ComputerHunter.org

 

Menswear ? Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 3


It's easier for men to build a professional wardrobe, but as with many other things, it's getting started that is the toughest! Let's talk this time about Accessorizing your Business Wardrobe, and look for additional articles Dress Shirts and my article on Caring for Your Wardrobe.

Okay, guys, we've talked about suits and touched on the foundation garments known as dress shirts, let's talk about accessories. I suggest you take the conservative road with regard to your business suits, especially when you are just building a wardrobe.

Conservatively-styled suits may not get you noticed at a dance club, but they will certainly be a better investment for your professional life. A good, basic man's suit will last for years, especially if you've taken into account my tips on fabric, construction and color.

Accessorizing your suit with relation to neckties and cufflinks are just one way you can add a unique personal touch to your look. Let's start from the bottom and work our way up.

When selecting shoes to complement your business wardrobe, consider your own likes and dislikes. Do you prefer lace-up shoes or loafers? Lace-up shoes are a bit more conservative, so if in doubt, start with a lace-up shoe. Loafers are perfectly acceptable, though I would emphasize that you should look for a sleek, lower cut shoe rather than a pair of penny loafers.

Shoe color can be a subject for confusion, so let's lay the ground rules: Black shoes can be worn with just about every suit, however, men with warmer coloring can also wear brown. A good pair of dark brown shoes will also complement a navy or charcoal suit.

As a general rule, socks should match or at least tonally relate to your trousers. Today's man has a wide variety of shades and patterns to choose from, but be careful not to make your legs the focal point of your business look by choosing socks that are too light. Black dress socks with black shoes are a pretty safe bet if you're unsure.

You can select from over-the-calf or mid-calf socks, but I find on most men that the mid-calf sock can sometimes cause a funny little dance called the "pull up the socks shuffle". If in doubt, stay with an over-the-calf sock.

Athletes and men with larger legs and calves may have to shop at a specialty store to avoid a too-tight sock that will cause discomfort or cut off circulation. Socks below mid-calf are absolutely out of the question for a business look. "Showing a little leg" is inappropriate and is considered unprofessional.

The color of your belt should always match your shoes. This means a brown belt will NOT work with black shoes. There are a variety of patterns and buckle styles to choose from. A glossy, shiny belt might be a choice for a man in a creative, yet professional occupation, and a smooth leather belt with little shine is a better choice for a conservative occupation like Law or Banking.

I shouldn't have to say this, but save the overly-large belt buckles (those the size of small cars) for outside of business hours. Most businessmen won't own or wear a very large belt buckle for normal business activities.

Neckties have traditionally been a creative outlet for men in their business dress. It's a chance to let some of your personality show through, though there are still rules to be considered. If you are wearing a solid white or blue dress shirt (and you should be, if you read my previous article on Dress Shirts), you have a lot of latitude when choosing neckwear.

Patterns and stripes are appropriate for wearing with solid color shirts, but don't choose too wild a pattern. The focus should be on your face, and people should be listening to what you have to say, not staring at your tie.

When selecting a necktie for a patterned shirt, consider a large patterned necktie with a small patterned shirt (or vice versa). Don't match large patterns in a shirt with large patterns in a necktie. There will be too much visual interest and no place for a person's eye to rest.

Stripes, small geometric patterns and paisleys all continue to be popular, but avoid the novelty ties. People just won't take you seriously when you wear that Hula Girl tie.

Cufflinks are a matter of purely personal choice. A man preferring French cuff shirts can have a great deal of fun choosing cufflink styles and colors. They are considered jewelry, a means of self-expression.

If you are warmer-toned in your coloring, by all means choose gold, warm metals or enamels, and warmer-toned stones like amber to wear with your shirts. If you are cooler-toned in your coloring, choose silver, platinum, gemstones in rich, dark colors and bright enamels to complement your suits and your own coloring. The sky is virtually the limit!

One last point on the accessory that can provide that extra little 'oomph' in your polish and finished business attire: the pocket square. They are very simple accessories that add that touch of elegance to your business look.

Select a color that accentuates your necktie (i.e. a gold pocket square for a navy-and-gold patterned tie and a navy suit), but don't fall into the safe-but-boring world of matching ties and pocket squares. Since they are inexpensive, purchase several and tuck one into your pocket every day. The easiest way to find good colors is to purchase them at the same time you purchase your ties.

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com.







Google News - Top Stories

BBC News

European shares charge ahead after Wall Street rally (1st Lead)
Monsters and Critics.com - 1 hour ago
Frankfurt - European shares charged out of the gates Tuesday after US and Asian stocks rocketed up on a renewed sense of optimism triggered by coordinated action by governments around the world aimed at shoring up investor and economic confidence.
US grains up 2 percent as financial markets bounce Reuters
Asia stocks soar after US rally; Nikkei up 14 pct The Associated Press
guardian.co.uk - BBC News - WLOS - U.S. Daily
all 1,320 news articles


Times Online

Deadly LA wildfires forcing evacuations
CNN - 1 hour ago
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Two major wildfires, pushed by strong Santa Ana winds, raged through the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday morning on a path that has already forced thousands of families from their homes.
Video: Mayor: Thank God for Our Firefighters AssociatedPress
Wind-Fueled Wildfires Threaten LA Suburbs Washington Post
Reuters - San Jose Mercury News - International Herald Tribune - BBC News
all 4,039 news articles


Boston Globe

Kashkari Leaps From Obscurity to Lead Role in US Bank Rescue
Bloomberg - 2 hours ago
By Robert Schmidt and Rebecca Christie Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Minutes before Neel Kashkari's public debut as the chief of the US Treasury's financial rescue plan, he sat in a hotel lobby in Washington, unrecognized by many of the international bankers ...
What Treasury is planning CNNMoney.com
Will bank stock buys work? Depends on details San Francisco Chronicle
Los Angeles Times - BusinessWeek - Reuters - Bizjournals.com
all 1,674 news articles


Voice of America

Consistent message eluding McCain
Boston Globe - 3 hours ago
John McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, campaigned in Virginia yesterday. The two are trying to keep the fervor of conservatives while reaching independent voters.
Race Remains Campaign Issue, but Not a Clear One New York Times
Obama with 6% Lead ahead of McCain Sofia News Agency
Washington Post - Wausau Daily Herald - Gallup Poll News - Boston Herald
all 1,858 news articles


ABC News

House Race Is Shaken by Report of an Affair
New York Times - 6 hours ago
By IAN URBINA WASHINGTON - The Florida congressman who succeeded Mark Foley after he resigned because of a sex scandal is now embroiled in a sex scandal of his own, and has requested a Congressional ethics investigation to clear his name.
A Florida (House) Bombshell Washington Post
South Fla. Congressman Investigated Amid Sex Scandal Local10.com
CNN - The Associated Press - Los Angeles Times
all 351 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base