Dappered | Style Scenario: What to wear to a Smart Casual job interview

[Dappered | Style Scenario: What to wear to a Smart Casual job interview]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Style Scenario: What to wear to a Smart Casual job interview](#1) - [The Playlist – February 2020](#2) - [In Review: Huckberry’s Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers](#3) [Style Scenario: What to wear to a Smart Casual job interview](r/Dappered/~3/1rE8SmGLAjE/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 26 Feb 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Dressing right for an interview can be tricky. You want to look your best, but you don’t want to go over the top. That’s why we’re going to cover the three basic dress-codes for interviews. [Dressed up](, Smart Casual (this one), and Casual. A good rule of thumb is to dress better than you’d have to if you landed the gig, but you also want to avoid looking like you’re showing off. Sharp, but appropriate. Neither too sloppy, nor too cavalier. Below is one option for a Smart Casual workplace. [Style Scenario: What to wear to a Smart Casual job interview | Dappered.com] The Sportcoat/Blazer: [Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer in Navy – $400]( The splurge of this outfit, and for good reason. It is expensive, and it is worth the cost of entry. Despite being renowned for their pants, Bonobos’ blazers might be (nay, ARE), the best item in their catalogue. Phenomenal woolen fabrics (this one is a lightweight hopsack), minimal lining for breathable four-season wear, and an unconstructed build to not only perfectly transition between scenarios, but also highlight your natural physique if you’ve been making strides in the gym. The Pants: [Banana Republic Athletic Heathered Traveler Pant in Grey – $58.90]( (when 40% off). I continue to sing the praises of this pant. It has usurped the Bonobos chino as my go-to pant. These walk the line between casual and business perfectly, and have durable construction and added stretch for comfort. Grey offers great contrast with the Navy blazer from Bonobos. The Shoes: [Aston Grey Leu Oxford in Black – $90]( Black shoes can work great with a navy-blue blazer. Especially when they’re a bit less formal like these, due to the brown sole. Aston Grey is a DSW exclusive brand, and they’ve been [delivering]( solid [quality shoes]( for the price for quite a long time. Often available for $10-$20 off, these black oxfords walk the line between formal and casual with their plain toe and contrasting stitch on the glued welt. They won’t be as durable as a re-craftable shoe, but my pair looks and wears better than when they were purchased in 2018. Wearing your shoes gives them character. The Shirt: [Charles Tyrwhitt Buttoned Down Collar Shirt in White With Blue Check – 4 for $199]( Time for the buttoned-down collar! I love these collars for their ability to stay in shape without needing collar stays. Think of this as a perfect midpoint between the formal dress shirt and a polo shirt. We go back to the well with Charles Tyrwhitt, so you can add this shirt to your multi-buy discount along with the formal dress shirt [from our Dressed-Up Interview Style Scenario](. White is always a safe selection for your base color, and lends a hand in adding more polish to a dressed-down interview outfit, while the small blue check pattern adds depth. Much like that section for volunteering on your resume. The Watch: [Orient Sun And Moon V2 in Black – $230](. In a business casual interview, your outfit is all about balance. You want to look polished without being stuffy; casual without being overly relaxed. The watch you wear will help strike that balance, with the right selection. This is the right selection. A unique timepiece, with a classy AM/PM indicator as one of the complications. The Belt: [Banana Republic Italian Leather Belt in Black – $44](. Think of this as the more polished version of the reliable [GAP basic leather belt](. Also included [in the Dressed-Up Interview Style Scenario](, but this time in black to match the shoes. The Socks: [Nordstrom Merino Wool Blend Dress Sock in Charcoal – 3 pairs for $40](. This is still an interview. Keep your “fun” socks for after you start cashing those paychecks. The Briefcase: [Filson Twill Briefcase in Grey Cinder – $325](. Something to carry printed copies of your resume, portfolio, recommendations, or any other proof points to help you land the job. Because this isn’t a dressed-up interview, the bag doesn’t need to be leather or overly structured, but it shouldn’t be an overly casual messenger bag, either. Filson’s Original, while another investment, is made in the USA and built to last. About the Author: Jason P. is a Dappered devotee, having curated the majority of his wardrobe through the site. He is an enthusiast of wool sweaters, chino pants, and affordable automatic watches. In his free time, you can find him at his boxing gym or antiquing with his wife. ff/Dappered?a=1rE8SmGLAjE:Jjl4DxRQmVo:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=1rE8SmGLAjE:Jjl4DxRQmVo:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=1rE8SmGLAjE:Jjl4DxRQmVo:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The Playlist – February 2020](r/Dappered/~3/pHjc9-qPkuA/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 25 Feb 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Music is a little like [food]( and clothes. These are areas where it’s probably worthwhile for one to explore & expand their tastes. The Playlist is assembled each month by [Dappered’s very own music correspondent]( Tim Johnstone. Tim is a former Virgin Records Label Rep & current award winning Program Director at [KRVB](, which was awarded the FMQB AAA station of the year markets 50+. You can also catch his work on Fridays when he assembles [the Weekend Reset](. Got a Spotify account? You’ll find a link to this month’s playlist at the end of the post. [KennyHoopla – “how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by a highway?