I believe in dressing for success…But how?
Grew up in a small town in the Midwest. I ended up taking a scholarship at a local state school. I worked hard during undergrad and was able to land at a solid MM shop base in the Midwest. I always told the story of "I want to be close to family" and "this is where I grew up" to get the job but that was a lie; I just wanted IB. Now I have been at the desk for a year (ignore username) and am realizing I want more.
I just finished taking the GMAT, and now I am trying to lateral to NYC. All my life, I have been the "Midwest kid," but now I want to dress to impress! When I talk to other analysts/associates, I always feel lesser. They are just more polished overall than me. They dress better and they hold the floor when speaking. As the title says, I believe in dressing for success. Look good, feel good type stuff. I think first impressions matter and I obviously don't have "it." What are the key things I need to do to take my looks to the next level? Honestly, I want to look like a Harvard MBA that just finished up at a MF.
I am also frugal, so I assume that plays a role in it. This fall I have set aside 5k-8k to do a whole fashion update. Would love WSO’s fashion advice! what brands? what to buy first? maybe do teeth whitening? Maybe buy better glasses? Any advice is welcome.
This is a serious question. Thanks!
Holding the floor is only half about your appearance. I don't really subscribe to the same view as you, some of the most successful people I've met go to work in a polo and jeans. They hold the floor with their actual product and general vibe.
But we can go with your view for now. By no means an expert here but I don't think anyone can argue that a well-tailored suit (and even tailored shirts) are a staple for looking like "1 million bucks" in the workplace. Doesn't have to be the most expensive thing in the world. Navy works well. The fit and the materials are what matter most. Then some nice, shiny black leather shoes and you're golden.
If you feel successful, you'll act successful. There's no shame in using clothes to achieve greater self worth.
Fit is more important than just buying top brands. Tailoring is great or if you can get a personal shopper/stylist session they can help with sizing if you're buying off the peg.
Boss Guides currently has some good information on suits styling or have a search for Ralph Lauren Ready to Wear if you fancy some contemporary inspiration.
Best of luck out there and I hope you land the NYC position!
Whatever suits you buy, get them tailored. Great fit makes a cheap suit look like a million bucks.
The best suit is a good physique. Get in the gym, pump some iron.
Don't blow all of that amount at once. Buy a few nice items and ease into them. Then you can continue to build.
For suits, agree with the other poster, find a solid tailor. That will help it look good on your body type. Stick to navy and charcoal to start. Grab a sport coat or two, so you have that business casual look locked in.
For shirts, I use proper cloth, again slightly more tailored to body type.
Shoes, get a few nice pairs, but keep them relatively conservative.
Haircut, start getting professional haircuts or find a great barber (I just moved and the new guy fucked up my hair, ruined my entire week).
Always match belt to shoes and socks to pants.
Conservative always wins, so no gaudy logos or silly colors. Definitely no pocket squares and keep cuff links to a minimum. Monograms are probably okay (though I see them less) as long as they are understated.
Invest some money, or go on YouTube, and find professional speaking courses. You'd be surprised how much more confident you are and how much of a skill public speaking is.
Diversify your interests, so you have a lot of different things to talk about and reference. You'll become a more interesting person. Buy an Emily Post book, so you can learn the right etiquette for social situations. Nobody likes boorish behavior. You'll also feel more comfortable at a formal dinner.
Most of "holding a room" is confidence. People look good because they feel good about themselves. So practice, go to lower risk environments and talk to people.
Drop the MM and Midwest chip on your shoulder, you are who you are and it's gotten you to where you are now, be proud of your work ethic - stop comparing yourself to a MF or a Harvard MBA (outside of this forum, they aren't comparing themselves to you).
"Look good, play good. Play good, get paid good." - Deion Sanders
Still wear ties on the daily (except Fridays or when meeting with certain clients). Genuinely enthusiastic about neck ties (colors, patterns, dimensions, fabric, etc.). I think people know I like wearing ties so I don't come off as a "try hard". Otherwise the knot, length and matching will be off. People can sense vibes, good or bad.
Since many, including execs, have gone hipster (some forcefully) and ditched ties, it definitely helps me stand out in a unique way. Easy "signaling" hack without much work, risk or investment. BUT, my deliverables are also top notch, so there's a positive correlation (i.e. not trying to cover up subpar performance with a sharp look). NOTE: if your work isn't excellent, dressing well in any regard can backfire and have the opposite effect.
Before or after work, people definitely treat you differently-- usually better. For those that think ties are pretentious, out of style/touch or uncomfortable, there's probably a logical explanation. It could be that certain people are just control freaks, insecure or jealous; if you have a supervisor that fits the bill, you have to understand how to read people. If a higher-up is being petty about something as minor as you wearing a tie, time for you to rethink your career choices and trajectory. Feel free to reply and I'll share my experiences.
People have been talking about the death of ties for literally a century, yet, when it goes out if style enough, it becomes hipster to start wearing them again, so the pendulum swings just as with most things in fashion, finance and the world.
If you don't want to wear ties voluntarily, then DON'T. Not trying to change anyone's mind, so please don't try to change mine; just sharing my first-hand, real world experience with the OP and anyone else who cares.
Looking sharp absolutely helps you feel better and perform better. Also, people just look at you differently. Nearly every major city has somewhere that you can get made to measure or bespoke which will fit you much better and likely be better than off the rack. These places are not mens wearhouse they are likely mom and pop. Plus, the experience of picking fabrics, buttons and different cut options is great as well.
For shoes you can never go wrong with Allen Edmonds - they will actually get something that fits you well in their stores. On top of it simple maintenance like polishing can help them run for decades with some redrafting every few years.
$8K should be more than enough to get a damn fine wardrobe going, particularly if you leverage sales. TBH, I’d cut it down to 4 and cut the rest. Then add as your career grows.
Also, as someone pointed out working out helps. Add in a positive attitude and you will be fine.
For presenting the key is rehearsal. Know your deck well, plan what you’d like to show and be able to explain the key points clearly. It never hurts to plan out the speaking points with anyone you’re presenting with. When you’ve done several you will need less reversal, but as markets move and needs change it is good to stay sharp and on point. A critical point to remember is that your audience may not understand certain areas like you do so being able to explain rationale in lay man’s terms is critical.
Finally, it is beneficial to be able to communicate and relate to those who drink champagne and those who drink Budweiser.
Look at Brooks Brothers catalogue. Read the Gentleman's Gazette
Patagonia vest essential