you
can put together a great outfit without having to think about it. Definitely. Yeah.
So I use those sort of examples, I think from an OMJ perspective.
(08:20):
That's something we've done really well. I think it's our core ethos.
There was, there's a make it simple, but significant is sort of our,
it is, it is, we did not come up with that.
That is what we do live by. I live by personally.
It's actually from Mad Men. Imagine that.
(08:42):
Go back and listen to episode two and we'll expand further on that.
But it's from Mad Men. And I think it is simple to think about that,
but if you are just keeping it simple, it makes it easy.
And through that, as you sort of get comfortable and confident,
(09:03):
you're able to create a significant presence.
Because you can add on to things when you have your basics. Because it takes time.
Not to say that everyone doesn't have style, but if you don't have your style.
A lot don't. I feel like they just don't have a home to like everybody has their like thing.
Right. So I think you're exactly right.
(09:25):
But from a guy perspective, it's we think about even you even think about the
country across the country. Yeah.
So I think East Coast and you get like Midwest.
A lot of those guys, they don't they don't care. They don't care.
No offense to the people in the Midwest, but fair. I need a jacket,
(09:47):
so I'm going to get a jacket, and I can get this jacket right here, and I need three.
And there's not the thought put into it, and there's no need for that.
You know what I'm saying?
So if we can make, for OMJ, can we make things for everybody across the country
is something everybody can wear and feel good about.
(10:09):
From your guy who, I just want a jacket, I don't care, to your snobby clothes
horse guy who is all about the brand.
Those guys. All about the brand, which we love those guys too.
But it's being inclusive. That's helped us by sort of sticking with the basics,
(10:33):
not getting ahead of ourselves.
It's definitely helped OMJ to not only last 11 years because,
as we know, trends change,
but also always having something that's accessible for every type of guy and
being able to help every type of guy.
(10:54):
Get there. Well, and I'll mention as well, historically, if you look at,
say, Albert Einstein, who I wouldn't necessarily consider as a style icon, but he had a uniform.
He wore a black suit, a white shirt, perhaps a black tie at times.
And, you know, that really freed up a lot of space brain-wise.
(11:15):
And then, you know, he finds his E equals MC squared.
But I mean, And that's, you think about Zuckerberg also, same thing. Halston.
Deep jobs. All of them had a basic uniform because essentially they didn't want
to take the time to think about the clothing.
But I think at some point they had to think about it to go, what is the best
(11:35):
essential thing that I can pick to wear? For sure.
Right. And it's like, even like, say, Zuckerberg, like, he looks basic, but those are not basic.
Those t-shirts are a lot.
Like, his t-shirts are not cheap. The Brunello Cucinelli. Well,
and I think here, too, you know, we really cater to more of the peacocks,
(11:57):
but also, you know, those. Everyday guy.
Say like an Einstein, if you will, that are looking for, you know,
those essential pieces.
And then they can build upon it and perhaps become a peacock over time.
Perhaps. Should they go that way? You know, news, newsflash,
I'm, I'm not a super into fashion guy. I respect fashion.
(12:21):
I love great quality, but I've never been a flashy guy, ever.
In fact, I'm not really the, I've learned into fashion, I would say.
I didn't grow up, you know, that being the core.
I think I always had a bit of the interest and the design and the creative aspect of it.
It was there, but I wasn't, I didn't just know how to dress well.
(12:44):
Well, really, honestly, until I met Felipe, I would say.
And, you know, again, when we started this business, I was not Mr.
Fashion. So I'm curious.
Did Felipe, like, take you aside?
Or, like, where were you in the spectrum of, like, this style and clothing?
(13:06):
Because you're like, I wasn't until I met Felipe. So what's the story with that?
And I give yourself a little more credit. Yeah.
Well, and that's why I want to ask that question because I don't know which way it is.
Well, I think it was the basics for me.
It's always been about the basics for me. But he sort of introduced me to fit brand.