//”]( I am bowled over by this. From the very beginning, it scrambled my brain. I was hearing distinct elements of New Order records circa 1987 and early Bloc Party songs and my brain was woozy for a minute. And then I laughed out loud and turned it up. [This is a man from Cleveland]( that I expect big things from. Exhilarating. [Green Day – “Oh Yeah”]( This is where Green Day reminds the world about Joan Jett’s status as a rock icon and in doing so gives people a chance to smile for a couple minutes and change. This is a good thing. [U.S. Girls – “Four American Dollars”]( There is an instant familiarity here: pure girl group retro-pop updated for the 21st century. Meg Remy previews her 7th album under the moniker U.S. Girls with an effervescent slice of grade A American ear worm. “You can do a lot with four American Dollars” indeed. Multi-layered vocals, a guitar line that grooves throughout, it is refreshing from start to finish. [Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – “Be Afraid”]( Since[Jason Isbell departed the Drive-By Truckers](, he has made some big changes in his life. He has also become pretty prolific. In addition to producing albums for other artists, he has released 10 albums in the last 13 years with a new one right around the corner called Reunions which is his fourth with the 400 Unit. “Be Afraid” is pretty much classic Isbell with driving guitars, a dense arrangement of stringed instruments and a big chorus. The song reverberates throughout with excellent production. [Working Men’s Club – “White Rooms and People”]( One of the bands that I’m excited to hear more from. A definite new take on old school art rock from bands like The Fall or Gang Of Four: refreshingly weird enough to get your attention before unleashing super hooky choruses and absolutely owning you. More please. [Gang Starr – Bad Name (remix) featuring Redman and Methodman]( Resurrected after 16 years, and moving on without his Guru who has passed, Gang Starr’s DJ Premier has teamed up with Methodman and Redman on this remix of “Bad Name.” This is some old-school magic here. And yes, there is a Harambe shout out. So, a little new mixed with the classic. [The Hinds – “Good Bad Times”]( Super-catchy indie pop from this four-piece band of señoritas from Madrid, Spain. Fresh, fun, and hard to ignore. Sounds like Spring to me. [Pearl Jam – “Dance Of The Clairvoyants”]( Because sometimes the Talking Heads show up when least expected. And because when you’re Pearl Jam, you get to do whatever you want. Both of these things are true. And for that I’m smiling. Our first taste of the band’s upcoming Gigaton album slashes and pounces it’s way into your brain and just might make you move in unexpected fashion. This is a good thing. [Khalid + Disclosure – “Know Your Worth”]( Smooth and sleek, Disclosure and Khalid deliver something that is trance-worthy. It is all about the rhythm here, a bounce that carries through and provides the perfect foundation to Khalid’s croon. Positive vibrations abound. [Grouplove – “Deleter”]( The energy and urgency here come flooding from the start and don’t give up. Absolutely perfect power-pop rock that infects all of your happy parts. Infectious as shit. Their live shows are a blast. [Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – “Blue Moon Rising”]( This is impressive. Over the last few years we’ve heard some elements of dance music in some of Noel Gallagher’s work. Perhaps Noel’s wife loves to dance and he in turn loves to make music for her? Or, he’s just doing his thing. And that’s worth applauding. “Blue Moon Rising” is a deeper dive into electronica and it is a completely fresh take on it. The Kate Bush samples are really cool and I appreciate that he is not afraid to explore new sounds. [Gorillaz – “Momentary Bliss” featuring slowthai and Slaves]( Ah yeah! [A new project from The Gorillaz](, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s musical collective which is manifested in a have always been inclusive, on this track they feature current UK rap star slowthai and Slaves. Having said that, “Momentary Bliss” is inherently British. [The Psychedelic Furs – “Don’t Believe”]( This is a nice surprise. The Psychedelic Furs have been touring for the last twenty years, give or take. They have a rich catalog of alternative rock dating back to MTV’s early days. But this is the first new music we have had from the band in 29 years. To these ears, it sounds every bit like it could have