What to wear on Wall Street is a blog dedicated to helping you look great in business attire. We provide tips, advice, and inspiration for women who want to dress professionally while still feeling fabulous. Our goal is to help you feel confident as you walk through the halls of your office and make a good impression on your colleagues and clients.
Wall Street is no place for amateurs. The average person doesn’t have the knowledge, experience, or nerve to succeed in this industry. But you do.
[company name] is here to help you look the part and feel like you belong when you’re on Wall Street. We’ve got advice about what to wear, tips for making the right impression, and tips for making sure your style is appropriate for this high-powered environment.
What to wear on wall street
What to wear on Wall Street
Wall Street is the center of the world, and it’s also a place where you’re going to have to look good. This was never a problem for me; I’ve always been able to get away with wearing just about anything. But now that I’m working on Wall Street, I’ve noticed that some of my colleagues are not as lucky. They’re having trouble figuring out what to wear every day, which is understandable—there are just so many options!
I’ve decided to put together this blog post so that everyone can benefit from my experience and advice. I’ll tell you all about what kind of outfits you should wear if you want to be taken seriously in this business environment, or even if you just want to feel confident and comfortable every single day.
What to wear on Wall Street.
When you think of Wall Street, what do you see? Do you see a place where people with ties and suits come to work every day? Or do you see something more exciting than that? What about a place where people are making big decisions and taking risks? Maybe it’s both—and maybe it’s neither!
Whatever your vision for Wall Street is, there’s one thing for sure: when you’re working there, the clothes you wear matter. Whether you’re an intern or a CEO, there are some things that simply should not be done if you want to make an impression. And while this guide won’t tell you exactly what to wear (there are plenty of resources online for that), it will give you some general guidelines so that your next trip downtown doesn’t end up as disastrous as the last one did!
Wall Street is a place of business, where people go to make money. It’s also a place where people go to make connections, and not just with other bankers or investors. Wall Street is a giant melting pot of different cultures and personalities, and you can use your clothing to help you fit in.
While it’s important to be comfortable at work, it’s also important to be mindful of the impression others get from your appearance. If you’re lucky enough to have an office job that requires suits or dresses, then there are some basic rules of thumb for how things should fit on your body.
But even if you’re wearing jeans and sneakers every day like me (because who has time to change clothes between meetings?), the same rules apply—just in different ways!
As workers return to the financial district, longstanding dress codes have been relaxed. Right now, almost anything goes. Even jeans.
The suits are returning to the office. In chinos. And sneakers. And ballet flats.
As Wall Street workers trickle back into their Manhattan offices this summer, they are noticeable for their casual attire. Men are reporting for duty in polo shirts. Women have stepped down from the high heels once considered de rigueur. Ties are nowhere to be found. Even the Lululemon logo has been spotted.
The changes are superficial, but they hint at a bigger cultural shift in an industry where well-cut suits and wingtips once symbolized swagger, memorialized in popular culture by Gordon Gekko in the movie “Wall Street” and Patrick Bateman in the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel “American Psycho.” Even as many corporate workplaces around the country relaxed their dress codes in recent years, Wall Street remained mostly buttoned up.
Like so much else, that changed in the pandemic. Big banking firms, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, have realized that their employees are loath to reach for their corporate attire, after more than a year of working from home dressed mainly in loungewear, or Zoom-appropriate shirts on top and sweatpants below. As banks get their workers back to their desks — even as some other companies have paused such plans — senior executives are easing up on dress codes as a concession to their weary staffs.
“It’s a little bit more relaxed than what I anticipated,” said Melissa Cortes, a legal analyst who recently joined Goldman. “I’m wearing sneakers right now, and people are wearing jeans with blazers or shirts,” said Ms. Cortes, who sported a white jacket, black wide-leg trousers and white sneakers on Wednesday.
Although banks haven’t sent out formal memos, their informal message is that returning employees should feel free to dress appropriately for the occasion — and that during a summer with few in-person client meetings, more relaxed attire is permissible. Jeans have even shown up on trading floors, and bankers have a wealth of opportunities to spring a familiar workplace joke: What’s with the tie? Got a job interview?
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This being Wall Street, casual doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, of course. Many of the sneakers, shirts, watches and other more laid-back accessories spotted in Lower Manhattan last week cost several hundred dollars or more.
Formal dress codes began to erode in the 1990s when Casual Fridays were introduced in workplaces, said Daniel Delis Hill, a fashion historian. “I was working at Merrill Lynch in 1999 when the big shock came from the C.E.O. that brokers could now wear business casual on Fridays,” Mr. Hill wrote in an email. “There was a long list of dos and don’ts, though,” he said — jeans were definitely not allowed.
Despite periodic efforts to relax dress codes — including in 2019, when Goldman made suits and ties optional — banking had been one of the last bastions of formal work wear, alongside law firms. And in some quarters of Wall Street, such as hedge funds, the code has typically been more permissive.
