Every industry has its dress code — clothes and accessories that subtly signify you’re part of the club. Whether that’s an architect’s beautifully tailored jacket or a tech nerd’s plastic-frame glasses, every professional wardrobe can be broken down into a kind of visual shorthand. In honor of the New Year — and our seemingly universal desire to get our lives and closets in order — the Cut found six successful professionals in different fields (art, architecture, education, fashion, tech, finance) and curated functional workday uniforms inspired by their lifestyles. Click through our slideshow to see the results.
*This article appears in the December 29, 2014 issue of New York Magazine.
Wall Street Bigwig
Sallie Krawcheck, chair of Ellevate and former president of the Global Wealth & Investment Management division of Bank of America. The Formula: Neutral separates, understated bling, commanding leather goods, and a charity to run. She’s Wearing: The Row blouse and Altuzarra skirt, $790 each at net-a-porter.com; Valextra clutch, $1,440, and Manolo Blahnik heels, $595, both at barneys.com.
Fashion Insider
Joanna Hillman, style director, Harper’s Bazaar. The Formula: Designer denim, of-the-season accessories, perma-red lips, and a strong Instagram game. She’s Wearing: Equipment sweater at equipmentfr.com; Frame Denim + Inez and Vinoodh, $240 at net-a-porter.com; Saint Laurent boots, ysl.com.
Starchitect
David Adjaye, principal, Adjaye Associates. The Formula: Luxe minimalism, precise finishes, well-loved messenger bag, and strength of conviction. He’s Wearing: Boss jacket, $495 at hugoboss.com; Jack Spade shirt, $168 at jackspade.com, 212-675-4085; Calvin Klein Collection pant, $400 at calvinklein.com.
Public-School Teacher
Melissa Dipinto, first-grade teacher, P.S. 321. The Formula: Well-priced basics, one memorable coat, comfortable shoes, and patience of a saint. She’s Wearing: Uniqlo shirt, $30 at uniqlo.com; & Other Stories skirt, $100 at stories.com; Rachel Comey boots, $403 at rachelcomey.com.
Techie
Tracy Nguyen, UX architect, Merkle Inc. The Formula: Fully charged laptop, utilitarian fabrics, a nice pair of sneakers, and fluency in code. She’s Wearing: Madewell shirt, $72 at madewell.com; 212-228-5172; Topshop skirt, $105 at us.topshop.com.
Art-World Operator
Alexander Gilkes, co-founder, Paddle8. The Formula: Perfectly tailored suits, bare ankles, pocket squares, and boyish charm. He’s Wearing: Dolce & Gabbana suit, $3,495 at store.dolcegabbana.com; 212-897-9653; Charvet shirt, $525 at neimanmarcus.com; Polo Ralph Lauren tie, $125 at ralphlauren.com; Tod’s loafers, $595 at tods.com.