Like, you know, I think I was a big probably Gap guy. You know,
(13:29):
I never was really a fan of the logo on stuff.
Yeah. You know, the American Eagle logo, you know, I was never a fan of that.
So I think like growing up in Gastonia, Eastridge Mall did not have a lot of options.
Because it's about access. We did have a gap.
Sure. We had a gap. And so it was, I remember early on whites and blues and
(13:54):
light blue and, you know, just core things that you could get.
And when I went to college, I think, you know, and I'll also,
you know, Polo, Ralph Lauren,
obviously, but, you know, went to college and I'm exposed to Felipe who went
to Phipps Plaza in Atlanta on the weekends with his family.
(14:14):
Yeah. And the world of high fashion and he knows all about everything and it,
you know, I'm a big rabbit hole guy.
So went down the rabbit hole, but at my core, you know, I, I say this because
it's easy for people outside of this world to say, oh, well, they know how to do it.
(14:36):
So it's easy and I, you know, it doesn't relate because, you know,
it would be like, you know, somebody in finance, well, they know how to do finance
stuff cause they're in finance. Right.
And I'm not, so I'm over here and they're over there.
But really I say that because it should be universal.
(14:59):
Everybody can dress, everybody can dress really well. You can even start a clothing brand.
Without knowing everything about how to dress. So again, I've learned.
So my big thing over the last 11 years has any chance I get to impart my wisdom to.
(15:20):
Guys of all ages to get them confident, more confident, and,
you know, just communicating.
It can be really easy.
And so we'll be talking about that more with this podcast and just,
you know, over the weeks and years as we do it.
I think that'll always be an underscoring theme of this podcast.
(15:43):
But, you know, for today, sort of what I wanted to get into is some Q&A with you guys.
You know, I know we've all been in this a long time.
So what are some of the, you know, sometimes we forget the basic,
most basic of questions.
So I tasked you guys to think about some things you've kind of heard over the
(16:05):
years, questions about fashion advice and what you've given. then.
So we'll, you know, Q&A style, throw out something that you've kind of gotten over the years.
So something that I've been asked several times over the years,
and most recently, even last week when I was here at OMJ, is where should I
(16:26):
be spending the most money from a garment perspective?
What should I spend on, say, a suit or whatever that core piece might be within one's wardrobe.
And for me, it's about quality versus quantity.
So I really try to, you know, impart that, hey, you know, a Navy suit,
(16:49):
perhaps a hopsack Navy suit can lend itself to a lot of versatility within one's
wardrobe and, you know, can really pay dividends down the road.
You can mix and match with a suit of that nature.
And, you know, you don't have to necessarily break the bank,
but kind of finding a happy medium from a investment standpoint,
(17:11):
and just knowing that that particular garment will pay off in a myriad ways.
No, I think that's important to think about. And like, as you're saying,
like the most investment pieces, I think too,
since like my background goes kind of across the board of different things and
where I've been, I think sometimes it's lost as people are like,
(17:32):
where do I need to spend my money? Of course.
But also, I don't really always think it has to be expensive.
I think if you have core basics and they're tailored well, because I think that's the important part is,
let's say, if you have to shop at The Gap or if
you have to shop at an H&M or like any of
those retailers or even like a Belk or something like that as
long as you get a well-tailored garment after the fact so
(17:54):
you can do a navy sport coat and a dress shirt and slacks but
if they're tailored sometimes people don't know and
I think growing up for me like for whatever
reason like because I don't like multi-price points
that I shop at just because that's my style but anything
I bought that was like cheap or
low cost people are like oh my god what is that and you're
(18:17):
like you're ignoring everything so it's like
sometimes you can wear the cheapest thing and that's the thing that you
get compliments on but if the fit's in check yeah or even
like sometimes it could just be a basic t-shirt and they're like how does that
happen that it's the low cost thing that has really caught people's eye and
you might have something else additional that's a little more expensive so i
(18:38):
think it's kind of gearing towards what your style is and sometimes that's innate
like you might see a shirt and you're like does Does this work?
