The new business style

How does business work in the second year after the great casualwear deluge? An inventory and instructions for action

One remembers: In the fall of 2010, an international wave of malice swept over the now only major Swiss bank, which had been freed from difficulties - a 52-page, detailed outfit memorandum for employees had come to the attention of the public, who were delighted by the fact that it even contained it the color of the underwear was recorded.

13 years later, no one talks about dress codes anymore, most companies have tightened their clothing regulations or consigned them to the dustbin of history. The corona pandemic from 2020 to 2022 did its part: home and casual wear conquered the carpet floors and have settled there ever since. A tsunami of relaxation has swept through the business wardrobe.

But now we are largely back to “Courant Normal”, i.e. conditions like before the big hysteria. While recently people were preaching the end of all classical order, there are now more and more voices calling for the preservation of certain minimal formulas. The industry is once again talking about a comeback of the suit. Accordingly, one begins to wonder what that “appropriate wardrobe” that we used to talk about looked like.

Even today, the classic combination is not wrong - you are “allowed” to wear a suit without embarrassment, in fact you should again, because only now can you differentiate yourself with it. Younger men understand this and enjoy the classic suit. They wear them tighter and shorter - especially the trousers end at ankle height, which would have been “high water” in the past. In addition, the suit is often worn differently - without a tie, with a T-shirt or sweater, or even with simple sneakers.

For everyone else who wants to get a little closer to the classic, combinations of jackets and different colored trousers are a good idea - this look, which was previously only acceptable on “Casual Friday” or the weekend, is now largely the norm. This “New Business Style” takes the timeless elements of the old school and combines them with new ideas. The mix is: “Two thirds business, one third casual”. Some also call it “smart casual”.

It's about honoring tradition while embracing the achievements of modern clothing. The tailors of the world have understood this and produce classic combinations that are as easy, relaxed and stress-free to wear as jogging suits. Since then, stretch fibers and comfort are no longer a contradiction to fit and precision. The new suit has allure but is super easy to wear. It lifts its wearer up without restricting them. The new suits and jackets are lighter and more breathable. Individual settings are possible: You can wear a new suit with a T-shirt, turtleneck, sweater, sneakers and down vest over it - or with a tie, brogues and a classic top coat. Sometimes like this; sometimes like that.

At Alferano you can find the whole range - casual everyday suits, fashionable double-breasted suits, elegant business suits and looks for special moments such as parties or weddings. For the classic novice there is the inexpensive entry-level model, for the connoisseur there is the luxury model handmade in Italy with all the finesse that are indispensable for connoisseurs, be it hand-stitched buttonholes, piqued lapels, unglued inlays, embroidered monograms and belt tensioners instead of belt loops.

Jeroen van Rooijen (52) is a style critic and columnist, writes for international newspapers and magazines and was co-founder of the Alferano concept store in Zurich in 2015.

The new business looks

All garments are made individually for you and you can of course choose all details such as fabric, color, pockets etc. according to your taste.

Veston made to measure: 1198 CHF
Half-zip knitted sweater made to measure: 529 CHF
Made-to-measure shirt: 199 CHF
Pocket square: 79 CHF
Made-to-measure trousers: 429 CHF
Custom-made shoes: 598 CHF

Made-to-measure suit: 1498 CHF
Made-to-measure shirt: 179 CHF
Tie: 179 CHF
Pocket square: 79 CHF
Custom-made shoes: 598 CHF

Veston made to measure: 1198 CHF
Knitted polo made to measure: 499 CHF
Pocket square: 79 CHF
Flannel trousers made to measure: 398 CHF
Custom-made shoes: 598 CHF

Veston made to measure: 1098 CHF
Made-to-measure shirt: 259 CHF
Pocket square: 79 CHF
Custom-made chino trousers: 249 CHF
Suede belt: 198 CHF
Custom-made suede shoes: 598 CHF

Made-to-measure suit: 1498 CHF
Made-to-measure shirt: 229 CHF
Tie: 179 CHF
Pocket square: 79 CHF
Custom-made shoes: 598 CHF