But in banking, the strict hierarchies were embedded in unwritten fashion rules. Colleagues would ridicule those wearing outfits considered too flashy or too shabby for the wearer’s place in the corporate food chain. Superiors were style guides, but wearing something swankier than one’s boss was considered a faux pas. An expensive watch could be seen as a mark of success, an obnoxious flex, or both.
These days, some bosses have ditched luxury timepieces in favor of Apple Watches and traded suits for short sleeves and khaki, making it tricky for subordinates to know what to wear in order to look the part. JPMorgan’s chief executive, Jamie Dimon, recently wore a black polo shirt for a TV interview; Goldman’s boss, David Solomon, D.J.s in T-shirts on weekends; and Rich Handler, the head of Jefferies, posted a photo of himself sporting a henley tee on Twitter. At an event welcoming employees back to the office in July, Citigroup’s Jane Fraser — the only female boss of a major Wall Street bank — kept her signature look: a jewel-toned dress.
“The days of people having to wear the uniform of a coat, tie and suit are over,” said John Florsheim, a fifth-generation scion of the namesake brand, known for its leather-soled dress shoes for men and boys. “It’s going to continue to get more comfortable and casual, but people are still going to want to look nice.”
Another reason banks are doing away with traditional dress codes is talent retention. As Wall Street firms increasingly compete for recruits with technology companies — which are friendlier both to remote work and casual clothing — they are seeking to present a less stuffy image. Many banks are also trying to hire a more diverse cohort.
John C. Williams, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and an avowed sneakerhead, said the Fed wanted people to bring their “authentic self” to work because personal style was an important part of valuing all forms of individuality and diversity.
He said he was looking forward to wearing new pairs from his sneaker collection in the office. “When people can be themselves, they do their best work,” he said.
“There is this urge to break down this idea of what you need to look like to work in banks,” said Alison Taylor, who teaches courses on professional responsibility at New York University’s Stern School of Business. “It’s such a fraught, unspoken signifier of whether you do or don’t fit in.”
Big lenders vary in their plans to bring staff back to offices. Most of the industry was targeting Labor Day for a full-scale return, although that may be complicated by surging coronavirus cases. Some Wall Street employees have been working out of their offices for months, but many returned only recently for the first time since the outbreak began.
It felt like the first day of school, some bankers said. They wanted to look good in front of colleagues, yet couldn’t bear the thought of wearing dress shoes or heels. Before going in, some checked with friends to see if their choices were in line with the crowd.
One item that has been popular among Wall Street men is Lululemon’s ABC pant, which the athleisure company markets as a wrinkle-resistant, stretchy polyester garment suitable for “all-day comfort.” (The company put its highly recognizable logo on a tab near the pocket to make the pants look less like workout gear.)
Untuckit, the maker of short-hemmed button-downs, saw a jump in sales as vaccination rates across the United States rose in April and May, said Chris Riccobono, the company’s founder. Customers have flocked to its two stores in Manhattan, seeking still-sharp shirts made from breathable fabric.
“What’s amazing is these guys were wearing suits in the middle of summer, walking the streets of New York, coming off the train” before the pandemic, Mr. Riccobono said. “It took corona for the guys who never wore anything but suits to realize, ‘Wait a second.’”
What to wear on walking date
Walking dates are the best.
They’re casual, and you can take your time to get there, so you don’t have to worry about being late. You can chat and laugh together, and if it’s a nice day, you can even stop to enjoy the scenery!
But what if you want to make sure you look your best? What should you wear? What should you bring? How should you act?
We’ve got everything you need here.
A walking date is a great way to get to know someone and have fun at the same time.
It’s a casual way to spend time with your date, and it helps you get to know each other in a different way than sitting in a restaurant does.
However, it can be hard to decide what to wear for this kind of date. You don’t want to look too formal, but you also want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the weather!
DATING
What to Wear on a Walking Date: 11 Stylish Outfit Ideas
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Co-authored by Lisa Shield and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: April 20, 2022 References
If you’re heading out for a walking date, how can you dress to impress while staying comfortable? Even if you have a lot of outfits to choose from, striking the balance between stylish and practical clothes is as easy as a walk in the park. Keep reading for a list of complete outfit ideas, from the hottest summer styles to the best looks for when the weather cools down!
1
Crop top and dark denim
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A statement crop top will be attractive and eye-catching. Crop tops are perfect if you want to stay cool and show off a bit of your tummy, so pick a flirty top that shows some skin. Stick to bright colors or interesting patterns since they’ll look like you’re dressing up more for the date. Finish your outfit with a classic pair of dark jeans or short shorts.
Stick with flats or a pair of strappy sandals to tie your whole look together.
2
Sundress
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A patterned dress looks great when you’re out in the summer sun. Sundresses come in so many different lengths and colors, so try a few on to see what looks best on you. Keep in mind where you’re going for a walk so you don’t wear anything that could drag on the ground or easily snag.
Wear a floppy hat or a pair of sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes.
A pair of flat sandals, sneakers, or espadrilles are great options to help you stay comfortable.