But I think the help is people knowing does this shirt look like a white dress
shirt, whether it be from the Gap or Target, is going to kind of work the same
if you have it tailored well.
Like, of course, it won't be as beautiful as Cuccinelli, but it's still going
(19:00):
to be something that's accessible and people don't see the inside of tags.
So they don't. There's actually one of mine.
So I think that's a great explanation. explanation the the way i would classify
it if i had to headline it y'all know i like my headlines,
fit over everything okay so a lot of young guys just graduated college or just
(19:24):
going to college or had a career change and they don't know where to start and
it's expensive to get nice things,
But to your point, go get stuff if you're on a limited budget,
a very limited budget, get those core pieces gap,
even, you know, H and M, you know, I know it's a slimmer fit,
(19:49):
you know, there's plenty of, you can go to Belk, Zara, Zara,
Zara is a great brand, but make sure it fits and take it to a tailor.
And you know as long as that fits well you're on a you're on a good you're on a good start so,
what are some other q and a questions that you guys have gotten i think a big
(20:12):
one is like what shoes can i wear with this.
That's a great one. This is kind of funny because, like, Brad,
it's a funny thing is, like, what I think of with suiting is sometimes my first
thought now because of where I've been is you can wear sneakers.
I know that's not everybody's jam, and I understand that. But I think it's gearing
(20:32):
towards being comfortable and,
like, because our workplaces have gotten a little more relaxed in style.
Like, you can do a classic dress shoe with a pair of slacks or a suit,
but you can also do a low-profile sneaker.
So but it depends on like i
feel everybody can pull it off but like you have to be at that point where
you're ready to do it and get your steps in yes i
(20:53):
mean i i think you know being such a more of
a health conscious you know generation as well
you know probably uh help the sneaker market
kendra is referencing my distaste
for vibram salt and let me clarify that
i don't have a problem with vibram soul shoes i have
a problem with middle-aged man in a
(21:16):
full suit a dress
a dress there's different versions of suiting we have
you know a very dressed up suit
navy navy pants silk tie and then you've got vibram soul shoes on it just doesn't
match and the tailoring usually is not great either so this kind of this i see
(21:39):
this as the The Mazda Miata of this generation.
Well, and I was about to say, a nice tapered leg, if you will.
You probably wouldn't notice the Vibram. Sure, I think it's a whole lot.
I think, too, like in my, like, I'm not down with the Vibrams either. That's not anything.
But, like, that low-profile common projects or just a white leather sneaker
that has a slight opening, just a sneaker opening, is perfect because it lays just right.
(22:03):
I think, no, you're exactly right. Right. And, you know, the person who wears
that also knows, hey, I'm going to have a little less formal of a fabric here.
Well, and it's a good like three day weekend shoe. Right. It goes with any ensemble. Right.
They're wearing that with a textured suit that's not...
(22:25):
Has a sheen on it. Yeah. It's a little different. It's a different style.
Might have a little open weave.
Open weave. There you go. A little texture to it. I think, you know,
again, so what we're veering out of, honestly, is when you get to that,
you know, there's somebody who has strayed from the basics.
Yep. Okay. And we see a lot of guys, they try to run before they walk.
(22:49):
This is true. This is also my thing in life in general. Like,
well, we have a whole podcast on.
And literally in the vibram soul run before
they run they can't run because they don't have they have to wear vibram soles
so they can run I think this is anything like put your you know put your time
in get comfortable this can apply to your job your career entrepreneurship,
(23:16):
this is across all generations I won't just pick on Gen Z sorry guys like you
gotta work more than six months Before you get a promotion,
you gotta, you gotta have a, if you're creating a brand, you have to have that
for more than six months before you're recognized as a pinnacle brand in the
(23:37):
industry and get all the love and respect.
