Dad's Jacket & Casual Friday
Big early ‘90s casual Friday energy here. Actually—HOLD UP(!): Does everyone know what Casual Friday is? Gather ‘round, children… Before the pandemic, people who worked in stiff corporate environments typically wore proper office attire. “Power suits.” Button-up shirts! Ties. Hard-bottom shoes! When I was a student at Howard, sometimes I’d hop on the metro and go have lunch with my mom or dad, who at that point conveniently worked within blocks of each other in DC.
My dad would might pop out of his lobby elevator in a Brioni suit and lace-up wingtips. The leather combination lock briefcase would stay upstairs. But he definitely brought his wallet, because I couldn’t afford to eat where we were headed. My mom could meet me outside rocking a pencil skirt, matching blazer, and kitten heels. Purse in tow, because—again—I was broke. They always looked great! But my favorite day to see them on the job from a style perspective was Casual Friday, the one workday that allowed for a bit of cool. Out with the heels, in with the espadrilles. Goodbye, dress shirt! Hello, unbuttoned polo and humble silver necklace combo. Also, jeans!
Fortunately, my career so far as an entertainment journalist (then) and a creative in the marketing space (now) has a far less rigid dress code. Like, just don’t be naked and/or disheveled. Still, I put my little effort in and dress according to feel. If I wear overalls, it’s because I feel like today is one where I wanna get my hands dirty on some mechanic or farmer ish. If I wear a suit, maybe what I’m going for is Eddie Murphy in Boomerang. I don’t really subscribe to the whole “If that’s not your true profession or lifestyle, don’t wear it.” mindset. If that’s the case, all y’all gotta toss your Yankee caps and motorcycle jackets at the first Goodwill you can find. ASAP.
Mood dressing. In this photo, I’m wearing my dad’s old Ermenegildo Zegna blazer. In this ‘fit I could meet my wife for lunch, get a jump shot off, go to a parent-teacher conference, or hop on a work Zoom. A little elegance, a little cool. Casual Friday, Justin Weté vibes. He probably wouldn’t have sported the New Balance hoop trainers, though. Dad would swap those out for some Moreschi loafers. Or Ferragamos. I gotta do me. Can’t air-dribble or spot up for catch-and-shoots in those.