"A Man In Finance-Core"
Looking like a man in finance doesn't mean what it used to.
Back in May, I had the opportunity to weigh in on a hot fashion topic for The New York Post: how could the stereotypical finance bro dress better?
This musing and train of thought was, of course, sparked by the viral Tiktok sound by “Girl On The Couch” declaring that the search is on for a male finance professional boasting a trust fund, an impressive 6’5, and piercing blue eyes. While that certainly was the song of the [early] summer, I fear that its moment in the limelight has passed.
Or at least, I’ve stopped playing it on repeat.
But the tangential question lives on: what could a man in finance do to dress more stylishly? (Especially if he isn’t a nepo baby blessed with incredible genetics.)
While you will likely find NYP’s overall narrative more concise, Substack seems like a great place to share the entirety of my interview on that very topic.
How has the 'finance bro' style evolved over the years, especially post-pandemic (from traditional tailored suits to more casual vests, joggers, athleticwear, etc.)
When you think of finance, traditionally, you think of stripes. Whether that's the pinstripe suits of the 80's and 90's, the white and blue striped dress shirts, or even those blue shirts with the contrasting white collar and cuffs (dubbed banker collar).
Over the years, all offices have become more casual and current dress codes are permissive towards athleisure. Unsurprisingly, it becomes a race towards the lowest common denominator in terms of aesthetics and effort, with comfort being the top priority.
When you hear "finance bro," a pretty recently coined term, you likely envision Lululemon ABCs, tech fabric button downs, Patagonia vests, and Cole Haan style dress shoe sneaker Frankensteins.
"Looking" like you work in finance is a less romantic notion than it once was.
'Finance bros' have been dragged for all dressing the same and lacking unique style — can you elaborate on this and why it might be that they're all dressing the same?
Yes, finance bros have a uniform and it's ugly. But I'm actually pretty sympathetic, so you won't see me dragging anyone.
Finance bros are understandably more focused on their jobs than their outfits. Looking sharp isn't their focus, so most dudes will wear the most comfortable and unobtrusive thing they can get away with.
Just as importantly, there's spoken etiquette and unspoken etiquette. Clothing is part of that etiquette. So when there's an unspoken uniform in the office, deviating too far from that can cause friction.
The bottom line is that most finance bros aren't incentivized to dress more stylishly and may even be penalized socially if they try (without sufficient savvy).
What advice do you have for 'finance bros' looking to elevate their looks? What brands would you suggest they consider and why?
Tweak the uniform but don't reinvent the wheel.
The major style "sin" attributed to finance bros -- after a lack of individuality -- is their flagrant use of athleisure fabrics. Yes, you're wearing a chino, but it's obviously jogger material.
A great way to elevate yourself a little bit is to keep the format while upgrading the fabrics. Clothing made from natural fibers looks more dignified and, post pandemic, most brands offer something that's 97% natural fabric with 3% stretch fabric. Cotton, wool, flannel, cashmere, etc have more texture and dimension than flat, shiny polyester.
In terms of specific brands, Bonobos does stealth athleisure the best. That's the first place I take clients who are trying to graduate from Lulu ABCs and Birddogs, but can't sacrifice the stretch and comfort.
If you're willing to invest a bit more (you've got that 'finance money,' right?) then Eton shirts are a no-brainer.
In a similar vein, Mephisto offers dignified dress shoes that legitimately feel like sneakers. Most of the designs look fuddy-duddy, but the Kurtis, Manko, and Max are foolproof recommendations.
If you'd like to support a local brand that is bringing back the romanticized aesthetic of "a man in finance," then definitely check out Le Alfre! It was started by an Ex Wall Street guy determined to bring the banker shirt back en vogue!
Topic for another day, but slim fit is dead, AND those contours are inextricably associated with athleisure. Embracing the baggy trend obviously isn't appropriate for work, but switching to mid-rise, straight-fit pants will go a long way in modernizing/upgrading your outfits.
4. What creative pieces should they consider adding to their workwear? Accessories, watches, bags, etc?
A sharp briefcase is the most underrated accessory for the white collar professional. Satchel and Page, Stuart and Lau, or Maverick & Co (for something durable/waterproof) are my go-to recommendations.
I won't get into watches, as there's already a culture around timepieces in finance that supersedes my aesthetic input.
5. Do you think the viral TikTok song (also called the 'song of the summer') will encourage more men to present themselves as successful, 'finance bros'? Do you think this will shift their style/shopping habits?
Absolutely! But in the same way that the song romanticizes "a man in finance" -- imagining a tall, blue-eyed adonis with a lavish lifestyle and disposable income to spoil his lady --rather than the more typical case of a super-stressed, sleep-deprived workaholic...
I think the "finance bro aesthetic" will be reimagined and romanticized to look more "Wolf of Wall Street" than Cole Haan-Patagonia man. So I suspect we'll be seeing a lot of striped shirts and horsebit loafers this summer, but more as a look for the weekend than workday.
Or worn by non-finance folks that are enamored by the craze.
The Old Money Aesthetic isn't how folks with generational wealth actually dress.
I don't know any women married into the mafia, but I suspect the Mob Wife Aesthetic reflects popular fiction more than reality.
So "A Man In Finance-Core" is going to look different from actual finance bros. Probably better.