You don't get that overnight. You don't, you don't get that.
Just because you created it and you're a little bit creative and you have a good eye.
You don't get to go to the top. A couple people may do it on Instagram and it
just works out for them, but that's not for the most.
(24:00):
So put your time in and start with the basics.
Sure. And I think there's something to be said for revisionist history too.
You know, you find yourself trying a multitude of different looks.
Ultimately, you come back to your basics. But then once you,
you know, have a real feel for what you like and how that integrates into your
(24:24):
wardrobe, then you can mix and match and you can have some fun with it as well.
But until you experience those growing pains, you won't fully appreciate it.
Yeah. We all have the cringe moment, I'm sure. even if you think something's
gonna work and like you wear it and you're like this didn't work for what i
wanted it so and so much of it is subjective too and and that's actually another
(24:47):
question that i get a lot of times can i pull this off that's good it's a great
one can i pull this off and.
Perhaps you can perhaps perhaps i think as a you know expanding on that if you
believe you can can, most of the time you can.
Sure. And I think working within borders too, like it, like,
(25:10):
I don't think you should push it.
Like when somebody asks that question, because you get that a lot,
like, can I pull this off? Does this make me look silly?
And it's like, I think if you feel comfortable in it, but if you put it on,
you're like, does this make me look silly? You look silly.
If you have to ask the question, the answer is probably no.
And everybody can get to that point. And I think that goes back to my rant where
(25:31):
you, You got to learn and do it.
And the longer you kind of experiment and figure out what your personal style
is, you'll get confident and comfortable and kind of knowing what that is.
And that really is the operative word, comfortable. Yeah.
And even like my personal style is still very basic to this day.
You know, I mean, Felipe picks on me all the time.
(25:52):
You know, I'm just, I like what I like. I like things that are timeless and I like earth tones.
There's nothing wrong with that. You've also done your homework.
Yes. I do have a few hours on this.
But I've never graduated, I guess, if you could say, to a little more flash,
which it's just not comfortable for me. I don't think that's your brand.
(26:16):
There's a lot of clothing guys.
They're wired that way, and they look great. I'm not knocking on them. But they can pull it off.
They like that. That's their style, their staples, if you will.
And they can peacock a little bit more than I like to personally.
(26:38):
It's just never been my style.
It never will be. I may occasionally have a little burgundy on.
Resident don draper yes but
yeah it's just never it's never really been my style to to
go too flashy so i'll never go that route but i
i i that doesn't mean brad's over here judging if you do i've i commend it i
(27:01):
might even be dare say a bit jealous if i see somebody pulling off you know
a great we have a red blazer hanging up in the back that so many guys love and
i I personally am like, I would never wear that ever,
but it looks great on that.
So, well, and it makes our jobs more fun as well. Sure. You know, absolutely.
Any other questions you guys have gotten? Gosh, I feel like throughout the years
(27:25):
there's been so many questions. There's thousands we could go through.
A big question I think is probably like, do I always need a jacket?
I feel like that one's been kind of interesting because I feel like you don't always need a jacket.
Sometimes you can still look a certain way. Like interviews,
I feel like jacket definitely. Definitely.
(27:47):
But like day-to-day for work, because we've gotten so more relaxed,
you can do like different style shirts that kind of bring that same presence to it.
Whether it be like a short sleeve
shirt or like a long sleeve shirt with a little slight pattern to it.
Because it's like, I think, again, being comfortable is really important.
I think because our day-to-day work has kind of changed and a lot of people
(28:10):
are working from home, I feel like that top thing has become more important.
The rule of three is kind of what I think about because you are right.
But think about it in terms of pant and shoes do not count.
Shoes do not count for rule three, but pant and shirt.
And so you don't need a jacket, but you, you know, you want a third piece to that.
(28:34):
Yeah. You know, maybe it's a, maybe it's a tie.
