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Welcome to the latest edition of Working It, where Racked National takes street style to the next level—the office. The litmus test of a true fashionista is how she (or he) rocks her style on any old day to work. Forget the pedestrian khakis and a button downs—these fashionable professionals take the office dress code to a whole other dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Photo credit: Jack Thompson/Hamilton Shirts
This week we bring you to Houston, Texas to meet a handful of the fine folks behind the beloved American brand Hamilton Shirts. The craftsmanship that goes into the construction of each hand cut shirt has been passed down through four generations of shirtmakers dating back to the company's inception in 1883. With three collections: bespoke, made-to-measure, and a ready-to-wear line called Hamilton 1883; it's no wonder why many stylish gents choose Hamilton as their go-to shirt.
Kelly Hamilton, co-owner: I wear a lot of Hamilton Shirts, which I like to pair with jeans and dress up or down with shoes and jewelry. I love wearing my Levi's denim jacket with dresses in the summer because while Houston is extremely hot, it’s always really cold indoors—people turn their AC too low. I also love to go to Uniqlo when I’m in New York and stock up on basics like great cotton t-shirts, jeans, and light weight jackets—which are considered a fall item up North, but will take you through winter here in Houston.
Kelly is wearing a light blue poplin shirt by Hamilton Shirts, super 120’s trousers by J.Crew, and a Timex watch that she purchased about six years ago at Target. She gets more compliments on that watch than anything she owns.
Style advice: If you invest in things that are high quality and timeless, you can wear them over and over. Buy basics that will last for seasons and then use accessories to tie in current trends. Remember, just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s for you!
David Hamilton, co-owner: Simple. Classic. Tailored.
David is wearing a blazer from Isaia, a white with blue hairline stripe poplin shirt by Hamilton Shirts, slacks from Loro Piana, and a Façonnable tie.
Style advice: Develop your own personal style and always invest in basics. Look for staples made from high quality fabrics and great fit so you can wear them for years to come.
Christina Williams, wholesale representative: My style is feminine and whimsical but pretty simple. I’m drawn to pieces with ruffles, shine, and flowers. And I like pairing bright accessories or an interesting pair of shoes with my outfits.
Christina is wearing a pink and blue check shirt by Hamilton Shirts, white linen pants from Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors watch, necklace by Dogeared, and a vintage blue belt.
Style advice: Splurge on the basic items in your wardrobe. You will get more use out of these key pieces in the long run. Spend less on trendy items. They will just be a memory of the past by next season.
Robert Kuhn, production specialist: Second hand. Natural materials. Rough and tough. I base my style on comfort and functionality.
Robert is wearing a light chambray shirt by Hamilton Shirts, blue jeans from Wrangler, Cappelletti belt by Chianti, and Lucchese ostrich boots.
Style advice: Look for natural materials, so they breathe. My work is on the production floor, so that means blue collar—rough and tough. Solid blue is solid for any man, anywhere. If it’s not in style, it can't go out of style.
Sarah Sadka, branding specialist: I like to mix old and new. I gravitate towards pieces that are unique and structurally interesting.
Sarah is wearing a white herringbone shirt by Hamilton Shirts, skirt from Anthropologie, shoes by Dolce Vita, vintage oversized enamel bangle, and watch by Gucci.
Style advice: Dress in pieces that express your personality and point of view. Tailoring is key—if something doesn’t fit perfectly, get it altered. Makes all the difference!
· Hamilton Shirts [Official Site]
· Hamilton 1883 [Official Site]
· All Working It posts [Racked]