Professional Attire Colors

Style 101 for Young Men In my early years as a senior banker, I noticed that young men in the bank needed some guidance on dressing up. I often saw them wearing orange or red shirts with black ties, and black shirts with silver ties. I recalled the time when I was clueless, and took it upon myself to write this guide: 1. If you want to play it safe, wear light-colored plain shirts white, pink and blue. Try white collars and cuffs. Other shirt colors (orange, red, etc.) are tricky. 2. Ties should generally have a darker shade than the shirt. Put a dimple on your tie knot. Avoid the black or gray shirt with light tie combo unless you moonlight for a steak restaurant or a band. 3. Striped ties are better with plain shirts. But if you feel bold and want to wear a striped shirt, the tie stripes should be wider than the shirt stripes. And they should share a similar color. 4. If you are wearing a bold shirt, like a checkered one, wear a plain, sober tie. 5. Wear dark socks that match your pants. If you feel adventurous and want to wear colored socks, do not wear a patterned shirt or striped suit. They will clash. 6. The belt should match your shoes. Don't use a brown belt with black shoes. Better yet, don’t wear a belt at all, like Korean actors. I usually don’t. 7. Wear brown, tan, or burgundy shoes only with pale or navy blue suits. For suits in midnight blue and dark grey, pick dark chocolate brown shoes. Never wear brown shoes with black or near black suits. 8. The coat and pants should match unless you are wearing a blazer or sports coat (more business casual). If you wear a blue blazer, wear gray or khaki pants, avoid blue or black. Contrast is key. 9. The tie should reach the upper part of the belt and not go lower than the buckle. 10. Leave the lower coat button unbuttoned. Do not button everything. Only JFK and preschool boys are exempted from this rule. 11. Show some shirt sleeve, about half an inch, when wearing a coat. If more than an inch shows, have the shirt altered. 12. Slim cut is preferred, and flat front without pleats. Pants should not be too long, with only one break (wrinkle) and not much cloth hanging around the shoes. 13. Finally, if your suit is new, cut the threads from the pocket openings and the vents. You can’t imagine how many times I had to cut the vent threads from new suits of younger bankers. Have it dry-cleaned, especially if the tailor’s chalk marks are showing. One lady CEO still reminds me of the time I pointed out the chalk marks in her blazer. She was just new in the bank then. When having your first suit made, pick navy blue. Next, medium gray. They match most shirts. Then black for special events. Do pinstripes later. Find a good tailor and make him your friend for life. My shirtmaker has done work for my father, my brothers, my sons and nephews. But my suit cutter recently retired and migrated to Canada. (Reposted, per request)

Struggling to feel at ease in your clothes? Here's how I guide clients to confidence in 4 simple steps. Step 1: Audit ruthlessly. Empty your wardrobe completely. Every shirt, every trouser, every jacket. If you haven't worn it in six months, or if it doesn't make you feel genuinely good when you put it on, it goes. No sentiment, no "but it was expensive" - just honest assessment. Step 2: Identify your uniform. What are the three core pieces you reach for when you need to feel your best? Build around these. Most successful men I know have found their formula - perhaps a navy suit, white shirt, and quality leather shoes - and they perfect it rather than constantly chasing trends. Step 3: Invest in fit, not quantity. One well-fitted jacket beats five that hang poorly. Take your best pieces to a skilled tailor. Proper alterations can transform an average garment into something that looks bespoke. The shoulders should sit naturally, the trouser break should be clean, and nothing should pull or bunch. Step 4: Build systematically. Don't shop impulsively. Create a list of what you actually need - perhaps a second suit in charcoal, or a quality overcoat. Buy one excellent piece at a time, ensuring each addition works with what you already own. The goal isn't to own more clothes; it's to own the right clothes. When every piece in your wardrobe fits properly and serves a purpose, getting dressed becomes effortless. That's how I've helped dozens of clients transform their relationship with their wardrobes. It's not about fashion - it's about confidence through clarity.

Color is one of the most powerful yet underestimated tools in professional image building. The colors you wear speak before you do - they can enhance your credibility, energy and confidence, or unintentionally create the opposite effect. As an Image Consultant, I’ve seen many professionals lose impact not because of poor styling, but because of poor color choices. Understanding your personal color palette and how to use it strategically can transform the way you are perceived in professional spaces. Here are a few key insights to help you avoid common color mistakes: 1. Know your undertone. Everyone has either a warm, cool or neutral undertone. Colors that complement your undertone brighten your appearance and make you look vibrant, while clashing tones can make you appear tired or washed out. A professional color analysis can help you identify your best palette. 2. Avoid overly loud or distracting colors in formal settings. Vibrant or neon hues can pull attention away from your message. In professional environments, opt for classic, grounded tones - navy, charcoal, beige, white or soft pastels - then add accent colors strategically for personality and presence. 3. Don’t rely on black for everything. While black is often seen as “safe,” it doesn’t flatter everyone. On some skin tones, it can look harsh or draining. Try dark navy, graphite or deep chocolate as softer, more approachable alternatives. 4. Coordinate, don’t compete. When combining colors, ensure your pieces complement rather than compete with each other. The goal is harmony - your outfit should draw attention to you, not distract from your professionalism. 5. Let color reflect your intention. Different colors evoke different emotions. Blue communicates trust, grey signals authority and white reflects clarity and simplicity. Use color purposefully to align your appearance with your professional goals and the message you want to send. Remember: color is a visual language - when used wisely, it amplifies your presence and strengthens your brand. Your wardrobe should not just fit your body; it should fit your brand identity. The right colors help you stand out for the right reasons, project confidence and leave a lasting, professional impression.

