The world of business is high stakes and has a notoriously low tolerance for failure so it is important to look your absolute best, especially if you’re new in the business and looking forward to a good career. But just a shirt and tie doesn’t really cut it on Wall street anymore, you have to look impeccable with each look element planned to perfection. So here’s a style guide featuring ten essential look elements for young businessmen.
10. Socks
Dress socks are more important than you believe. You might think that you can just wear any pair of white sport socks as nobody will see them but think again. Most pairs of dress pants are tailored so that they reveal teh socks at least a little bit so invest in a dozen pairs of dress socks.
9. A Belt
A belt does more than just hold up your pants. It matches your shoes, wallet and (hopefully) goes well with your tie rounding off your overall look. It is a crucial accessory and shouldn’t be neglected. So don’t just throw up any belt, use one that helps your overall look.
8. Shoes
A lot of people invest heavily in their shoes, often choosing fancy shoes from big name brands. That’s the wrong approach. You should always choose shoes that both look good and are comfortable to wear. Don’t wear swanky shoes that cripple your feet. Ladies, that goes triple for you!
7. Accessories
The old adage is that men can’t wear accessories, that they should limit themselves to a wedding band and watch with the occasional tiepin. Does this hold true nowadays? Well, to some extent yes. As a young man in particular you shouldn’t wear jewelry, or at least not too much. Don’t be afraid to wear things like your college ring, if you graduated from Cambridge but don’t overdo it with the precious metals.
6. Dress Shirts
Perhaps the most important element in your wardrobe is the humble dress shirt. Dress shirts come in a wide variety of colours and styles but you shouldn’t try to stand out through them. A well-dressed man looks good because of the entirety of his outfit not because his teal shirt stands out. So pick sedate colours that go well with others and complement the rest of your look.
5. Cufflinks
Surprisingly important despite the ‘no accessories’ rule, cufflinks are the only bit of extravagance allowed to a man. You want to look exceedingly classy? Pick classic cufflinks. Want to look affluent? Pick the most expensive cufflinks you can find. If you want to ‘represent’ your favourite hobby pick some game controller shaped cufflinks. Go wild.
4. Sweaters and Vests
A three piece suit isn’t complete without a vest and that vest might be the most important thing in your arsenal because it shows that you go the extra mile when it comes to clothes. Sweaters are equally important if you’re going for the casual look, in a less official setting like a company party. Sweaters can say a lot on their own but match them properly to the rest of your outfit and you’ll stand out.
3. Blockbuster Coats
Go wild for a second. Blockbuster coats are this winter’s fashion newcomers, coats that look incredibly extravagant in both form and colours. This might look like a risky move but if you think you can pull one off, wear it to work with a very classic suit. That way, when you take the extravagant item off you’ll look like a true businessman, showing in the process that you’re polyvalent.
2. Pants
Pants might seem less important than they are. After all, you just match them with your suit, right? Well, what if you’re mixing and matching in summer? Pants that are not the same colour as the jacket add a whole new level of complexity to selecting your wardrobe so it’s important to have a wide variation
1. Ties
Ties are essential. Whether you can pull off a bowtie or are sticking to the classics, the thing around your neck will be the thing that draws everyone’s attention so it is essential that it looks stunning and goes well with at least your shirt, preferably the rest of your outfit as well. So don’t neglect a tie and swap them often to show you have a true touch for style. You’ll be surprised how valuable this is in business.
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