Maybe, you know, again, not, not my style of vest, but maybe it's a vest.
You know, there's some other accessory that you add to that to bring that out.
You know, a big question I've gotten over the years is how do I dress better for work?
So especially in my career in banking and finance, this was a common question
(29:00):
and a common thing I've seen.
There was just a Wall Street Journal article about finance bro dress attire
that I will certainly commentate on in a future newsletter.
But it's a real thing. So there's a lot of folks that they're eager to,
hey, I want to dress better, but I don't want to go too far, right?
(29:24):
And so my advice has always been it's different for every job,
but my rule is one level up.
So if at your work everybody's wearing polos and chinos, wear dress pants and
a dress shirt and maybe a sport coat, a more casual sport coat.
It would not make sense to walk in in a full Navy suit and a tie,
(29:47):
and you'd just look silly.
So know kind of like what the vibe is. But if you are at a job where a lot of
folks are wearing, you know, a sport coat, maybe do dress it up with a suit, you know.
But go one level up. If you go one level up, you're always going to be safe.
You're always going to sort of be, you know, the top of your fellow coworkers.
(30:11):
And yet you're not being disruptive. Yes. To the hierarchy.
And you don't want to stick out as a tryhard either.
But I think, you know, if you're looking around like, I'm good,
I'm wearing the same thing as everybody else.
Your management sees that too. And so how are they going to know?
(30:31):
How are they going to separate you? So it's not a hard rule of you can't dress like everybody else.
But if you're wanting to stand out, that's an easy way to do it.
It's an easy way to separate yourself.
Obviously, your work should speak
for itself. But if everybody is wearing khakis and a shirt and a vest,
(30:52):
a casual and a down vest from, I don't know, Patagonia.
Even Montclair. Montclair. I know Montclair is a great brand,
but you still look the same.
I mean, if that is what you're wearing and everybody else is wearing,
you're just missing an easy opportunity to stand out.
(31:14):
I think I should. Well, in finance, or finance, fashion has become so ubiquitous,
you know, and so you've got the perfect playing field to differentiate yourself from the pack.
Like, and this would be my question, since your background is in finance,
how, because I'm, my background, of course, is fashion, but like,
how did that become a staple?
(31:36):
Like, because it really is, you just described what the article said in,
that's a nationwide article that that is the uniform, but how? How?
Because it is, I think it's a culture emphasized on work and a lot of really
hard workers in finance, a lot of really smart guys.
(31:57):
And so the emphasis is that needs to be easy. Okay.
They didn't have this podcast to listen to. Yes. What they're wanting to do
is have a basic uniform that they don't have to think about so that they can
think about the things that actually matter at work. So I get that. I do.
But what we're kind of saying is, yeah, this is an easy opportunity to stand out.
(32:21):
And I know when I was in banking, I had a...
Manager several higher levels up, come to me and say, you know,
I always notice that you're dressed well.
And if I ever am in a pinch and I need somebody to come with me to a presentation,
(32:44):
or a town hall, you know, a meeting, you know, and I would meet with literally
CFO at Bank of America. I worked at Bank of America.
This was not him saying that. This was earlier in my career.
When I was just starting, but I would take you with me and you would be the
first for me to think about.
(33:05):
And he didn't even probably know exactly what I did at work. I'm sure.
Nor did he know if I was any good at it, but I was in a, it was a more casual
environment where I was on a lot of polo and dress pants. And so that always
stuck with me for my career.
I'm so glad he called me early on to sort of validate that. And I wasn't doing anything.
(33:28):
I mean, this was like, I maybe wore a sport coat. I mean, I just stepped it
up a little bit, like, come on.
But to get the validation, it clicked with me early on. You know,
you always want to be ready.
Even if you have a sport coat at your desk or a tie at your desk,
you always want to be ready because you want to be that person they think about
if they need something. And it has nothing to do with my work ethic or my work
(33:50):
at all. It was purely how I was dressed.
