One of the things that really stood out for me on my trip to London was business clothing for men. The business suit was the key element for business dress compared to Vancouver where we are still seeing a lot of sport coats worn for business. The navy suit was everywhere; this in contrast to Vancouver where we are still seeing more charcoal, muted colours and earth tones rather than navy. In France, navy and charcoal suits were worn, however, so was the sport coat. In both countries, business casual included short sleeved camp style and dress shirts tucked into the slacks or trousers. Pant styles are mainly plain front styles with narrow legs, all worn with sleek, tapered oxfords.
Category Archives: Business Dress
Why Keep Your Hands Well Groomed
Our hands are one of the most expressive parts of our body. And because of this they constantly draw attention to themselves. So it is very important to keep them well groomed. For women, this means that nails should be well shaped and filed to the same length. (Yes, that means when one breaks they should all be filed down.) Cuticles and skin should be moisturized regularly with cuticle and hand cream. If you polish your nails use colours that are flattering to your skin tone and keep the polish on the nails rather than the cuticles. Chipped nail enamel is very distracting, looks sloppy and can leave you feeling embarrassed. Always, repair or remove chipped nail enamel right away.
Earring Size Matters
I love large earrings. And I am happy to say that over the past few years they have been making a comeback. However, there is confusion about how big earrings should be when worn for work. Currently, large earrings make a fashion statement. They also make a statement about you. The wrong earrings can harm your credibility, they can be distracting and in some situations dangerous. When choosing earrings for work opt small to medium sized earrings with minimal details to keep attention focused on you not the earrings. Always consider your work environment, your job and the culture of your company and industry.
Not All Jeans Are Created Equal
For many of us jeans are the favourite garment that we throw on without really thinking about it. However, for jeans day at the office, it is important to consider that all jeans are not created equal. Jeans for business casual attire should be stylish and should be coloured denim or dark denim. The style should be flattering to the body shape without being overly revealing. Jeans that are tattered, distressed with uneven fading or with holes should be kept for weekend wear not work wear.
Best Shirts for Business Casual
Many men think that business casual dress includes a t-shirt. Unfortunately at many companies, t-shirts are considered a bit too casual even on casual day. Instead, choose a solid colour polo shirt, a band collar or button-down collar shirt. Camp style shirts also work well but should be tucked in for a professional look. During cooler weather, a light-weight mock or turtle neck sweater look professional. These will give you a comfortable casual look without being too casual.
No Collar is Too Casual
Dressing for work these days can be very confusing; especially in a business casual environment. And one question I hear all the time is how casual is too casual? For men the answer is simple. No collar is too casual. The collar is the key element for a business wardrobe, whether you are dressing in a casual or formal business environment. It draws attention to the face and adds a bit of tailoring even to an untailored look.
Depending on the industry, environment and your goals, this can take many forms or a combination of garments worn together. A sport coat, suit jacket, dress shirt, polo shirt, mock or turtle-neck all fall into this category.
When are T-Shirts Not OK?
Most men and many women I know love t-shirts. And no-wonder, a t-shirt is a short sleeved, knit top without a collar. They come in a variety of silhouettes and necklines. They are comfortable, easy to wear and appear casual, laid back and easy going. However, all of these great reasons for loving them are also great reason’s for not wearing them to work. When you are trying to impress your boss, a client or show that you are focused, on the job and effective in your work, why would you want your clothing to contradict that message and effort?
Scuffed Shoes Image Faux Pas
One of the most noticed image faux pas is dirty, scuffed shoes or those that are in poor condition. It is also one of those things that people forget about most before leaving the house. The condition of your shoes, are an indicator of your personality and how well you take care of things, no matter what they cost.
How to Choose Your Stocking or Sock Colour
Many of my clients ask me how to choose socks and stockings and the answer is that as the trends change the answer may be different. However, if your goal is for a coordinated look, a classic look or you want your legs to look longer there are some rules:
For a classic men’s wear look socks should be toned to the hemline of the pants. For an even more coordinated look ideally the socks will have a subtle pattern that will coordinate the pant colour and the shoe colour.
To make your legs look longer, tone socks or stockings to the colour of your pant or skirt hemline. This will make the legs look like a column of colour and elongate them.
Stockings can also be toned to the colour of your shoes. This will coordinate the stockings with the shoes. This works best when you are wearing an accessory such as a scarf or another garment in your stocking colour to draw attention towards your face and create more harmony.
Four Reasons to Wear a Neck Tie
Many men hate the thought of putting on a neck tie and for many reasons. Some men hate the thought of wearing a tie because they feel they are uncomfortable; some men say they feel too dressed up when wearing a tie; and some men don’t know how to tie a tie-knot. If this is your only reason please see my YouTube videos below on how to tie various tie knots.
How to Tie the 4-in-Hand
How to Tie the Half Windsor
How to tie the Full Windsor
How to Tie the Pratt or Shelby Knot
Here are four reasons why you should wear a tie:
- Neck ties complete an outfit and make it look more finished.
- You will appear taller and slimmer when wearing a tie.
- When worn in a colour that suits you, ties make you look more healthy and attractive.
- You appear more credible and authoritative when wearing a tie then when you don’t.
