Putting Your Best Foot Forward

By Bill Willard
Contributing Author

The Issue

Among many other pearls wisdom my parents offered is this: “You can go anywhere and be dressed for any occasion in a blue blazer.” They were right: in fact, one way for small-business owners to put your best foot forward at work–no matter who comes to see you or where you have to go–is by keeping a blue blazer your office.

In case you’re wondering, the navy blue blazer became associated with sporting clubs and prep schools in the 1920s. But as more people began wearing them–affiliated with clubs or schools or not—by mid-century, blue blazers with gray slacks or khakis had become classic working and social attire, and a big part of the preppy look that started in the 1950s.

What I Think

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like…Oops! Better snap out of my Holden Caulfield flashback! I didn’t much enjoy my Connecticut prep school at the time, but got a pretty decent education out of the deal. The dress code up there called for navy blue blazers with the school crest (“Founded in 1794”), and I’ve had one like it hanging in my closet ever since. Go figure!

Try This: Give your image a head of steam! “A blazer adds sophistication, even when paired with jeans and a T-shirt, so you will be ready for unexpected business meetings, even on casual Fridays,” suggests Leslie Gonzales, Fashion Advisor, Charlotte, NC, in the June 1 issue of Bottom Line, Personal.

Blazers are a retail staple, but for my money the best blue blazer is sold off the rack at Brooks Brothers! At last count, a man’s classic Three-Button Sack 1818 Blazer will set you back $528; a woman’s model runs $399  (plus tax!).  But here’s another piece of parental advice worth heeding: “If you’re going to do something, do it right, even if it hurts.”

That goes for clothing, and about anything else you can name.

What Do You Think?

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Bill Willard is a freelance commercial writer in Clearwater FL. A high-impact writer and editor for over 30 years, in addition to his byline pieces, Bill’s beat includes ghostwriting and editing for businesses of all types and sizes, professional practitioners and individuals.

He is a www.thefreestyleentrepreneur.com Contributing Author. Visit his Website: www.writergazette.com/WillardAssociates.shtml. Or contact him at billw15@tampabay.rr.com to sign up for his popular e-blog, Daily Grin.

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