And so that kind of, you know, that gave me an opportunity early on to sort
of know what that is like to take that one, you know, one level up.
Because I think that's important. Like, as much as we don't like that people
judge looks and things like that, this is what happens in the world.
And like, perception is everything.
(34:11):
They want someone standing next to them that like presents the full picture.
And we're not necessarily saying, hey, clothes make the man.
But hearing that anecdote from you,
it shows, though, that it does have an impact. It does have an impact.
And yes, it doesn't make anybody, but I think it elevates. It can elevate you
(34:32):
in a way, you know, just like if you're in an interview.
And we've done quite a few custom suits for kids graduating and they need something
to interview in. And we've gotten to actually advise them like,
hey, here's what you get. Here's the tie that you wear.
And the amount of times they come back and say, I just felt so much more confident
(34:55):
when I was in that interview.
And it made an impact for me.
So I think what we also did was we put together our own sort of top 10 list of basics to own.
So these are going to be things, the essentials, the basics in your closet.
I think we probably have a lot of things that are on each other's list,
(35:18):
but these are just our top 10 for no other reason.
Kendra, I'll start with you. Just kind of go through your top 10 list.
So my top 10 for men's clothing is going to be a navy sport coat, classic shirt.
Denim jeans navy suit button-down
shirt classic shoe chinos dress
(35:39):
shirt casual t-shirt and a casual jacket and i feel like those things are going
to kind of get you by that's great awesome and i and to expand on that because
mine is a variation of that uh same so with that what what What Kendra just
listed off, those 10 items,
you get, do not check my math on this, but 84 different combinations.
(36:04):
Okay, I didn't go that far because I was not in finance.
Was it not 85? This little back of napkin math here.
But you get multiple combinations with those 10 things.
You can create 84 different looks to wear.
Honestly you have those 10 things that's all you need so
(36:28):
it i i like to when i'm
explaining something for folks a lot of times i like to
take steps backwards and deconstruct it
and so you know you start
with this big picture idea basics are good you know think about the basics and
then you dwindle that down of how do i get to that and so are the point of this
(36:50):
exercise is all you need is 10 items and you're ready to go so this is that
easy you have these 10 items or some variation,
and you're good to go and then you're good to start your journey.
And then grow from there. Well, mine is super similar. And, you know,
we all keep coming back to this term versatility.
(37:11):
And that's probably the most spoken word at OMJ week in and week out.
But it is true. The more versatility one can get out of their wardrobe, ultimately the better.
So for me, number one being a navy suit, particularly a hopsack suit.
So something that has an open weave, something that might have a little texture
to it as well to where you can blend it with other pieces of your wardrobe and
(37:35):
not just wear it as more of a formal piece as in, say, just a standard blue suit.
Also, I would look at perhaps getting a sport coat with a pattern,
say, houndstooth or glen plaid and perhaps in an earth tone as well to weave into your wardrobe.
A white dress shirt you can never go wrong with. And
(37:57):
I'd strongly recommend at least having one French
cuff white dress shirt in your wardrobe so that
you can dress up for say more formal occasions
a la tuxedo and you
know perhaps you want to carry it over to your suiting as well but but also
to maybe go for like a medium spread collar with a standard white dress shirt
(38:19):
will will pay off well and you can really dress it up or dress it down gray
trousers to me are the most optimal piece with With respect to one's wardrobe,
you can mix and match gray trousers with any sort of top, whether it be,
say, like a blue dress shirt, a white dress shirt, and a crew dress shirt,
(38:40):
or perhaps something that has a stripe or a pattern to it as well.
A V-neck sweater, whether it be in merino wool or cashmere, I feel like will
really serve one's wardrobe.
And especially if you've got suiting that's a little darker,
perhaps go with a stone color or a camel color in the V-neck.
(39:01):
And that also acts as a layering piece, so in colder months, it'll serve you well.
Chinos are always a popular option, whether in brown, navy, black.
