Clothes can be functional gear or a mark of individuality, or simply something to wear. Right or wrong, impressions are made, according to communications consultant Roger Ailes, in the first seven seconds. Making the most of your clothes means knowing what to do with them and where. Here's how:
OFFICE
Before you start shopping, ask yourself three questions: What kind of office do I work in? What is my role? What is my day like? What kind of image is the company trying to project? What kind of image do I want to maintain? Whether you work in a traditional corporate setting or one that is more relaxed, there are several things you can count on, especially if you are on a budget. The blazer, in navy or black, is a staple for less formal corporate wear; the blazer is flexible in that you can wear it to the office, as well as nonwork-related social gatherings. For suits, its better to choose neutral colors like charcoal gray, black, and navy--they are extremely versatile. Serious business attire calls for a single-breasted black suit. Every man should own at least three suits. Dress shirts--it's best to invest in white (which is the most formal dress shirt color), cream or light blue. You should ideally own at least seven or eight shirts to ensure that you always have something clean to wear. You should own at least one pair of gray wool or dark navy trousers--they will take you everywhere. To finish, two pairs of black or brown shoes--laced cap toe or split toe, with coordinating leather belts. If you find yourself attending two or more formal events a year, it's also a good idea to invest in a tuxedo. Other basic items: a dark-colored raincoat, a camel topcoat, and an assortment of ties that can be coordinated with your dress shirts. If budget allows, the one thing that should be changed with some frequency is the tie. Tie styles and patterns are very timely. Buying ties every season will help keep your look current. For dress-down Fridays, pick out a few striped dress shirts with bright, bold colors--to be worn without a tie; spread collars and French cuffs are a nice touch.
Personalizing Your Look at the Office.
If you want to add a kick or create a unique personal style, add vests, different shoes, any number of colored dress shirts (such as dark blue). Also try varying your color combinations and choice of colors. Colored shirts, ties, and knit wear also add variety.
Casual
Dressing for casual affairs is a lot easier than dressing for the office. Recommended basics include dark washed jeans, cuffed slacks, khaki trousers or tan chinos, a high-quality sport shirt (one that does not resemble a dress shirt without a tie), at least one navy blazer or sport coat (tweed), and finally, suede-finished shoes or loafers. Dark tones or earth colors are more flexible than bright primary colors or pastels. One of the easiest things you can do is to stick with black. Black is easy and flexible. There's nothing as simple and versatile as a black mock turtleneck, black trousers, and a black blazer. You'll be zipping out the door in seconds flat.
THE JOB INTERVIEW
You have two objectives here: survive the interview and get the job. A few words about living through the experience: Look your best. You will act more confident. Play it safe--wear something that you don't have to worry about--no wrinkle-prone fabrics. It's fine to be overdressed at the interview, but serious trouble if you are too casual. Single-breasted suits in charcoal, gray, navy or black are always safe. Avoid clunky or flashy shoes. Stick to subdued solid-colored ties with small prints--nothing loud or overbearing.
Traditional Fields
Business, law, medicine, insurance, banking: Tailored conservative outfits are the best. Nothing should distract from your main purpose: to do the job well and efficiently.
Creative Fields
Journalism, publishing, multimedia, advertising, graphics, art galleries: Your own style is more important here. You are being hired by your creative talents, so show them off in a subtle way, by dressing with personal flair. While on the job, journalists in particular should learn to match their wardrobes according to assignment.
Service Oriented Jobs
Retail, restaurants: These jobs are about looking presentable. Try to get a sense of what the company's style is before you go in for your interview. Then adapt your own.
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND TELEVISION
People often form their impression of you within the first seven seconds of your meeting, so think about what your clothes are communicating and whether it's helping you get your message across. Wear comfortable clothes that you feel look good on you. You will appear comfortable with who you are. Wear safe colors: neutrals like navy and beige look good on television. Stick with blues, dusty pinks, off-white, subtle stipes. Beware of patterned fabrics--they may create a moiré pattern on the television screen. Wear glasses with a nonglare coating. Dress the part. Don't wear something that distracts from what you are saying. When delivering the message, always consider who your audience is.
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