[vonSuess]

Some women who work in the same building as I were discussing personal styles of dress. One of them told me my style was to be ridiculously overdressed.

I hope your day is going as well...

Hans

 

[vonSuess]

Can you tell us what were you wearing and where were you when she said this? It is possible to be overdressed but that would depend on the context.

Can you tell us what were you wearing and where were you when she said this? It is possible to be overdressed but that would depend on the context.

I was just at work and wearing a suit like I do every day. I tend to agree with those who suspect that the issue is not so much that I am overdressed as it is so many others are underdressed.

Hans

 

[vonSuess]

I would definitely have responded, "thank you!"

That's exactly what I said...

 

[vonSuess]

So, a man is told he is "ridiculously overdressed" for wearing a business suit in a business office...

O tempora, O mores!

Apparently so, but then this is rural Indiana. Not that I see many others (outside of my firm's offices) wearing suits, but perhaps what I routinely wear that is bit different are suits with contrasting vests such as a black or navy suit with a grey vest. My Norwegian wife calls it the 1930's diplomat look. As simple as that is, it seems to be a look people around here associate with wealth and the upper classes. It's fine with me for them to think whatever they wish. I rather doubt I'll ever think of being accused of overdressing as anything but a compliment...

Hans

 

[vonSuess]

Out of curiosity, do you think you would have elicited the same comments had you eschewed the contrasting vests and merely been wearing a conventional two-piece business suit?

Well, I don't know. Today I didn't have on a vest when the subject comments were made as I was wearing a double-breasted suit from Burberry's. But, virtually all of my single-breasted tweed and other wool suits have contrasting vests and if I have a look, I suppose that's it.

Maybe I should also mention that when I do see others around here in coats and ties I rarely see them also wearing overcoats on cold days, raincoats when it rains or hats or boots on either occasion. I do wear fedoras and homburgs, overcoats, raincoats and protective footwear when appropriate. Perhaps that all combines to appear over dressed to some. I suppose your guess is as good as mine...

Hans

 

[vonSuess]

Should a woman tell you that you are 'ridiculously overdressed' you have every right to tell Human Resources that you feel that you are in a hostile environment and demand redress. Let the doxy stew in her own juices for a while!

Well, she's not in my organisation so it's not like she's anyone I have to work with. There is still a firm here in a space they leased before I bought the building and that's where she works - as an accountant, I believe. I suppose that's part of the issue as they don't dress up as much as we do. That could change as they have recently inquired about becoming part of my firm instead of moving out when their lease is up in a few months. Could be cultural differences to address...

Hans

 

[vonSuess]

If someone was to say I was "overdressed" I'd respond with: "By whose standards?"

I've never gotten that one. I have gotten: "Why so dressed up?" or "Why are you wearing a suit?" To which I usually reply: "Because why not."

I suppose by contemporary community standards, I'm overdressed every day. I don't think I'm over-doing it so much as that the bar is set pretty low around here. I also get a lot of those questions as to why I'm so dressed up - and much more so if we stop anyplace else coming or going from a formal occasion. But, we get a lot of compliments, too. Overall, I'm good with it...