Seven Days of Dapper: Mindy Dawn Friedman

We’re back with a brand new Seven Days of Dapper and the first post of 2018! This week, we’re featuring seven days worth of style from Mindy Dawn Friedman’s closet.

About Mindy:
Raised a nice Jewish girl on Long Island, I currently live life out loud with my wife, Megan, in Atlanta. With less-than-subtle wardrobe choices, I nudge space for masculine-of-center and gender-nonconforming people to encourage a more open-minded and compassionate world. I insert teachable moments when mistaken for identities other than woman/female/she. My playful, authentic and purposeful fashion lets people know they can safely ask me questions about gender, style, and sexual orientation.

My early days as a stand-up comedian help me bring humor and joy in outfit combinations. It also explains my deep collection of vest/blazers and the vibrance I bring to my career at InterContinental Hotels Group — where I founded #BowTieWednesday and lead the Education and Development team in IHG Out & Open, our LGBQTIA employee resource group. It’s all part of my master plan to inspire and celebrate diversity through visibility. Just being comfortable in my own skin and outfit can breathe life into somebody’s effort to trust themselves and live a more authentic life. It’s my mission to be seen so that our voices can ultimately be heard.

Day 1 (Monday)– Starting the week off with a ‘subtle’ power clash. Perfectly transitions from casual office meetings to shopping and then a happy hour. From the fringe on the shoe to the zipper on the pants, from the suspenders to the statement lapel pins, this outfit is all about the details.

Details: Blazer – Blind for Love Gucci; Shirt – Robert Graham; Bow Tie: Etro; Glasses – Eyebobs; Suspenders – Tommy Hilfiger boys’; Pants – Jolt; Shoes: Marc Jacobs.

Day 2 (Tuesday) – These polka dots bring the energy. Thanks to the reversible blazer, this combo is a veritable fashion mullet – business on one side, a party on the other. Great for a first day with summer interns or jaunting about town.

Details: Pants – Moschino; Shirt – Ben Sherman; Blazer – T.H.O.M.A.S. T.H.O.M.A.S.; Sunglasses – Illesteva; Shoes – Marc Jacobs (also pictured in Day 1).

Day 3 (#BowTieWednesday) – Color outside the lines whether they are horizontal, vertical, or even window-paned. This outfit is about the cleanliness of striping. Even the short hem of the pants and pocket watch chain playfully participate in the conversation. Both romantic and austere, this outfit is clever and versatile enough to rock on #BowTieWednesday. Even if I bow tie nearly every day, Bow Tie Wednesdays remain a sacred institution.

Details: Shirt and Bow Tie– Original Penguin; Pants – J. Crew; Socks – Sock It To Me; Shoes – NiK Kacy Footwear.

Day 4 (Thursday) – Get out your allergy medications. The minimalist black and white background frames the playful patterns of this power clash maelstrom. #PowerClashHallOfFame This energetic ensemble makes an impression at a planning session with IHG Out & Open or out at a networking mixer.

Details: Shirt – Polo Ralph Lauren; Bow Tie – Brooks Brothers; Blazer – Moschino; Pants – Cult of Individuality; Shoes – The Office of Angela Scott.

Day 5 (Friday) – A wise-guy always means business. This three-piece suit is a custom creation with THÚY Custom Clothier. Inspired from the shoes up (thanks, NiK Kacy!) and influenced by a binge on Boardwalk Empire, I wanted a suit that goes from power lunch to an evening at a Speakeasy without pause.

Details: Suit – THÚY Custom Clothier; Shirt – Robert Graham; Bow Tie – Tie The Knot; Socks: Socksmith; Shoes – NiK Kacy Footwear.

Day 6 (Saturday) – Past times include roaming the streets like a disco super hero. As someone who likes to shine, why shouldn’t what I wear also join in on the fun? This outfit yearns for a night of mystery and adventure.

Details: Jacket – DSquared2; Shirt – Bonobos; Bow Tie – xoelle; Pants – Paige; Shoes – John Fluevog.

Day 7 – And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie… A well designed three-piece suit allows for adaptability. From classy to sassy with a pinch of nerdy, add or remove layers throughout the day to suit temperature, formality and mood.