You know, you really can't go wrong with a chino to dress it up or down.
Denim's always fun. You can go the selvedge route, and you can go with,
say, a white even during the summer months.
(39:24):
Or go darker for a more elevated look for nightlife, perhaps.
Perhaps loafers for me are key.
And whether you want to go the Belgian route, the penny route,
the tassel route, you really can't go wrong.
And ultimately, if you have a black pair and say a brown pair,
you could arguably even wear, say, that black pair, a penny loafer perhaps,
(39:47):
ultimately shine to the hill with a tuxedo.
And so you've got that added, again, that versatility. An overcoat in either
blue or black. you can wear it over a t-shirt looks fantastic and then last
but not least ties pocket squares.
Watches the light just you know a
(40:09):
great way of accessorizing you know your your outfit and
bringing a little splash to one's ensemble suspenders etc i love it so for my
top 10 list i do have a i think a lot of the same things you guys do so i'll
quickly run through it but I think a Navy suit was sort of the pinnacle of mine.
(40:29):
And again, as Will mentioned, something with a texture to it because you can wear that jacket.
If it has a little bit of a texture to it, you can wear it.
It's easier to wear as a separate so it doesn't look like you're wearing a suit jacket.
So Navy suit was sort of my number one. A few of my other ones, white Oxford.
So white Oxford button down. You can wear that casually. You can dress it up.
(40:52):
Dark denim. So I went, maybe I went a little too specific in my list.
But if you have one pair of denim, I would say a dark denim.
Again, you can dress that up, down.
Medium or a dark brown loafer. So I did one dress shoe here.
And that dress shoe being, you can, again, you could wear that with your denim.
You could wear it with your suit.
(41:14):
A navy or burgundy, like grenadine tie, which is like a solid,
has a texture to it. That's a great piece.
I have a, a knit polo, so not a golf polo, you know, those are,
those, those would be fine to have, but you know, I think a dressier polo,
but that will give you the ability to wear it and layer it.
(41:36):
So you can wear it under a sport coat or you could
wear it just on and so on
with a pair jeans or chinos and a
sort of alt blue textured sport
coat so this would be something an alternate
version of navy so maybe it's a little bit
lighter or a brighter blue a little richer blue maybe
(41:58):
has a slight pattern to it a white or light blue
dress shirt and then i also have like a sweater yeah
something to compare again you can layer that you
can wear it with just the dress pants of the
suit you can throw a
shirt on underneath it you know you can throw the white oxford underneath
it you could wear a tie with it underneath have that
(42:19):
over that you could wear just a sweater with the
suit you could you know all of these things go together so that is my top 10
list and i think all of them kind of we keep saying that they're essentials
like we did this separately and we all kind of came up with the same things
that and if you were to search top Not 10 Essentials.
(42:40):
They probably would say, oh, the internet.
Yep. They would probably say some version of the same thing that we just gave you.
So anyways, before we close, any bad fashion that you've seen.
There's lots of bad fashions. Anything to stay away from. I think it's fit more
(43:04):
than anything. Yeah. That's important. Yeah.
To stay away from. I think, and this is going to go against my previous life,
but I think kind of doing the most trendiest thing is a mistake.
There's nothing more harmful than like, and it's really the weirdest thing.
If anybody remembers like the high-end designer Balenciaga arenas,
(43:26):
not to knock anyone that still has those and wears those,
but you're talking about a $1,095 shoe that
was only wearable for a year or two i feel
like i get it it was on trend everybody loved them
but like they didn't make it past and so i think it's you've got to like think
that cost per wear concept that sometimes that low profile sneaker or something
(43:49):
like that i just feel like things that last are really important just outside
of work in work that it makes more
sense to do something that's not too far if
you're going to spend a lot of money on it and sustainability wise
too you know how much waste is there for you know a lot of your companies making
(44:11):
cheap trendy clothing where does that go you know and ultimately less is more
this is more you know and investing in those core pieces perhaps you know you
can only spend but so much But,
but find, find the best you, you can,
and, you know, taking care of the garment and then also ultimately being able to alter the garment.
