The suit's best friend today is the actor. The entertainment industry is one industry that still requires its workers to dress up in suits and ties. I have gotten by the last two years with my early 2000-era black suit but figured it was time to update my game and add some color.
So I donned my coronavirus mask and drove to Nordstrom Rack. As I stepped off the escalator to the second floor, I was surprised by the lack of suits. Prior to Covid, a good chunk of the second floor of the men's section was dedicated to suits, sport coats, and business wear. Today, only a small section in the middle of the store was dedicated to business wear and the once illustrious (and potentially expensive) suits were confined to a small section of the back wall.
How fashion has changed.
Lawyers, bankers, corporate office types once needed to own multiple suits that fit well. This goes for men and women. They were the symbol of professionalism, status, and style.
My wife's company said they would be lucky if they returned to the office next year. A lawyer I know has not been in the office for months.
So does anyone need a suit if they are working from home? Even if you have to dress up for a Zoom call, why would you need a suit? A sport coat, shirt, tie, and shorts would suffice. Sport coats are a lot cheaper than suits. And on Zoom, it is hard to tell the difference between a $60 clearance sport coat at Nordstrom Rack and a $1000 suit unless you have an amazing webcam and you are doing a (very unlikely) full body shot.
And shoes? Let's not even talk about how even more inconsequential the need is for multiple pairs of nice dress shoes let alone one pair if you are never in the office.
How are clothing manufacturers staying in business during the coronavirus epidemic?
The answer must be socks.
The evidence lay before me. A section of the store where suits once hung was now an expanded sock selection. Some socks were quite colorful. There were ankle socks, thick socks, Christmas socks, and others with amazing designs. Obviously, if people are staying home and winter is coming, socks will be one of the most important clothing items when a person is on that all important Zoom board meeting.
Perhaps coronavirus was the tool of the socks to overthrow the rule of the suits.
But fear not, suits, a coronavirus vaccine is on the way, creating a pathway for your return to elite status level. And just remember, actors will always need you to create the fictitious worlds where suits are worn daily. Seriously, only in Hollywood movies is business casual not the norm in an office.
My search for a suit continues.
Take care and be safe.
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