"You don't have to be overly trendy to be the best-dressed man in the room [or on the sidewalk], and if you have timeless style you will always out-class those who don't."
Mic Riotta, an Account Executive at a major PR firm, showing off his Rolex Sea-Dweller, Allen Edmonds boots, and bespoke suit. What's the price difference between off-the-rack and bespoke? "Not nearly as much as you might think provided you know where to look."
Photos by Wells Bacon Jr.
blog.imparali.com
Crisp tailored suit with suspenders.
Thanks in part to Roger Sterling the grey flannel three-piece is a staple of the modern well-dressed professional, but it only really works if it's bespoke.
Ben works for JP Morgan, Evan works at Lazard, both demonstrated their luxury footwear brand, Paul Evans, at the last Imparali Tailored Tuesday. When it comes to first impressions, they understand the importance of putting your best foot forward. I met them both outside Evan's office at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where I asked them to discuss their views on custom suits and the benefits of dressing well in the workplace.
Evan:
"The benefits [of being well-dressed] are extraordinary. First of all, I get complimented on my suits, my appearance, every day. When you go in and you look the part, they already assume "x" about you. If you look like this, they will want to assume other good things about you too."
Ben:
"Directly or indirectly, seventy to eighty percent of the workforce in New York works in sales. When you're selling something, you're selling yourself along with it. If you're in an interview or a meeting, whether it's with a client or even if it's internal, you're selling yourself. If there's something you're trying to accomplish, this is the storefront."
Dos and Don'ts:
DO: Wear a custom-made crisp white shirt, a nicely tailored jacket with lapels to match your shoulder width, and a subtle pocket square.
DON'T: Wear it with a loosened tie at 10:30 AM on a Monday!
"It's the style; the way it's cut; the way it fits. You know, the little things on the suit, whether it's french cuffs, the hems, the width of the lapel. Stuff that personalizes the suit for you." -Victor Barnett
Victor is wearing a custom suit from Imparali, tie from Thomas Pink, and a Tissot watch.
Peter Buzny in Chelsea on way to work in Imparali suit and shirt, gingham pattern. Sweater from Barney’s. Classic fall colors showing the range of this staple suit color.
"I get compliments on my suits every day"
Evan Fript works in finance at Lazard. He is also the co-founder of luxury footwear brand, Paul Evans.
"The benefits [of being well-dressed] are extraordinary. First of all, I get complimented on my suits, my appearance, every day. When you go in and you look the part, they already assume "x" about you. If you look like this, they will want to assume other good things about you too."
Evan is seen here wearing a custom suit and shirt, tie by Canali, and Paul Evans shoes.
Spotted in midtown outside the Time-Life building, Seamus Joyce, commercial real-estate broker at DTZ, wearing a custom suit, Hugo Boss shirt, and Allen Edmonds shoes.
Alexander Clark in the Meatpacking District in his Imparali suit and shirt. Tie from Vittorio J. Classic grey with a little ticket pocket flair. Briefcase from J.W. Hulme Co.
"Directly or indirectly, seventy to eighty percent of the workforce in New York works in sales. When you're selling something, you're selling yourself. If you're in an interview or a meeting, whether it's with a client or internal, you're selling yourself. If there's something you're trying to accomplish, this is the storefront."
-Ben Earley, co-founder, Paul Evans.
Ben is wearing a Brooks Brothers Suit, a custom-tailored shirt, and Paul Evans shoes [not shown].
Spotted on the street in lower Manhattan.
