Louisville Magazine is Louisville's city magazine, covering Louisville people, lifestyles, politics, sports, restaurants, entertainment and homes. Includes a monthly calendar of events.
Issue link: https://loumag.epubxp.com/i/250528
style fashion John Birnsteel 42, chief operating offcer at Doe-Anderson. Photographed downtown on the corner of Market and Fifth streets. How do you typically dress for work? "We're an advertising agency, so we're probably more relaxed than, say, a bank. But it all depends on if I'm meeting with a client or if I have more of a desk day. Sometimes our clients dress down when they come to our offce, and we'll dress up, so it will be an interesting mismatch. "We have a lot of clients downtown, so I'm out and about quite a bit. I don't like to carry an umbrella, so this jacket is great because it keeps the rain off me. I make sure my shoes are comfortable and good for walking. If I am traveling, I will de-layer so it's easier to get through airport security. It's easier these days without having to match a tie to a suit." What are you wearing today? "This is my second Barbour coat. I lived in London for 16 years, and it's great for wetter weather, much like in London in July. It's dressy enough and passable as an overcoat, but it's functional. My layered look is more necessity than style, in a sense. You get into an offce and it's overheated, so it's nice to pare down. I prefer to wear a scarf for warmth versus a hat, which might mess up your hair." What other style infuences did you pick up in London? "Sensible shoes because you walk a lot, and a briefcase so you can carry things with you. So many people are on bikes in London, or in tight commuting spaces and don't have the luxury of just jumping in a car to make sure you don't get wrinkled. You might be on a bus jammed up with people or riding on the subway. People might actually dress up more in Louisville than they do in bigger cities." How would you describe your style? "Pretty pragmatic. I don't do a whole lot of accessorizing. I try to make it as effcient as possible. I try not to stand out, but I do like to have nice things. I'd rather spend money on quality things that will last than have disposable clothes. I tend to keep clothes for a long time, so I'd rather have fewer, better-quality pieces." What are your favorite men's brands and stores? "I've been going to the Fashion Post near Holiday Manor for years. I like Thomas Pink shirts. I've been collecting wool trousers lately as a way to dress things up. You see a lot of khaki in Louisville, which might be a bit overdone." What are your closet essentials? "I really like spring and autumn blazers. A bright cotton blazer in the spring is nice when you come out of the gray winter weather, and there's also that frst time you can pull out a tweed sport coat when summer is over." 84 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE 2.14