(44:35):
Alter it. It's, it's interesting. So a plug for OMJ. I mean,
everything we make will last forever.
We haven't tested that because we haven't been around forever,
but everybody that I've made stuff for, you're still wearing the first piece.
I'm in a jacket that's nine years old. Yeah.
Well-made things will last forever. You gotta take care of it.
(44:56):
I did have a friend who had a dog so I can't warranty if your dog gets a hold of it. But my first like.
Pair of Allen Edmonds, another great brand. My first pair of Ferragamo's I got in 2009, I think.
I still have them. In fact, they held up longer and they're now not in style.
(45:19):
You know, so I don't wear them because they're not, they weren't a super basic,
simple item, but they held up well.
Well and you know if you take care of it you get them resold so
you know another thing if it's well made even your even
your bigger designers like a ferragamo i love ferragamo they
do have a they do have a more simple line of
(45:42):
shoes that i do have some of but you know when you're getting something that's
a little more on trend and it's well made it will last but it's not going to
last maybe with what you're wearing yeah so and you're really losing out on
that versatility right too with But I think you hit on an important point is talking about shoes.
Like, I know we only did 10, but that's a really big one too, is well-made shoes.
(46:07):
That I think are really important is essential because they get you through.
Shoes. And a lot of also for our men, a lot of women will tell you that's sort
of the first thing they'll look at is.
I am one of those women. And not to get Shakespearean, but socks or no socks. That is the question.
Yes. Yes, I'm a no-sock guy.
(46:29):
I also admittedly own my own clothing company, so I can get away doing that.
I probably wouldn't do that if I was in a boardroom.
So dressing for the occasion, I think, would influence that.
And I have a pair of Crockett & Jones suede loafers on. It's a great brand.
I've worn these four days out of the week for the past six months. Yeah, superb.
(46:54):
I'd like to beat them up, see how well they do. They're phenomenal.
And they still look new. Yes. I do try to take care of my stuff.
Anything else before we close? I think we've covered it.
So if you first, number one, if you have any questions, we're going to be doing
a Q&A mailbag episode or incorporate that into a future episode coming soon.
(47:21):
So feel free. DM us on Instagram. Email us info at omjclothing.
We would love to answer those sort of live. And if we don't, we'll still answer you.
Also, if you need any basics, OMJ Clothing, we know a guy, or a guy and a gal
(47:42):
and a guy that can help you. So we would love to have you in.
Otherwise, we hope you have a great week, guys. And we hope this has been helpful for you.
And please, if ever you have questions or we can help, please reach out.
Thank you all so much. Thank you.
Music.
(48:09):
So we have two events this weekend going on. So we have the Coca-Cola 600 and the Monaco Grand Prix.
So exciting. Do you guys think the fashion is going to be the same?
Very little crossover, I imagine. But who knows? You know, Lewis Hamilton and
Ryan Blaney might be wearing the same ensemble.
What about the fans in attendance? I think that's the... I think the fans in
(48:33):
Monaco, like at the Grand Prix, are going to be totally different style.
I think they're going to go high
fashion because I think they're really trying to be a part of that mix.
Now, I'm going to admit, I've never been to a NASCAR event.
I've been to one of Oracle's. I can promise you there will be no high fashion.
If it is, the sleeves will be cut off and there will be beer and there will be lots of debauchery.
(48:58):
Hey, there's nothing wrong with a vintage Dale Earnhardt t-shirt.
So do you think jeans shorts are going to be? Probably.
Jorts will be in full effect. Jorts are going to be. Should be fun.
Will they be wearing socks or no socks?
Well, we'll have to ask Mr. Shakespeare. Or shoes. Or shoes at all, yeah.
(49:18):
Music.
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