Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)

Men Notice More Than Women Realize

While men's office styles have become more casual with initiatives like Cool Biz, the interpretation of women's "work attire" has also become quite broad, lacking the fundamental rules of men's suit styles. This book, "The Equation for Stylish, Trustworthy, and Capable Women in the Workplace," offers advice from the perspective of how men in the same workplace view the work clothes women casually choose based on the office atmosphere. We received a comment from the author, Hiroshi Morioka, about the book.

Three years ago, I published my first book, "The Equation for Men's Style." Its content was very simple and easy to follow, a practical guide to coordination. I deliberately excluded extraneous information, personal quirks, and excessive fashion-forwardness, focusing solely on what one needs to understand and wear to "confidently tackle work without being distracted by clothing" and to "become the most stylish person in the neighborhood." Furthermore, by understanding and internalizing this know-how, one can undoubtedly appear as a man of style to those around them and be perceived as having good taste.

And now, I have published my first book for women. Many might wonder, "Why a book for women?" The reason is that many women who read my previous book contacted me and my editorial team with inquiries such as, "I want to know the TPO and dress code for women's clothing in the office," "I don't know what to wear to be appropriate next to a man in a suit, please tell me," "I don't want to dress like I'm on vacation," and "I want to advance my career, so I want to wear clothes that inspire trust."

Frankly, I was surprised by this response, as I had not anticipated it at all. Indeed, women's participation in the workforce and career advancement will likely become more active from now on. For women working alongside men in both their professional and personal lives, there will be increasing occasions where clothing must be considered not just as fashion, but as style. For those with career ambitions, the way they enjoy clothes—simply because they are cute or trendy—will undoubtedly need to change.

Attire is Thought Made Manifest

I always say, "Attire is thought made manifest." In your private life, you should wear whatever you like. However, this is not the case in the business world. Especially for women who want to take on significant responsibilities, fashion, like for men, is a business tool. Meetings with clients, important internal conferences, social gatherings... dressing appropriately for each situation will become an essential skill in your work.

Many might find rigid, rule-bound clothing boring. However, it can significantly enhance your perceived trustworthiness and motivation. Moreover, expressing yourself within rules and dressing with intention is deeply profound and enjoyable. I believe this will mark the beginning of a new way of interacting with clothes, one you may not have experienced before. Before you know it, your sense of style will be refined, and you'll be able to navigate clothing choices according to TPO.

This book, "The Equation for Stylish, Trustworthy, and Capable Women in the Workplace," focuses on how women have approached and thought about clothing, perhaps in ways they hadn't considered before. I would be delighted if it serves as a catalyst for women with high career aspirations.



Chapter 1: What Defines a Likable Woman?
Men don't notice the finer details about women. In office style, "stability" leads to "likability." Don't lose out due to "just your appearance." Men, after all, are attracted to intellectual sense. Dressing in a way that makes you look "idle" is a mistake. Aim to be radiant rather than flashy...

Chapter 2: Men Are More Observant of Women in the Office Than You Think
In the office, it's enough to dress "normally," "correctly," and "cleanly." Choose clothes to be "recognized" rather than for your sense of style. Men perceive women whose attire is well-put-together as "business partners"...

Chapter 3: Capable Women Master the Suit and Jacket Style
Now is the time to make a statement with your fashion! Capable women look great in tailored suits. A suit becomes more stylish the more you wear it. Have two basic suits. Start with navy or gray. To easily enhance your sophistication, make effective use of "white"...

Chapter 4: Secrets to Appearing Like a Capable Woman
Decide your outfit the night before. Prepare three go-to outfits for when you're undecided. Don't use too many colors; limit yourself to three. Utilize simple dresses and pencil skirts. The notion that "bare legs are acceptable in summer" is inappropriate. Consider wearing stockings. Men surprisingly notice "extremities." Subtle nail polish is highly favored...

Chapter 5: Become a Woman Men Want to Be With
Are cute clothes really "attractive"? Don't let time stand still. There's an appropriate style for every age. Steal fashion tips from stylish contemporary women. Be able to dress appropriately for TPO. Opt for fitted silhouettes over loose ones...

Chapter 6: Coordination Lessons for Capable Women
Become a woman who is trusted in the office. Become a woman men want to be with.


Hiroshi Morioka | MORIOKA Hiroshi
Stylist. Born in 1958. Graduated from Waseda University, School of Education. Began his career as a fashion editor for the men's magazine "Men's Club" at Fujingaho Co., Ltd. (now Hearst Fujingaho Co., Ltd.). Established his creative office, "Glove Inc.," in 1996. Currently active in a wide range of fields, including producing and consulting for apparel brands, serving as a fashion advisor for magazines, costume design, fashion lectures, and as a part-time lecturer at vocational schools. He also founded "Styling Lab," which offers image consulting and fashion coordination. His books include "The Equation for Men's Style," "The Equation for Men's Holiday Style," "The Secret to Capable Men's Style," and "Men's Fashion Practice Book" (all published by Kodansha). http://www.gloveinc.jp/artist/morioka/