“[TechCocktail’s] Style Guide for Startup Guys”
[Main Image- should be a guy in a suit] Maybe something like THIS (too formal?) or
THIS (kind of startup-y) or THIS (Me, wearing a hat) or THIS (*one of my favorites
from a recent photoshoot) or perhaps the cast of HBO’s “Silicon Valley”? That would
get engagement.
Did you happen to come across TechCocktail “41 Startup Guys Show Us What They
Actually Wear to Work” post from a few weeks back? Yeesh. While a solid portion of
the gents featured seemed to have a good grasp on “dressing for success”, there
were far too many graphic tees and faded jeans on display.
You’re not Zuck. This isn’t 2004. If you intend on pitching Andreesen-Horowitz to
contribute to your seed round, you’re going to need to lose the flip-flops and
American Apparel v-necks and start considering what message your personal style
is sending.
Of course, there were certainly several opportunities for cheers within the group
(Obi Onyejekwe and Scott Young- I’m looking at you), but it’s obvious that a solid
portion of our nation’s young entrepreneurs need a little assistance in overhauling
their look.
1. First things first. The hoodie is dead.
[IMAGE 1, hoodie] [CAPTION can be something like “College is over. Start dressing
like it”.]
Yes, to the dismay of many of Silicon Valley’s aspiring execs, you can’t get away with
wearing these at your co-working space’s next cocktail event– even if it’s sporting the
logo of your Ivy League alma matter. Save it for the gym, or at least invest in one of
the more refined options companies like Betabrand [LINK to SITE] have recently
been producing.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Cardigans.
[IMAGE 2, cardigan] (OPTION 2 AKA THE BETTER OPTION] [CAPTION can be “Wear it
to parties. Call it your Partigan”]
Think of the cardigan as the hoodie’s classed-up cousin. It’s the Rye Old Fashioned
to the hoodie’s Early Times and Coke. You’ll find great (and affordable) examples
available at most major retailers, from H&M and Uniqlo [LINK], to discounted
designer pieces over at Nordstrom Rack [LINK]. If you’re searching for something
smart to wear during the workweek, try pairing one with a simple oxford collar
button down (known in menswear as an OCBD) in a safe color- like light blue, pink,
or white. Our advice for beginners is to generally avoid going bold and branch out
gradually into more unique patterns and color combinations.
[EITHER HERE OR LINKED TO “OCBD” needs to be a picture of an OCDB. HERE IS ONE
(close up, Brooks Brothers) and HERE IS ONE ON SOMEONE (*this is a great option,
since it’s from “The Sartorial Developer” and directly related to the demo of the article.
That could be worth mentioning in the caption. Here’s his site.). AND ONE MORE
OPTION [an old Brooks Brothers ad]
2. Neckwear
[IMAGE 3, Jegman Mobo] {*we have a better quality image of this on-hand) [Caption
can be “Ladies just go WILD for a guy in a motherboard tie”]
You’ll make a strong statement in your next investment meeting by tying on a
simple printed necktie in a contemporary width*. Look at it this way- the majority of
the guys sitting across the table probably didn’t make their money in tech. They’re
used to an atmosphere of professionalism- and if they took the time to put on a
jacket and tie this morning, then you damned well better reciprocate. *Think less
wide, Wall Street power tie and more Don Draper [if you need an image for him, try
THIS or THIS, caption can be something like “This man has never been carded in his
life”] on a Friday night out. We define the “sweet spot” for tie widths as being
between 2.75 and 3.25 inches (at it’s widest point).
The necktie is all about personal expression. If you’re a die-hard programmer, there
are plenty of ties out there that will allow you to communicate your love for coding
while still keeping things dapper. Check out the example above from Jegman [LINK].
Their “Mobo” tie is printed to look like a motherboard and will act as a great
icebreaker and conversation piece when you’re out hunting for new connections.
Believe it or not, after seeing a resurgence spurred along by shows like Mad Men and
Boardwalk Empire, the bow tie is once again a cool and modern look. Bow ties can be
paired just as easily with a soft, unstructured blazer (such as these from J.Crew
[LINK] and again, Uniqlo [LINK]) [*might be worth stating the J.Crew is $300+ and
Uniqlo is on sale for $30 to show the range] and an OCDB, as they are with a threepiece suit, for a classic-but-still-contemporary statement.
Still skeptical? Try wearing one out this weekend. After the flood of compliments
you’ll receive starts to border on the excessive, we can reopen the discussion.
Beginners should begin by finding a quality pre-tied bow tie that speaks to their
personality (an excellent example from QP Collections here [LINK]) before
attempting to master the knot required for a self-tie.
[IMAGE OF BOW TIE METHOD (Alternative link here) w/ caption ““Witty caption
about how tying a bow tie sucks”” underneath (yes, the quotation marks are
intentional)]
3. Shoes
[IMAGE OF AE STRANDS IN WALNUT (alternative shot here w/ no legs) (final
alternative shot here), with caption “Allen Edmonds Strands. The Macallan 18 of
shoes”]
The easiest way to dig into this one is to form two lists- acceptable and NSFW.
