What to wear to an online meeting or at home when working

This past Thanksgiving (2019) was one of the best holiday trips my wife and I had taken in a long time.

We visited our son at college, who is studying philosophy at Macalester in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

We had planned the trip the previous year, and we committed to taking him and some of his friends out to dinner for the holiday. We spent a wonderful event at a great restaurant. The food and the company were great. We enjoyed the time with our son, and we enjoyed meeting and learning more about his friends.

However, I will admit, there was another special part of this holiday getaway. I took the opportunity to visit my favorite clothing store in the country, Martin Patrick 3. I was overdue for a new wardrobe, with my last shopping spree taking place more than five years earlier.

They say clothes make the man, and as an architect, I believe that clothing and how you dress are essential to communicating your personal and professional style.

Not only do they “represent,” but they also “present.” The clothes I choose – the fabrics, the textures, the patterns – are an extension of my ideals, my aesthetic, my personal style, even our brand. What I wear helps me create a presence in our meetings.

My apparel can provide a hint, and sometimes blaringly obvious signals, of how I, as a designer, design.

What architects choose to wear sets the tone for how they will be perceived and received when meeting with clients, contractors and consultants. A well ironed button down from Stenstroms can set a tone of authority and positivity. Subtle, simple patterns and solids may say, “My work speaks for itself,” while multi-colored shirts may send a very different and more casual tone.

Enter COVID-19.

I haven’t worn a single stitch of those clothes since we were ordered to stay at home. They are beautifully hanging in my closet, barely touching one another, respecting their space while longing to be touched.

Of course, we still hold meetings, and I still get dressed in the morning. But, with all my meetings being held online and the meetings being focused on our drawings and other representations of our work, the need for my MP3 wardrobe has greatly diminished.

When I am going to be visible, I may put on a collared shirt, but it really doesn’t matter anymore. Now, I wear anything I want.

It’s actually quite refreshing. I can wear shorts, t-shirts, sometimes a sweatshirt and tennis shoes. On days I really want to show the world who’s boss, I wear my über comfortable Ugg slippers.

There’s an exhilarating feeling of being in a meeting, with important clients, discussing their incredibly needed project, wearing whatever makes you comfortable. The clothes just don’t make a difference in this new environment.

But rest assured, soon we will pull out those button downs and nice slacks, those stylish blazers and Bally shoes. Until then, wear what you want and enjoy the freedom. Your clothes will understand.