Tom Carver's Classic Style

“People don’t wear suits like they used to,” says Tom Carver, attorney at law and partner at Carver, Cantin, Mynarich, LLC. “It’s a lot more sport coats and trousers rather than a complete suit. That may not seem like a big thing, but it’s definitely a change from when I first started practicing law when literally everyone was wearing a suit.”

Carver’s history in law goes back further than just his own career. His father was a practicing lawyer and, later in his life, a circuit court judge. “I’ve been around the legal system my whole life.” With his father’s influence and his own extensive experience—political science at the University of Arkansas, law school in Kansas City and a stint in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1976 to 1980— Carver found an affinity for a timeless style.

“My father wore a tie and a suit every day of his life,” Carver says. “Even after he retired and had some failing health, he would wear a tie with his coveralls. It was just the way he grew up. I suppose I picked up on some of that, although I don’t wear coveralls.”

From his own experience, Carver has learned that presentation is vital in practicing law. “I personally think that when you wear a tie and a shirt, you’re putting your image out there, and people respond to that,” he says.

“People are looking for somebody who knows what they’re doing, and that’s what I try to present.”

Suited to Travel

Whenever Carver travels, he finds himself stopping at menswear stores to browse or buy. “I don’t play golf, I don’t go to the lake,” Carver says. “Clothes are my form of recreation. Looking at and buying clothes, probably far too many.” Favorite shops he’s found include:

Town & County
2660 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-883-6131

Mister Guy’s Men’s Store
9817 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, 314-692-2003