Business Apparel – Gentlemen

By: Janet Adetu Date: 6 years agoComment: 0 Category: Articles

ARE YOU DRESSED TO MEET EXPECTATIONS?

Whenever you are dressed for business there is a certain expectation that comes with your appearance. If you ask yourself too you also want to look somewhat serious, authoritative and respectful. You do need to be taken seriously if anything good is going to come out of your meeting or gathering. As it is a common human trait to judge people on first site it goes without saying that the better you look the more positive the impression that you are likely to leave behind. This is a very important call for paying attention to detail where it matters most.

Having met and trained numerous people I have found that dressing for many depends on their mood and the occasion. Well for me this would work during social occasions but business can become quite unpredictable. Opportunities may arise unannounced so it is important to be alert and ready for when those opportunities do come your way. If indeed you carry any title in business whether it is the CEO in person or the Business Development Manager or even the Sales Executive of your organization it is now paramount to meet expectations in your appearance.

Since looking good is good business, and it takes just seconds to make a good first impression not to mention you will never get a second chance to make a good first impression, I would implore you to add a little more effort, don’t just stand, stand out when dressing for business.

Let us take a closer look at some steps you can take:

YOUR FORMAL SUIT

  • Check your body proportions and ensure it fits well by buying the right size
  • Go for formal corporate colours like Black, Navy Blue, Charcoal Grey
  • Buy fabric like wool or blended material, try to avoid cotton only fabrics that may wrinkle
  • Two piece suits are the flow of fashion today though three piece suits are good too
  • Single breasted are more in vogue try to avoid double breasted jackets
  • When closing your jacket just button the top most button
  • Unbutton your jacket when you sit
  • The length of your trousers should sit and touch just above the back heel of your shoe
  • Dawn your jacket with a pocket square or rose pin
  • Avoid placing a pen at the front of your jacket
  • If your jacket squeezes your back line it is too tight

 

YOUR OFFICIAL SHIRT

  • Depending on your height watch out for short, regular or long sleeved shirts measure according to your arm length
  • Official shirts are always worn long
  • For business plain shirts go with everything, invest in white, blue, pink, cream pastel colours
  • Black or dark coloured shirts are for evening events
  • When choosing striped or checked shirts ensure it has a white background
  • The collar makes all the difference not too small, too short or too pointed
  • When wearing an undershirt avoid wearing a V-neck it should not show
  • Try to invest in 100% cotton or iron free shirts

 

YOUR BUSINESS TIE

  • The size of the tie depends on your body size
  • Thin ties are usually for social events while wider ties are more formal
  • Plain ties work well on all attires while striped ties are to be worn selectively
  • A darker tie sits well on a lighter shirt
  • Your tie should reach the top of the belt
  • Avoid wearing a striped tie, with a striped shirt and striped suit
  • Avoid floral or busy patterned ties they are quite distractive in business

 

YOUR EXTENDED WARDROBE –

SHOES

  • Formal shoes should have laces
  • Black is the most formal colour to have in your wardrobe
  • Your shoes should be well taken care of – polished
  • Your shoes should match your belt
  • Laceless shoes are worn with business casual
  • Watch out for worn out heels

 

BELT

  • Keep your belt in good condition
  • Discard all worn out belts
  • Watch your belt buckle to avoid distraction
  • A simple belt buckle works better in business
  • Black belts work well with black shoes

 

SOCKS

  • Plain coloured socks work best in business
  • The colour of your socks should match the colour of your trousers
  • Multi-coloured socks are in fashion but avoid when attending an important meeting to avoid distraction
  • Socks can make you appear like fashion is more important than business

ACCESSORIES

  • CUFFLINKS: Ensure the cufflinks match the colour of your watch-gold for gold and silver for silver
  • Bracelets, earings and necklaces re a NO NO in business
  • Your ring, lapel pin and tie tack are acceptable business attire
  • Anything above 3 pieces of jewellery is considered too much

 

Now you are equipped to STEP OUT & STAND OUT like a Charming Gentleman!

 

  • Wishing you the best of luck!

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