come from their first album. Singer Richard Butler’s voice is in prime condition, raspy and on point. This bodes well for the upcoming album. [Sturgill Simpson – “Mercury In Retrograde”]( “Mercury in Retrograde” is one of my favorite tracks from Sturgill Simpson’s fantastic 2019 album. A percolating rhythm powers Simpson’s vocals which tell the story of life on the road and those who populate it. It’s not a pretty sight but Simpson makes it sound bittersweet and provides a chorus for the ages. [Lido Pimienta – “Eso Que Tu Haces”]( The video is charming. The song is lovely. I can’t tell you that it sounds like a meditation on something uplifting, but I didn’t check the translated lyrics and also, it doesn’t matter. The feeling is there. It towers above Pimienta’s own soaring vocals, the crisp percussion, the traditional jazz tones of the clarinet and horns, and the backing vocals. There is a lot to like here. [Rolling Stone magazine has more to say]( about the people featured in the video and Pimienta’s history. [EOB – “Shangri-La”]( Ed O’Brien is best known for being the guitarist for Radiohead. In EOB, O’Brien steps out on his own with an album called EARTH arriving in April. O’Brien introduced the project with a fascinating track called “Brasil” which stretched out over the course of nine minutes. “Shangri-la” is more immediate. And it does its best to grab your attention. There are all sorts of attention grabbing production elements here, from the beats that define the track, to the layered vocals and fuzzed-out guitars. [Michigan Rattlers – “Desert Heat”]( If you are a fan of early Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown or Wilco or Springsteen, these guys are going to make you smile. [The HU – “Wolf Totem” featuring Jacoby Shaddix]( Mongolian band of the moment teams up with Papa Roach’s vocalist for an updated version of their song “Wolf Totem.” The HU have introduced the world to traditional Mongolian instrumentation which incorporates regional “throat singing” into a unique and exciting version of hard rock. [THE CLASSIC: Cat Stevens – “Angelsea”]( As I was putting this all together, I started realizing the huge impact his music had on me as kid. His songs were all over radio and they all seeped into my grey matter. Even the most simple Stevens songs have a singular beauty to them. But, when you get to songs like “Another Saturday Night” and “Angelsea,” the arrangements blossom out, with Moog synthesizers, layered backing vocals and the occasional prog element like what we have here. It’s a heady mix. For previous editions of The Playlist, see the growing archive [here](. See the Spotify playlist [here.]( ff/Dappered?a=pHjc9-qPkuA:fgtuqYovMPo:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=pHjc9-qPkuA:fgtuqYovMPo:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=pHjc9-qPkuA:fgtuqYovMPo:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Huckberry’s Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers](r/Dappered/~3/FODsbmTAlLU/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 25 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers – $136.98]( ($195) About the Author: [Adam Terry]( is Dappered’s resident shoe expert. He’s a thirtysomething Technical Trainer in the heating and manufacturing industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, and raw denim. He’s also a new(ish) dad! Astorflex is a small, eco-friendly company based in Mantua, Italy that focuses on responsible, transparent, and sustainable footwear manufacturing. Their handful of shoe models, essentially better and hipper versions of Clarks, are designed to be flexible, comfortable, and adaptable to the user’s feet over time. You might be familiar with [their Greenflex desert boots]( or [their Bitflex Chelsea boots]( but have you seen these new Rolflex Chelsea boot sneakers? A hybrid shoe that you (maybe) didn’t know you wanted! [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Part chelsea, part sneaker. A higher quality alternative to [the old BR Tully](. Full Details - Brand: Astorflex - Style: Chelsea boot on a sneaker sole - Size: 43 (10 D) - Last: N/A - Construction: Stitched and glued (bonwelted) - Leather: Italian pull-up leather - Sole: One-piece natural rubber cup sole - Details: Elastic gores and fabric pull-tabs - Extras: N/A - Country of Origin: Italy - Price: $198 USD [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Top down. “Snehlseas.” About Adam’s Scoring System: The Adam Shoe Scale of Justice (A.S.S.J.) is as follows: 5 – Excellent! No issues and highly recommended. 4 – Good. Above average, but not perfect. 3 – Average. Minor issues, might be good at the right price. 2 – Fair. Below average due to defects, flaws, or imperfections. 