10 Tips for a Successful Business Wardrobe

by Scott Drayer on Nov 16, 2009 5 comments

Invest in quality tailored clothing that will last. Buy conservative suits and basic trousers that won't be out of style next season, and use fashion dress shirts and ties to personalize your fashion statement.
Find a good tailor and treat him/her well. Proper alterations on suits, trousers and sport coats are important to your appearance.
Be a bit more adventurous when matching shirts and ties. A large patterned necktie will work very well with a small patterned dress shirt, and vice versa. For example, pair a bold paisley tie with a micro-check dress shirt.
Make certain that your shoes are shined and appropriate for the rest of your outfit. For example, don't wear penny loafers with a suit, or cap toe dress shoes with chinos.
Make sure your accessories work together. Your belt should match your shoes and your socks should coordinate with your trousers.
Make yourself "perspiration proof." Always wear an undershirt under your dress shirt, and carry a handkerchief to wipe perspiration from your hands or brow. 7. Purchase a small, fold-up umbrella and keep it in your briefcase at all times. Nothing takes the smartness out of a man's appearance like an unexpected rain shower.
Unless you are in a profession where artistic flair is expected, always try to err on the side of dressing too conservatively.
Emulate (but do not copy) your boss, or other senior executives at your company, when deciding how to dress. 10. Never wear anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or not yourself.

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