I keep getting questions from clients about what they should wear for business presentations… As I’ve mentioned in many other posts – when we’re presenting, it’s all about our audience. So firstly, you’d want to determine who’s going to be in the room & how would they normally dress? It’s going to depend on the kind of environment & what you’re presenting of course - but the rule of thumb would be to go for something that reflects the audience’s attire… ✅ So, Know Your Audience Who’s going to be in the room? Are they a corporate crowd in suits or a startup team in jeans? Aligning your attire with theirs shows respect and understanding. ✅ But Elevate it a fraction. While matching the audience is key, aim to elevate your attire just a notch. This subtle distinction helps establish your role as the presenter without overshadowing your message. In most cases, we’d want to take it to the next level, without going over the top. If it’s a business presentation but it’s in a more informal environment, dressing down a bit would work if it’s well put together. Even in those circumstances we’d still want to have ‘Authority’. ✅ We’d want to Own the room Even in casual settings, maintaining a sense of authority is crucial. Clean, well-fitted, well-ironed clothes, polished shoes, & neat grooming are important. For instance, make sure you brush your hair – it doesn’t look very professional if our hair is sticking out all over the place. ✅ And there’s science to back this up. Research shows our clothing impacts both self-perception & audience perception. The concept of "enclothed cognition" suggests that wearing clothes associated with professionalism can enhance confidence & focus & can even influence our delivery. Hmm. This theory explains why wearing a ‘powerful’ outfit can boost your confidence & make you feel more prepared to tackle challenges. It's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good in your own skin, which translates into a more assertive & confident presence. And put it this way, what we wear is an extension of our personal brand when we’re presenting. A study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that speakers dressed in formal attire were perceived as more competent & authoritative compared to those in casual clothing. Studies have shown that people tend to associate certain styles of clothing with leadership qualities. A sharp suit can make you appear more credible & reliable, which could be an advantage during negotiations or presentations. But here’s the caveat: Clearly there are some presenters who’ve built their brand around the casual look & who can get away with jeans, a t-shirt and runners. But in most business presentations I’d err on the side of caution and again, wear something that’s more in keeping with what the audience would be wearing. What are your thoughts, how do you approach the way you dress for different audiences? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Friday Junior Counsel Litigation Tip Dress the Part First impressions are formed before you speak a word. In litigation, you are always being assessed — by the Judge, opposing counsel, your client, and the courtroom. The way you present yourself communicates professionalism, preparation, and respect for the proceedings before you have uttered a single submission. Why it matters: - Confidence is contagious. When you are dressed appropriately and well put together, you carry yourself differently. You stand straighter, speak more deliberately, and project authority — even on the days when you do not feel it. Dressing well is, in part, a performance tool. - Credibility is built visually. Judges and clients instinctively extend more trust and attention to counsel who look the part. Appearing dishevelled or underdressed can — fairly or not — raise subconscious doubts about your rigour and attention to detail. - It signals respect. Dressing appropriately for court is a mark of respect for the court, the process, and your client. Judges notice when counsel does not observe courtroom standards, and it rarely reflects well. - Opposing counsel will notice. Litigation is adversarial. Walking into a courtroom well-presented signal that you take the matter seriously. It is a subtle but real form of professional presence. Practical guidance: - Know the dress code for every occasion whether it is court, a regulatory tribunal, mediation etc that you appear in. When in doubt, err on the side of formality. -Keep your gowns, bibs, suits etc clean, pressed, and in good repair. - Ensure your clothing underneath your robes is equally professional — you may be seen before and after court, and in some hearings robes are not required. -Pay attention to the details: polished shoes, tidy hair, and a clean appearance reinforce the overall impression. - Prepare your court attire the night before. Scrambling on the morning of a hearing introduces unnecessary stress and invites last-minute lapses.