1 – Poor. Significant issues, not worth purchasing at any price. Ordering/Delivery/Returns This pair of brown leather Chelsneakers (see what I did there?) was ordered on a Friday and they were delivered the next day. One day shipping is practically unheard of, so, you definitely can’t fault it. FYI: Huckberry has free shipping and free returns on orders within 30 days of delivery. You might not that speedy of shipping. Be warned. Score: 5/5 Stars [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Obligatory box shot. Packaging My pair arrived in a plain, unbranded (possibly recycled) cardboard shoe box. There’s one 2.5” x 4” sticker on the end noting the brand, model, color, and size, but that’s it. No shoe bags or any extras here. Score: 3/5 Stars – At the full price point (they just recently went on sale), travel/storage shoe bags would be a nice addition. First Impressions Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at the age of 13, played a concert at the Teatro Bibiena in Mantua, which lies just a half-hour West of where the modern Astorflex factory resides. As with Mozart, these Rolflex boots have some positives and some… character. Let’s talk about the elephant cow in the room. The oiled pull-up leather (not nubuck as listed on Huckberry) that was chosen for this particular pair has some major visible loose grain and tiger striping/stretch marks. The bovine that gave us this hide must have been doing hot yoga or something! While I personally don’t normally love these characteristics, especially at this price point, the results of an informal poll on my Instagram told a different story. Most of the commentators said that they didn’t mind the marks as they add unique character to an already informal, casual type of sneaker. After some [Deep Thoughts]( I kind of agree. It’s definitely not the end of the world – no one expects your Chelsneakers to be highly polished anyways. To each their own! [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Unexpected? … Character? … Both? Also available [in a taupe suede]( which won’t have these markings if they’re not your thing. Moving to the inside, the vegetable-tanned linings and insoles are above average in terms of thickness and density. The non-removeable insoles are sculpted very well with a hint of arch support and there’s a helpful layer of foam underneath for cushioning and support. The elastic gores feel sturdy and snap back quickly to hold your feet in place. My only complaint here, a minor one, is that the fabric pull tabs are too small to actually fit a finger into. [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Made in Italy. The white rubber sole is both cemented and stitched to the upper and is surprisingly nice. I’d compare it to the Margom units used commonly across high end designer sneakers, though this one is slightly softer. The small grid patterns molded into the bottom should give ample grip in the usual Spring/Summer conditions. As a side note, Astorflex says they use water-based dyes and adhesives to hold all of this together, which is great because they’re non-toxic and better for the environment. Score: 3/5 Stars – Well made from above average materials and construction. Just be prepared for possible tiger striping if you get the smooth leather option. [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Really nice sole. Comparable to Margom units used across high end sneakers. Fit, Comfort, and Sizing You could say the fit is… generous. This last runs wide – the heel is fairly snug, but the collar opening and rounded boot-like toe box have some extra space for sure. I’d compare the overall fit to Dr. Martens or Blundstone boots. I recommend trying a half-size down from your Brannock size or go with your regular dress shoe size. My pair in EU 43 (10 US) feels like they have some free air around my feet, even with medium weight Darn Tough wool socks. For those of you who prefer thicker socks or need a wider fitting shoe, THESE ARE PERFECT FOR YOU. Note: Only available in US whole sizes at this time. If you are between sizes, Huckberry and I both recommend sizing down. Comfort is entirely subjective. The leather upper, lining, and padded insole are all quite comfortable to me. Not quite as comfortable as my favorite Vans, but certainly more comfortable than my old Clarks Desert Boots. For reference, I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10 D in most dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5 E in Allen Edmonds 65 last, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take a 10.5 in Vans and an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers. Score: 4/5 Stars – They run quite wide, but are very comfortable. [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( Comfortable. A bit wide. Size down if you’re between sizes. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly sneaker option made from above average materials and construction, you should definitely check out the Rolflex “Chelsneakers” from Astorflex. These are an exclusive to Huckberry, so with free shipping and returns/exchanges, there’s very little risk in trying a pair for yourself. Also, they just went on sale! Personally, I think these would look great with casual weekend type outfits – hoodies, t-shirts, denim, etc. Avg. Score: 3.75/5 Stars – Above average, but leather concerns and sizing might be an issue for you. [In Review: Huckberry's Astorflex Rolflex Chelsea Boot Sneakers | Dappered.com]( ff/Dappered?a=FODsbmTAlLU:hC0XJfCyCUM:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=FODsbmTAlLU:hC0XJfCyCUM:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=FODsbmTAlLU:hC0XJfCyCUM:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. 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