I haven’t made up a kit in a while.  Though, yesterday’s cooler temperatures got me thinking about the fall season, and how I may dress for certain occasions.  I start today with a kit I call Strictly Business.  I based this outfit around what I may wear to a sales visit with a potential new customer.  Before I know how a company tends to dress, I always visit first wearing a suit, or at least a sport jacket and pressed trousers.  I usually won’t wear a tie, but you never know.  And, of course I go to my usual standby, J.Crew which has some great new options this season in suiting, shirts, and more.

Clockwise from the middle (model):

Ludlow Suit Jacket with Double-Vented Back in Glen Plaid Italian Wool | $595.00
Having lost nearly 30 lbs, my suits are fitting rather loosely.  If I wore suits every day, this may be one I would consider.  However, since I tend to wear suits more like once every other week, or so I will probably go with something a little more versatile like the worsted wool in grey.

Abingdon laptop bag | $98.00
If I didn’t already have a great laptop bag, I would strongly consider this one.  The price is right.  It looks fairly rugged, yet stylish.  And if I’m looking at it right, I should be able to get in my computer (for presentations), a notebook, tablet, glasses case, and some other necessary paperwork.

Tipped linen pocket square | $42.00

Classic leather plaque belt | $49.50
This simple belt goes with just about any shoe style.  I actually bought mine at the J.Crew Factory Store for about half the price.  Looks exactly the same.

Alden® for J.Crew roughed-out suede chukka boots | $505.00
If I’m wearing a suit for work, chances are I am traveling too.  A comfortable chukka boot is a great option for travel.  They go well with everything from suits to chinos and jeans.  I bought a pair that look just like these Alden’s last year while in Germany.  Had I not made that purchase, I would strongly consider these.

Slim washed Thomas Mason® fabric point-collar shirt in blue gingham | $135.00
I tried the new Ludlow Shirts, and was not overly impressed.  The fabric is fine, though the cut is much slimmer than I need.  After one wash, the collar could no longer close, yet the sleeves were still too long.  The Thomas Mason shirts are still slim, but not as slim.  Yes, the price is higher, but the fabric quality is superior.  I only really need a handful (5-6) of dress shirts, so why not go for the gusto.  Even though this one is not considered a dress shirt, in my line of work, it will certainly fit the bill.

Ludlow Classic Suit Pant in Glen Plaid Italian Wool | $295.00
You didn’t think I was going to wear the jacket without pants, right?

Mougin & Piquard™ chronograph watch in black | $695.00
The watch I wear most days is an all steel Automatic Longines Hydro Conquest sports watch.  I still see the benefit, though of an elegant leather banded watch.  This model, exclusive to J.Crew is perfect for business, is stylish, is automatic, and in comparison to similar-looking options, won’t cost an arm and a leg.

Vesper-Stripe Tie | $69.50
I thought a green tie would bring the rest of this outfit together nicely.  I really like wool ties for fall/winter.  This one has a subtle pop of color in the stripe, but is not overwhelming.  AND it’s called Vesper.  For those of you who are familiar with my 00 Tumblr site will get the connection.

All items available at jcrew.com, and select J.Crew stores.

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