Buzz
Project the authority and charisma of a successful CEO by learning to select the perfect attire for any event, invest in high-quality suits, and complement your look with subtle yet impactful accessories. Never underestimate the importance of "dressing to impress!"
Steps to Take
Choosing the Right Attire for the Occasion
Dress according to your field. Tailor your attire to fit the style of your industry and the culture of your company to avoid standing out in a negative way. A Wall Street investment banker will have a different wardrobe than a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. It’s generally best to lean towards more formal attire to project professionalism and control; a well-tailored suit is often a safe bet.
- To convey CEO-level authority regardless of the industry, consider dressing slightly more maturely than your age suggests.
- If unsure, stick to classic hues like black, grey, white, or navy for a timeless look.
Dress at the same level or higher. When dressing for a meeting, aim to match the level of formality and style worn by high-level executives or board members, but consider dressing a little more polished than what clients or employees might wear.
Understand Business vs. Business Casual. When the occasion calls for it, "business attire" typically includes a dark, matching suit in a solid or subtly pinstriped color, a white dress shirt, a conservative tie, and leather dress shoes. "Business casual" allows for a dress shirt and slacks as a minimum, with a jacket such as a blazer or sport coat being optional.
- If in doubt during a business casual event, start with a jacket and tie, then remove one or both if the environment feels more relaxed upon arrival.
- Remember, a CEO should dress at or above the level of clients and employees, so it’s perfectly fine to be a little more formal at a business casual event.
Take into account foreign customs. When meeting with international partners or clients, research the business etiquette of their country and adjust your wardrobe accordingly—whether it’s dressing more conservatively, covering more skin, or choosing formal attire—if it’s more appropriate or makes them feel more at ease.
Assess the social context. For business-related social events, go for slightly more relaxed attire. If no specific dress code is provided, consider a light gray or dark brown suit for daytime events, or simply remove your jacket to pair your slacks with a button-down shirt. For events that call for ‘suits and ties for men’ (like brunches or church outings), opt for more expressive social suits in lighter hues or vibrant patterns.
Make smart travel wardrobe choices. When preparing for a business trip, keep your outfit professional while selecting fabrics that resist wrinkles or come with anti-wrinkle features. For example, opt for a wool suit instead of linen when traveling. Remove your coat to prevent it from wrinkling, or choose a sweater and more casual slacks if the situation allows for it.
Selecting the Perfect Suit
Choose a reputable maker for the best fit. Opt for a custom-tailored or high-quality ready-to-wear suit. If you go with off-the-rack, ensure the fit is right and take it to a tailor for adjustments to make it feel as personal as possible.
- Explore various brands to find what suits your body shape best.
- Ensure the shoulders lie flat with the seam aligning with the underlying bone.
- The jacket buttons should close comfortably without pulling, and the lapels shouldn’t fold or flare out like a skirt.
- The sleeves should allow about half an inch of shirt cuff to show, and the overall jacket length should end around the middle of your hand with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Trousers should have a slight “break” at the shoe, with no more than one wrinkle, and sit straight without sagging or creasing.
Mind the finer details. Select fabrics, buttons, lapels, and vents based on climate, function, and your style preference.
- Wool is versatile and suitable for year-round wear in medium weight, while cotton and linen are great for hot climates but tend to wrinkle easily and are not ideal for travel.
- Opt for a jacket lining with a touch of color or pattern, ensuring it still complements your shirts.
- Single-button suits offer a modern look, ideal for slimmer builds, while three-button suits are best for medium or tall builds—only fasten the middle or first and middle buttons when standing.
- Choose between a notch lapel, a peak lapel, or a shawl lapel based on your style preference. The notch lapel has a small cut-out at the top, the peak lapel has sharp edges pointing upward, and the shawl lapel is a smooth, rounded shape.
- While single vents are common, double vents give a sharp, European touch to your jacket’s rear.
Have a variety of shirts. Stock up on white and light blue shirts for an always-sophisticated look, but also experiment with button-downs in other colors to keep your daily suit ensemble fresh and interesting.
Choose ties in solid or subtle patterns. Opt for a clean Windsor or double Windsor knot instead of a basic four-in-hand knot.
- Stay away from loud, distracting prints that take attention away from the overall look.
Opt for a full tuxedo for formal events. For a black-tie occasion, choose a complete tuxedo with a cummerbund or vest, paired with a bowtie or cravat. Consider renting a tuxedo for an affordable price unless you find yourself attending such events regularly, in which case investing in your own might be worthwhile.
Incorporating Accessories
Select high-quality shoes. Choose a leather Oxford or another premium leather dress shoe that matches or is darker than your suit. Take care of your dress shoes by regularly cleaning and polishing them.
- Your socks should either match the shoe color or be a shade darker than the suit to avoid standing out when crossing your legs.
Coordinate your belt with your shoes. Pair a quality leather belt with shoes of the same color, and choose a subtle buckle. Ideally, the buckle’s metal should complement the metal details on your watch or ring.
- Consider buying a reversible belt with both brown and black sides for versatility with different shoe colors.
Invest in cufflinks. Cufflinks are a great way to secure your shirt sleeves and add an extra touch of elegance to your outfit. Choose cufflinks that complement your suit or match the color of your tie.
Wear a watch. Consider investing in a classic leather strap watch that complements the color of your belt and shoes.
- You can also add a ring to your look, but avoid excessive jewelry as it can become distracting.
Invest in a high-quality briefcase. Opt for a brown or black leather briefcase that matches the color of your most-worn shoes and belt, and be sure to keep it polished like you would your shoes.
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Maintaining good hygiene and a fresh haircut is key to finishing the look. Regularly trim your nails and keep facial hair tidy. A haircut every month is recommended, depending on your style.
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Ensure your clothes are clean, lint-free, and ironed, and take care of any minor issues like loose threads or buttons.
The tips shared in this section come from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers. If you have a valuable suggestion, feel free to submit it below on Mytour.
- In addition to grooming your hair, don’t forget to take care of your eyebrows, nose, and ear hair. Also, make sure to brush your teeth and use mouthwash for a complete grooming routine.
Important Warnings
- Never fasten the bottom button of your jacket, regardless of how many buttons it has, and always unbutton when sitting down.
- Avoid pairing brown shoes and belts with black suits.
- Do not wash suits in a washing machine, and limit dry cleaning to avoid premature wear and tear.
