How to Dress for Success in Business
Whether it’s for a job interview or it’s a daily requirement, almost every guy will need to dress respectably occasionally. How you dress in a professional environment says a lot about you. Your choice of attire may not directly reflect on how qualified you are for your job, but it definitely lets others know how seriously you take your work and the relationships you have with the people there. It also signals an ability to understand what’s appropriate in specific situations. A silk necktie looks much better in the office than an Affliction polo.
So what should you wear if you want to be taken seriously in business? Before I break it down, let me say that some companies have their own unofficial standards that may differ slightly. Also, some people can break these rules because they have enough power, even though they usually don’t.
The Suit
This is the most important for the first impression. In America, business suits are two-pieces with two-buttons in a dark color other than brown. Stick with grey, navy, or charcoal black. Any patterns should be sedate, which means pinstripes and very conservative window panes and tight hound’s tooth. Wool-cashmere blends look good, and wool-silk can work as long as it’s not too shiny. The cut is just as important as the color and fabric. Your suit should be current but not too cutting edge. This means no skinny legs. You’re not in a bar trying to impress uptown socialites, you’re at work.
The Shirt
You can never go wrong with a solid white shirt, although pinstripes are totally fine. Stay away from bright colors and eye-catching designs. French cuffs can look pretentious unless it’s a special occasion, which doesn’t include a job interview. Also stay away from button collars, opting instead for the stiff ones. I probably don’t need to say this, but the silk shirt died with Vanilla Ice’s fame. And finally, make sure your shirt is spotless and professionally pressed.
The Tie
If your inner peacock is being stifled by your suit, the necktie is your chance to spice things up… a little. First, a good necktie is a silk necktie. Your tie’s color needs to be coordinated with your suit and shirt; it should stand out without being a strong focal point of your overall appearance. Guess what, this means the “power tie” is out. Also, stay away from the narrow European cut neckties. How should you tie your necktie? That depends on the material. I like a full Windsor knot for thinner material, and a half for thicker stuff. Your tie should reach to just above your belt.
The Shoes (and socks)
Your shoes should be leather with ½-¾-inch soles on the heels. If you’re wearing the right suit, black shoes are always safe. Brown can work for grey and navy, although light brown with a navy suit is death. Your socks should always match the color of your pants and be long enough not to expose skin when you cross your legs. And finally, your belt should match your shoes as precisely as possible.