Acceptable:
-Pointed or cap-toe “dress” shoes. Every man needs at least one pair of lace-ups or
oxfords. If it’s the kind of shoe you’d take to a cobbler for repair, then you’re on the
right track. [IMAGE OF STACY ADAMS CAP TOES]
-Wingtips/Brogues. The key point of differentiation is the decorative designs
punched into the leather. [JUST SAY “See Above”, otherwise THESE or THESE aren’t
bad]
-Chukkas. These short boots (popularized mainly by Clarks [LINK]) are a great
starting point. [IMAGE OF CHUKKAS. THESE ARE TIMBERLANDS. THIS IMAGE IS
EXCELLENT TOO]
-Chelsea boots (think The Beatles, 1964) [HERE IS A GOOD SHOT OF CHELSEA
BOOTS] [THIS IS LITERALLY A PIC OF THE BEATLES BUYING CHELSEA BOOTS/HOW
PERFECT]
-Workman’s boots (Red Wing Shoes have been setting the standard since 1905check out the Iron Rangers [LINK]) [IRON RANGERS, 8 MONTHS WEAR] [ANOTHER
GREAT SHOT]
-Loafers. Chances are that your Mom had you in a pair of these for Easter Sunday.
Give them another shot- they’re engineered for comfort. [GREAT PIC TO USE, SINCE
IT’S A FRIEND OF MINE “Taylor Camp of The Tie Guy” shooting for another friend of
mine, Hendrik of Bows-n-Ties.com]
-Monkstraps. Technically also a loafer, but a bit more refined and pairs best with a
casual suit. [Here is one example] [HIGHER RES ALT OPTION]
-Casual slip-ons. Yes, as long as they’re in good shape and it’s a casual afternoon, you
can get away with them. Vans [LINK] makes the classics and even Hermes has their
own interpretation [collection LINK/INDIVIDUAL PHOTO LINK].
NSFW:
-Flip-flops and sandals should be relegated to the beach. [IMAGE LINK caption “or
burned in the flames of hell”]
-Running/athletic shoes are for the gym. [IMAGE LINK. Caption “unless you’re this
guy. He’s got it all figured out”]
-Square-toed shoes only looked good when arriving on the Mayflower. [IMG 1 or IMG
2 caption “and even then, they were just “meh”]
-Vibram Five-Fingers are for Burners and yoga instructors. [IMG 1 or IMG 2 or IMG 3,
caption can be “you’ve got to be at least a little stoned to sport these”]
-Boat shoes are fine in moderation, but daily use is reserved for guys named “Skip”
and ex-frat boys who get way too excited about casual Friday (*like your author).
[OPTION 1 or OPTION 2 or OPTION 3, I can make a witty caption for any of these
images, if we’re still doing captions here. Maybe something like “official shoe of beer
pong matches and underlying insecurity]
4. Quick tips that’ll make all the difference
-Your tie should always be darker than your shirt. [THIS IMAGE IS A PERFECT CASE
IN POINT OF WHY THIS RULE NEEDS ABIDING]
-Denim should be dark. Faded jeans are for Obama and Brett Favre. [THIS IMAGE IS
PERFECT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE CAPTION “OR BUGLE BOYS”]
-Accessories are the first things everyone notices. [I don’t think we need an image
here]
-Invest in a tie bar. They’re cheap, will keep your tie in place, and immediately
improve your look. [TRY THIS IMAGE OR THIS ONE *The second one is better]
-There is a time and place for colorful socks. [TRY THIS IMAGE WITH A “My eyes! The
goggles do nothing!” Simpsons reference or just a general “This burns our eyes”]
-Not all tie knots are created equal- certain collars do require specific knots. [I don’t
think we need an image, but lmk]
-Menswear mags will often advocate going sockless. This is commonly accepted as
part of a conspiracy with the Band-Aid people to give you blisters. [IMG 1 or IMG 2,
caption can be something like “you evil motherfuckers” or “what you don’t see: the
gallons and gallons of spilt blood”. *The second caption is totally better]
-And finally, if you don’t feel comfortable with how you look after giving these
suggestions a shot, go and change. The main benefit of dressing well is the added
confidence boost you’ll receive anyways. [no image necessary for the end, but we
could consider adding this stiff-looking dude and making a comment like “beneath
that chambray and silk lies a man in the throws of despair and regret” or “behind his
icy scowl is a man who wishes he would have worn jeans and a v-neck to his daughter’s
birthday” or something similar]
*Looking for further inspiration? Head over to Tie Society’s Instagram and Pinterest
for ideas or shoot an email to advice@tiesociety.com to take advantage of our
complimentary style advice.
Jake Kuczeruk is the CoFounder and CMO of Tie Society [LINK], the Netflix-style service
for ties and menswear accessories.