3
Tank top and skirt
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Beat the heat of a hot summer day with this cute fit. Pick a solid-colored tank for a clean and simple look, or choose one with a fun pattern if you want to make your outfit stand out. Stick with a mini or midi skirt so it’s easier to walk around without getting caught in the fabric. You can either leave your tank untucked for a casual look or tuck it into your skirt if you want to look a little more put together.
Accessorize with a chunky necklace to draw your date’s eye to you.
If you’re worried about the temperature dropping, bring a jacket or sweatshirt with you. You can always tie it around your waist if it’s too warm.
4
One-piece swimsuit and short shorts
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Try this versatile outfit for a romantic stroll on the beach. A one-piece swimsuit can be a great alternative to a regular tank top if you’re spending your date near the water. Put your favorite pair of shorts over your swimsuit to finish your look. You can easily pop into the water for a dip if the moment feels right.[1]
Bring along a light sweatshirt or jacket in case it gets a little chilly.
Complete your outfit with a comfortable pair of chunky sandals or slides.
5
Statement blouse and shorts
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A bright or patterned blouse is sure to catch your date’s eye. Pick a top that has a busy pattern or bright color since it will make your date look over at you more. On a warmer day, choose a sleeveless or short-sleeved top. If you’re afraid of getting cold, stick with long sleeves that you can roll up. Tuck your top into a nice, clean pair of denim or khaki shorts that show off your legs.[2]
Tennis shoes are a great choice to stay comfortable while you’re walking, but a pair of flats or sandals work well too.
Pair your blouse with a nice pair of jeans and some boots for a sexy, classic outfit.[3]
6
Athleisure top and pants
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This athletic style fits tight and shows off your body. Since you’re staying active during your date, it makes sense to wear an outfit you’d normally work out in. Any tight, breathable fabric works well, so try out options like a sports bra with a crop-top hoodie, a tank top, an athletic tee, a cute windbreaker, leggings, or yoga pants to look stylish on your date.[4]
Since athleisure clothes don’t have a lot of pockets, bring along a small purse or a fanny pack to hold the rest of your things.
Rock a pair of matching sneakers or trainers with your outfit to finish off your look.
7
Athletic shirt and shorts
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You’ll stay cool and comfortable if you’re hitting the hiking trails. A more strenuous hike could make you sweat more, so dress in breathable moisture-wicking athletic clothes. Try out a cute form-fitting shirt or tank top with a light sweatshirt or jacket layered over it in case you get cold. Any breathable pair of shorts or athletic leggings look great and complete your outfit.
For summer hikes, make sure you bring a hat and some sunscreen.
If you’re going on a difficult trail, wear hiking boots so you have more traction. For a flat, easy trail, sneakers are a great pick.
Avoid wearing cotton clothes since they take a long time to dry if they get sweaty.
8
T-shirt and jeans
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Rock this classic, comfortable style no matter when you’re going out. Stick with solid-colored or simple patterned shirts rather than graphic tees so you look a little more dressed up. Rock a pair of jeans that fit tight on your legs, but not so tight that you have a hard time moving around.
Try wearing a red shirt since the color can make you look more attractive.
Accessorize with some jewelry, like bracelets or a belt.
Put on a pair of sneakers to finish your outfit.
Layer a leather jacket on top for a really cool, classic look.[5]
Remember—you don’t need to go overkill with your outfit when you’re making a first impression![6]
9
Cardigan and dress
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This cute layered combo looks amazing on a chilly night. Stick with midi dresses so you can easily walk around without dragging or snagging any of the fabric. Choose a cardigan that has a neutral color or is complementary to your dress so it doesn’t clash. That way, you have the option to button up when you start feeling cold.[7]
If you’re still feeling cold, put on a pair of tights or leggings underneath your dress.
Chunky sneakers or combat boots can complete your look.
10
Sweatshirt and joggers
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Go for this relaxed, athletic look when it starts to get colder outside. Choose a fitted sweatshirt that hugs your body since it will look a little nicer than if it were baggy. Rather than wearing a loose pair of sweatpants, stick with joggers since they’re a little tighter on your leg and will accentuate your body. If you want to coordinate your whole outfit and look put together for your date, try out a matching tracksuit.
Put on a pair of tennis shoes or trainers with your outfit so you’re ready to walk around.
11
Sweater and leggings
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You’ll feel chic and comfortable in this autumn and early winter fit. This style looks great when it starts getting chilly, but might be a little too cold for later in the season. An oversized knit sweater works great since you can wear it like normal or slide it off of your shoulder for an even flirtier look. Finish your outfit with a pair of insulated leggings so you don’t get chilly.
Wrap a scarf around your neck for an even more bundled look.
A pair of knee-high socks and tall boots can help keep your legs from getting colder.
12
Statement coat, blouse, and pants
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Stay warm and stylish with this multilayered look. If you’re out walking on a winter date, plan ahead by putting on a coat that makes you stand out. Make sure you still dress up with your favorite blouse and a comfortable pair of pants underneath so you still look great if you need to take your coat off.[8]
Bundle up even more with a cute beanie and mittens.
Complete your looks with a pair of tall socks and chunky combat boots.
