A Uniform For Success

Words: Dylan Muhlenberg | Photography: Luke Kuisis | Styling: Akim Jardine

President Obama, Karl Lagerfeld, Mark Zuckerberg, Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs all decided to simplify their lives by never asking “What should I wear?”

A uniform is not only about efficiency, but also a confidence booster. Stick with something that works and you’ll never have to deal with the insecurity that comes with trying something new. Because part of being a grown-ass man is knowing what works for you and then sticking to it. 

The Way of Us asked Superbalist stylist Akim Jardine to come up with the perfect uniforms that different guys could dress in when looking to style themselves on repeat, and depending on your lifestyle you can select whichever one works best for you and yours. 

Here's how you can save brainpower, save time and always look your best.

The corporate guy

Whether you’re starting out your climb up the corporate ladder or already have that corner office and executive parking, you should dress to command authority. A suit is a given, but instead of having a closet filled with different fabrics and cuts you should do an Obama and have multiple sets in the same navy blue. Eschew the corporate noose, which for most is outdated and does little but constrict, and go tie-less.

The creative type

The brain economy has made it possible for men to work from the comfort of their own home, where with a laptop and internet connection they’re able to shape worlds. Zuckerberg and Jobs are both famous for silhouettes best described as 'comfy'. You can adopt their jeans, sweater and sneakers look, and make it less tech startup and more off-duty model by paying attention to size and fit.

The active man

If you’re the type of guy who spends his day standing up instead of seated in an ergonomic office chair, then you want to wear the type of thing that celebrates the freedom of movement. And while game rangers and lifeguards already have their own uniforms, if you’re simply a man on the move then you should definitely turn to athleisure’s soft touch.

The artisan

Invest in the hardest-wearing workwear you can find and then stand up to whatever you job throws at you safe in the knowledge that your clothing won’t let you down. Double denim is tough as nails and will get better with wear. Boots are meant to take a beating. A slightly frayed canvas hem on your chinos can look good. The idea is to not be precious about this stuff and to understand that if you do happen to tear or rip anything up, it'll just look even better.