Your Style: Chad Campbell

"We all love Rochester, and my wife, Jennifer, and I have really rewarding jobs in the community."

That’s Chad Campbell, vice president of community impact for United Way of Olmsted County, who explains the "we" above includes the couple’s three children: Natalie, 9, Ryan, 5, and Knox, 5.

"We moved to Rochester for work," Campbell said, adding that his wife is an elementary school administrator with Rochester Public Schools.

"I’m an active runner, mostly running half marathons, but training now for my first marathon, Grandma’s in Duluth this June," Campbell notes. "I’m also involved in community theater locally. I’ve been on stage at the Civic and the Rep, and I currently serve on the board of directors at the Civic.

Please introduce your style.

I’m not sure I’d say I have any particular style. Outside of my professional attire, I can say with certainty that I don’t have a very distinctive style — anything from athletic wear to jeans and T-shirts. Most importantly, as with my professional wear, I like clothes that fit well.

In a professional context, I think of my look as being conservative, but with some cool patterns and splashes of color. In the winter, I’ll often exchange the jacket for a sweater — I get cold easily and my winter coat doesn’t accommodate a sport coat very well.

Sources of inspiration?

The bright colors started after my daughter picked out a bright pink shirt and tie set for me a number of years ago. Then, I wound up with some other colors. I’ve got a few purple shirts, some brighter blues, an emerald green, a couple shades of salmon — which, as it turns out, is a color.

What do you hope your style communicates?

At work, a little bit of personality, some fun, a little levity. In the community, or out and about town, I’m not sure my style communicates anything other than, there’s a guy with three kids, who managed to wear cleanish clothes today.

What do you hope to teach your children about style?

True as it is, I’m not sure I want to teach them that people will judge their appearance. I’d rather they learn to wear clothes that make them feel comfortable and happy.

Your most essential wardrobe components?

I love my tie bars. A tie bar adds just a little bit of interest. They also keep a tie from dragging through a salad, a bowl of yogurt or, in a hurried morning, out of the dishwater.

Similarly, when I run, I have to rock a headband. Keeps the sweat out of my eyes, holds my sunglasses in place and has a distinctive look.

What should every well-dressed man have in his wardrobe?

Lots of undershirts. They make whatever I’m wearing more comfortable and prevent thinner materials from becoming transparent.

Also belts. If the pants have belt-loops, I need to be wearing a belt.

Any priceless wardrobe items?

I have long been attached to some youth development organizations and I’ve collected sweatshirts and staff shirts from those places. Also, my Detroit Tigers 2006 playoffs sweatshirt.

Anything surprising?

I have some very large sweatshirts. That Tigers sweatshirt is a 2XL. I’m a pretty small guy these days, but that wasn’t always the case, and I’ve got some legacy items in my closet still.

Advice for readers?

No way — the last thing anyone needs is style advice from me!

My husband doesn't understand why I have more than one winter coat. For the record, I have three.