I got a bunch of meetings coming up, some in a casual setting and some in a more formal setting. I was told to "dress and accessorize appropriately" and when I asked what the fork is that supposed to mean, the response was "project success but don't be flashy". So let me pose this question to the community - what does that mean in your opinion?
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navy suit, black shoes(oxfords), black belt, white shirt semi-spread collar with french placket, Ferragamo tie
Wear something that looks high quality only to people who know what high quality is supposed to look like. Basically dress nice but do not wear a patterned Ferragamo tie and Gucci loafers with a red and green strip going across the shoe.
Don a 50mm Michael Kors watch and lizard skin drivers
Start with the basics of "project success":
Fit: successful people are aware of how things should fit, and make the effort to find the right items.
Not like this
https://media.gq.com/photos/58865066812311ff2f97de63/3:2/w_600/sean-spi…" alt="Sean Spicer projects bad fit" title="Sean Spicer projects bad fit" />
Quality fabrics/construction: even if it fits, people can spot a cheap suit with fused lining, or a shirt with thin fabric.
Fits the setting: here's where it's gotten more complicated. Back in the '80s, you could show up in a navy/charcoal suit, white shirt, conservative tie and be just fine. Dress like that at for a meeting with Peter Thiel and you will definitely leave without the deal.
My rule of thumb is to be "client + 1:" if their business casual means khakis and a buttoned-down, match that but throw on a jacket (which you can always take off.) It's on you to find out how the clients will be dressed.
Flashy: you paid top dollar for the item because your officemates would admire the size of your.... budget. Leave this stuff at home for your upcoming meetings.
![https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4f/28/ec/4f28ec611c4e0c2481953c51419db0d…]
[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4f/28/ec/4f28ec611c4e0c2481953c51419db0d… https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4f/28/ec/4f28ec611c4e0c2481953c51419db0d…
I think there are a few things that we can all agree on:
Get rid of the backpacks and get a briefcase instead. I know some MDs like to wear it at the office but you shouldn't do that.
Get rid of tactical watches (like G-shock), and go for a clean formal dress watch with black leather straps. Don't need to be expensive but keep it formal.
Get rid of sneakers even in your casual wears; instead of sneakers you can get loafer, monkstrap, espadrilles, boat shoes as your casual wear.
Get rid of bulky belts with huge logos; keep it simple and clean.
Get rid of hoodies and get either gray or dark brown houndstooth-patterned blazers.
Get rid of torn jeans, and instead get chinos, corduory or khaki pants in neutral colors.
Get rid of your personality.
Get rid of your sense of self.
If changing your clothing style to suit your age - that alone - you can get rid of your personality then - there is no personality to begin with at all.
Personality, self worth and sense of self is all spiritual and internal matter, which has nothing to do with your physical and outward self.
Hope that helps.
Don't wear anything that stands out too much. Keep it pragmatic, safe, and elegant. If you are not within a "luxury" rank or price range, it's often good advice to splurge on one or two items and keep the rest at your price range. The splurges, when worn, will automatically boost the rest of your clothes' value, without standing out like a sore thumb. Wearing professional clothes you can project confidence (and comfort) in without over-compensating with the flash is the way to go.