What I Wear to Work: Going tieless is part of HR manager Brian Little’s “people strategy”

56, head of human resources, Zurich North America, Schaumburg, Ill.

What do you do all day?

The easiest way to explain it is “people strategy”— empowering, developing, and retaining people.

So you’re a people guy. How does your wardrobe help you connect?

I think what I wear conveys that we’re in a professional environment, but also it’s fun, which helps people understand me quickly.

How would you describe your style?

Corporate but cool.

Does your office have a dress code?

I work in an industry that is conservative but also allows you to express yourself. We have a European style, because our headquarters are in Zurich.

Why no tie?

We do a lot of field office visits, and if you’re overly conservative in your dress, it turns people off. I like ties— I probably have 50 or 60. But it’s easier to communicate with a wider variety of people without one.

Tell me about your suit.

My wife bought it for my birthday. Nearly all my clothes have some sort of meaning. I have a watch we bought in Greece when traveling for our anniversary.

What’s your pocket-square strategy?

Just that they’re not ugly.

Do you fold them?

I’m not really good at folding pocket squares. I’ve tried every way, and now I just fold them in an exact square and stick them in.