Quick advice for men who need to dress professionally -- especially my brothers in TV news… Look, on-air or off-air, you don’t need to look like you’re auditioning for Mad Men or about to sell me a reverse mortgage. You just need to look clean, sharp, and like you didn’t get dressed in the dark during a 2:30 a.m. wakeup call. Speaking from experience. Here we go… 1. Wear collar stays. Yes, they matter. Yes, you need them. No, your shirt doesn’t “do that on its own.” 2. Stick to white, tan, or blue dress shirts with your suit coat. These are the Jordan–Pippen–Rodman of shirt colors. 3. Match the width of your tie to the shape of your face. Yes, this is a real thing. 4. If you don’t have time to iron (…all of us), go wrinkle-free. Search “non-iron twill” and let modern fabric technology save your life. 5. Avoid blending too many patterns. Plaid jacket? Solid shirt. Solid jacket? Lightly patterned shirt. But plaid jacket + striped tie = you reporting live from the optical illusion district. 6. Don’t wear anything distracting. If viewers remember your tie more than your journalism… you’ve lost. 7. Choosing between tie, pocket square, lapel pin, tie bar? Pick two -- MAX. Any more and you’re basically bedazzling yourself. 8. Know your collar type. I like a spread collar. It frames well, looks clean, and doesn’t make me look like I’m hosting a 1970s game show. 9. Skip white-collared dress shirts unless you’re actively trying to look like a Wall Street villain. 10. Match your shoes and belt. Black-black, brown-brown. And if you match your watch too? Chef’s kiss. 11. Pocket squares don’t have to match anything. In fact, a contrasting color gives a nice pop. 12. And the biggest tip of all -- wear clothes that fit. Revolutionary, I know. But seriously -- save up, get measured by a real clothier, learn what fits YOU. You don’t need custom everything… but once you feel the difference, you’ll be better suited (yes, I said it) to shop for yourself forever. xoxo

Figuring out the appropriate attire for an interview with a hiring manager involves understanding the company culture and the role you’re applying for. Here are the steps to ensure you’re dressed appropriately: ✅Research the Company Culture: Visit the company’s website and look for photos or videos of employees. Companies often showcase their workplace attire in promotional materials. Check the company’s social media pages, especially LinkedIn, for posts featuring staff or events. ✅Review the Industry Norms: Different industries have varying standards for interview attire. For example, finance and law often require formal business attire, while tech or creative industries may lean toward business casual. ✅Ask for Guidance: If you’re unsure, politely ask the recruiter or HR contact for advice. You could say, “I want to make sure I dress appropriately for the company culture—can you provide any guidance on attire?” ✅Default to Business Professional: If you’re uncertain, dressing in formal business attire (a suit and tie for men; a tailored suit or dress for women) is usually a safe bet. It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. ✅Pay Attention to Job Level: Leadership roles often require more formal attire, while entry- to mid-level positions may allow for slightly relaxed dress codes, depending on the industry. ✅Look for Clues During the Hiring Process: If you’ve had earlier interactions (like a phone screen or a tour), recall how employees were dressed. Dressing appropriately demonstrates professionalism and shows the hiring manager you’ve done your homework on the company. If you’re in doubt, err on the side of formal attire. #interviewing #attire #dresscode #companyculture

Let's talk lawyer outfits Building a professional wardrobe as an attorney doesn't have to be boring or break the bank. Today's looks show how to balance authority with your personal style. For law students and new attorneys: Start with the basics: One killer suit that fits perfectly (invest here!) Classic blazer that works with everything Well-tailored pants or skirts Quality shoes that can handle long days Style tips that actually matter: Modern cuts help you look current, not like you're playing dress-up Neutral colors give you the most outfit combinations, but don't be afraid of a bold color that pops Accessories can completely change the same base pieces Comfort is key - you can't advocate effectively if you're uncomfortable Real talk: Your appearance in legal practice isn't about vanity - it's about client confidence. When you look prepared and professional, clients trust you more, opposing counsel takes you seriously, and you feel more confident walking into any room. The goal? Look like the competent attorney you are (or are becoming) while still feeling like yourself. Drop your biggest professional wardrobe question or tip in the comments ⬇️ I love helping fellow attorneys figure this out! #LawyerLife #ProfessionalStyle #LawStudents #AttorneyAdvice #LegalCareer

It’s hard to believe that September is already so close, and that means it’s time for fall galas, meetings, and more! So… what do you wear? Dress codes can be intimidating. Some of us opt to decline an invitation because we just don’t know what to wear. As someone who has attended thousands of events over my career, here are some things I've learned about dress codes along the way: Business Casual: Keep it professional but comfortable. A blazer with dress pants or a pencil skirt for women, and dress slacks with a button-down shirt (no tie required) for men, strikes the perfect balance. Dressy Casual: Think of it as a step up from your everyday attire. A nice blouse with slacks or a fun dress, paired with stylish shoes, hits the mark perfectly. Cocktail: This is your chance to dazzle! Opt for a knee-length dress or a chic jumpsuit. For the gentlemen, a suit with a tie (optional) will have you looking sharp and sophisticated. Formal/Black Tie: Bring on the glamor! Ladies, it's time for floor-length gowns and elegant accessories. Men, a tuxedo is your go-to, complete with a bow tie and polished shoes. REMEMBER: Being appropriate in a world where anything goes will still allow you to carve your own way! When you arrive in the proper attire, you honor the occasion, and the organization or person you are supporting. Look the part, accept the invite with dignity, and look great – you will always feel your best self when you dress right!  Can’t wait to see all of your fun looks for the upcoming event season!