Men's Closets Are Full of the Same Things

MatsudaTo continue from what we were discussing earlier (last time), I really think it's difficult for men to change their style. I myself only wear navy and gray suits and would never consider wearing brown (laughs). But I feel that if people around you offer feedback, it can be a great encouragement to make a change.

TakahashiThat's true. Men tend to be conservative, aren't they? And if you look inside their closets, you'll find the same items over and over. If you ask them to 'choose a tie,' they'll pick something they already own. In other words, they choose based solely on their likes and dislikes. But business requires you to do many things in various situations. Therefore, you need to choose based on who you're meeting today or how you want to be perceived, rather than just personal preference. That's why I believe the input from a third party is very important, and something I hope people will consider.

MatsudaIt's difficult to find that trusted third party, though. Ideally, it should be the role of shop staff, but that's not always the case (laughs).

TakahashiThat's true. However, from the shop staff's perspective, it can be a delicate balance. They might want to recommend one thing, but the customer insists on another.

MatsudaThat might be the case. How different are the things people like from the things that actually suit them?

TakahashiThey are quite different. I wish they would understand that, but they often believe they look good. That's why such people don't take risks.

MatsudaI certainly don't take any risks either... (laughs)

TakahashiThat won't do! (laughs) Just changing the color of your suit or tie can make a big difference.

Female Employees Want to Go Out with a Stylish Boss

MatsudaYou're absolutely right. I myself am convinced that only certain things suit me. I once bought a pink jacket on impulse, but I felt so embarrassed wearing it (laughs).

TakahashiJumping straight to a pink jacket was the mistake. I think brown would actually suit you.

Editorial DepartmentDo you never wear jeans, Matsuda-san?

MatsudaI own some, but I basically don't wear them. Even on days off, I mostly wear gray pants. To be extreme, I feel like gray pants, a white shirt, and a navy sweater are all I need.

TakahashiAs you get older, it's better to incorporate color. Of course, your hair will turn gray, and your skin tone can become duller. In such cases, adding a touch of color can make you look brighter and more vibrant. So, try an orange or pink sweater for your days off. That's a good start. It will make a significant difference.

Editorial DepartmentIn Matsuda-san's case, it might be due to his personal preferences, but we often hear that wives scrutinize any brightly colored items their husbands wear, which might discourage them from taking risks. We also hear about wives buying clothes for their husbands.

TakahashiMen whose wives choose their clothes can't become stylish. Wives generally prefer safe choices, and they feel more secure with a husband who isn't overly attractive. Also, it's not good to choose clothes without any thought. During the corporate seminars I mentioned earlier, when I ask people 'Why are you wearing that today?', many respond with something like 'It was there this morning,' indicating they chose their outfit without much consideration. That's not acceptable. People who choose clothes with that mindset are being disrespectful to those they meet and it reflects a lack of proactivity in their work. Furthermore, the gender ratio in companies today is roughly equal. Female employees, even in a professional setting, want to go out with a stylish boss. Becoming more fashionable will lead to hearing positive gossip about you behind the scenes, which can boost your confidence in your work. They are happy when their boss or colleagues look good. Conversely, women are quite discerning in this regard.

Profile
President and CEO
Midori Takahashi

In 1990, coinciding with the launch of Barneys New York in Japan, she was appointed General Manager of the Advertising Department at Barneys Japan. Subsequently, after serving as Head of Public Relations at Giorgio Armani Japan, she opened Estnation, a large specialty store with a strong focus on the business scene, in 2001. In June 2005, she established Oens. Leveraging her extensive experience and knowledge, she engages in branding, PR, and shop production for various brands. She has also garnered attention for her image consulting and styling services for individuals and corporations, a field that was virtually nonexistent in Japan until then.

Oens Website
http://oens.net/