Power Dressing (MEN)

Power Dressing The environment was good and relaxed, but wearing casual clothes takes away from the professional way people operate when they are professionally dressed.

Power Dressing People were going overboard and getting too casual, and it was effecting the way companies were operating. It is a fact of life, if people are corporate dressed they tend to behave in a more corporate fashion.

Power Dressing Globalization and the extended coverage that fashion receives in the media have made Indian business people spruce up their sartorial act.

Power Dressing The ground rules for modern corporate dressing are straightforward. The look for men is clean and simple: shirts, jackets, trousers and suits that fit the body snugly.

Power Dressing The tropical Indian climate does not favour business suits. Nevertheless, they are popular with people who travel abroad or interact with a lot of global clients.

The business suit is still the standard in most places, but one still has to consider the industry. Suits in the basic colors (dark navy, dark gray, and black) are the most appropriate.

Investing in one good suit on a student's budget is sufficient, until you actually land a job and can afford more. One suit paired with three or four different ties (silk) and shirts can yield a variety of different looks.

The traditional white shirt is always acceptable, however, light blue and pinstripes can be a pleasant addition.

Advice for both young men and women is to stay away from faddish attire when preparing for work. This type of clothing is not very flexible in that it can not be paired well with other pieces. You simply don't get the wear for your money if your clothing has a short wear life, as most fad clothing does.

Men’s Business Wardrobe Solid-color navy, black and gray suits (one each color) Five pairs black socks, two pairs navy socks

Men’s Business Wardrobe Two navy/mauve ties Navy sport coat with gray trousers One black leather belt Six white cotton shirts

Men’s Business Wardrobe A blue or pinstriped shirt Leather briefcase One pair black slip-on shoes, one pair black lace-up shoes

Men’s Business Casual Chinos or "Dockers"-type trousers Sport shirts with collars or banded necks Polo shirts (with collars) Sweater or sport jacket Casual loafers or lace-up shoes

Appropriate business casual attire never includes the following: Jeans (of any color) Athletic wear (e.g. sweat suits) Leggings T-shirts Bare midriffs (low-cut garments, front or back)

Any kind of workout clothes, running or gym shoes, sneakers or sandals Hats, caps Ripped or tattered clothing Extremely tight-fitting clothes.

Should You Buy It? Before making a purchase, men and women need to answer "yes" to these seven questions. If you are in doubt, don't buy the item. Clothes should look and feel good. Did you try the garment on? Did you check the fit in the front and the back?

Is the suit jacket long enough to cover the buttocks? Are the button holes sewn tightly? Can you move around in the garment? Does the item feel comfortable? Check for pulls, bulges or bunching of the material. Do you like the item? Buy a garment because you like it, not just to add to your wardrobe.

Business Professional for Men Two-piece suit: This is usually the best choice for most businesses. At least five 2-button, 3-button or double-breasted suits should be the basis of the business wardrobe. Double-breasted jackets are always buttoned. The jackets should not be worn with other trousers.

Ties The knot should fill the space at the top of the shirt. When combining suit, shirt and tie, choose: One solid and two patterns Two solids and one pattern Three patterns (takes skill and experience to coordinate)

Shirts Should always be long sleeve Solid colors are preferred; white is the best and safest choice.

Pale blue is also acceptable. Light blue and red pinstripes are acceptable alternatives in some organizations. Avoid lavender, peach, plaids, dots and broad stripes.

Shirts Cotton (100%) - Best choice but needs professional laundering. Cotton/Polyester blend - Choose shirts with more cotton than polyester; they resist wrinkling.

Ties Tie should contrast with jacket. Tie and suit color should complement each other, but not match. Tie colors should be subtle. Do not wear a matching handkerchief.

Burgundy, red and navy work as background colors. Small geometric prints and stripes are good choices. Paisleys with subdued patterns are alternatives Silk ties are the preferred choice. They are elegant and can be worn all year in any climate.

Accessories Jewelry - No more than one ring per hand. Good quality watch in sterling silver, gold or stainless steel. No earring or stud.

Belts - Either leather or reptile in black, brown or burgundy. Use discreet brass buckle. Suspenders are acceptable. Belt color should match shoes.

Socks - Over-the- calf in either nylon or thin cotton. Should be black, brown or navy. Choose color to match or blend with trousers. Exception: with tan trousers, the socks should match the shoes.

Shoes - Leather in lace-ups. Shoe color should not be lighter than trouser color. Wear black shoes with gray, navy or black suits and dark brown shoes with tan, brown or beige suits.

Briefcase - Brown, black or burgundy leather.

Best fabrics for: Suits, jackets and trousers: Wool/Wool blends - Can be worn all year; do not wrinkle easily. Cotton blends - A cotton pin cord or poplin is for warm weather.

When you leave the house, be sure to look the part of a professional.

Since networking opportunities can happen at any time, you have to look your best at all times.