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    Jammies, collared shirt paired with a tie a part of IndiaFirst Life Deputy CEO’s WFH style guide

    Synopsis

    Rushabh Gandhi and his team have shifted to work casuals made of easy breathable fabrics.

    Dressing up each day for work is a profound act for Gandhi.Agencies
    Dressing up each day for work is a profound act for Gandhi.
    When times are tough, dress conservatively like the British feels Rushabh Gandhi, Deputy CEO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company. And when times are buoyant, dress exuberantly like the Italians is his motto.

    "Clothing enthusiasts opine that an individual is appropriately dressed not when he stands out but when he is wearing the right apparel for the moment at hand. The Covid-19 lockdown has brought along a whole new set of quandaries. Most of the time, it is difficult to distinguish if we work from home (WFH) or if we live at work. To juggle household chores and office duties with elan, we have all shifted to work casuals made of easy breathable fabrics. The WFH look is all about being comfortable and elegant. When working from home, I am usually dressed in an easy track pant paired with a collared t-shirt. I’m logging in and out of multiple Microsoft Team calls and video conferences through the day. So, I often mix and match comfortable clothing in colours that uplift my mood," he said.

    Dressed up
    Dressing up each day for work is a profound act for Gandhi. "For a Zoom or Microsoft Teams call, putting on a blazer not only lifts the mood but also helps bring in a sense of professionalism in a fluid, virtual environment. The irony of the situation is that we all have adapted to manage our hyper-active work life with a sense of tranquillity. We have learnt to be thoughtful and deliver without getting frenzied. My calm in the storm for an impromptu Zoom call or a VC would be my all-time favourite go to outfit – a blue denim paired with a crisp white shirt and a jacket," he says.

    Gandhi believes, a great pair of well-fitted blue jeans is one of the worthiest investments you can make.

    "Pair it with the ever-iconic crisp white shirt and a blazer and you are sorted with a streamlined silhouette that gives you a smart edge. In today’s time and age, video calls help form and maintain relationships. If you are not dressed for success, you could be sending out a wrong message. Therefore, it is essential to present yourself well," he shares.

    For a strategy meeting with his team, Gandhi is usually dressed in denim and a formal shirt. For a pitch of networking call, it is denim and a neatly ironed shirt in a pastel shade paired with a smart dark jacket.

    "My classic deep silver dial-ed, metallic strapped wristwatch further accentuates the overall look. I also trust a clean-shaven guise to create a good impression. For a catch-up with friends over Zoom call, I usually join the call in whatever I’m wearing at that point in time. You are yourself with your friends. No hang-ups. No pretence. Therefore, your outfit would be immaterial when catching up with friends over a VC," he says.

    Lounge time
    Gandhi's focus has been more around comfort clothing. "Tracks and T-shirts are my absolute go to. I’m not too fussy about brands for loungewear. However, I am mindful about comfort, style and feel of the fabric when picking my jammies. Never would have I associated the terms – Loose. Comfortable. Relaxed. – with work wear. However, like nearly every facet of life, the Covid-19 pandemic has revolutionised this as well," he says.

    Indulgence notes
    Gandhi's working world at home has been revolving around telecons, video conferences and meetings.

    He says, "While we continue to wear what we wear, there's always a room to smarten up our appearance a little bit more. What better accessory for a man than a classy tie that adds panache to his own distinct style. You take your pick and pair it right. Next you knot the tie well and you are all set to rock the look! In line with my hobby of Grabatology (collecting ties), my lockdown indulgence has been the classic pink and grey Thomas Pink Tie. Now, I am waiting for the right occasion to sport it! Whether you're suiting up for office or heading out for the evening, a tie lets you pull together the incongruent elements of your wardrobe with a touch of texture or complementary colour."

    Wardrobe piece

    Even though they observe a smart casual dress code at IndiaFirst Life, there is something about power dressing to greet the day with energised optimism. "A smart set of clothes is a good confidence booster. It makes the day feel more real and exciting. Attending meetings, both internal and external, is a good enough reason for me to don the multiple suits in my wardrobe," he says.

    Mask wear
    The company created special, high quality branded masks. "As a proud employee of one of the great places to work, I sport that one. If you can continue being a brand ambassador while protecting yourself – there’s nothing like it," he ends.


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