爱思英语编者按：职场商务人士除了工作能力强，他们的穿着也是会影响到业绩。在位越高，就越不能穿错。那穿什么得体，有气场又不夸张？按照以下8大准则做吧！
8 Fashion Rules for Businessmen
Most executives as they start climbing up the corporate ladder get into these blind spots in which they have precious little idea about how they need to upgrade as far as their wardrobe is concerned. Treat this article as a million dollar crash course on the basics of fashion and grooming that will stand you in good stead no matter how high you climb up the success ladder. It will ease your path and get you noticed as you have your head to the ground working to make a place for yourself in the big, bad world of business.
Rule 1: Look the part to get the part
Dressing to suit the part is the first rule of the game. If you aspire to be the CEO of a company but wear open-toed sandals to work, it will be a long time before you get anywhere near the CEO’s office, let alone run the organization.
To look the part, ensure that you have the basics of any business wardrobe in place, and you can be assured that you can alter your look by mixing and matching your separates. Without breaking the bank, it is entirely possibly to invest in a few stylish separates that will go a long way in spiffing up your appearance. If for instance, you happen to have an important client meeting to go to with your boss, borrow a rich friend’s Tag Heur watch or expensive necktie and update your look with one touch of class.
Rule 2: Stick to the norm
Do your research. Even before joining the company you would have got an idea of the dress code of the organization during the interview or by a brief given to you by the human resource personnel. Stick to the company’s line of thought in this regard and don’t veer away from their accepted dress codes.
If the organization is conservative, stock up on formal clothing, and if the company policy is relaxed when it comes to work wear, you can buy more casual Friday dressing items of clothing.
Rule 3: First impressions count
You might be worried about not getting taken seriously because of a variety of reasons - whether it is about looking too young, too old, too boyish and so on. But if you want to change that perception, your choice of clothes is the first step. Dress in a more mature manner in dark suits, warm tones, and wear formal accessories.
Stick to a conservative haircut and go for the clean- shaven look.On the other hand, if you think you appear older than you are, try out a more contemporary haircut and update your wardrobe to the latest trends but in conservative colours.
Rule 4: Don’t flash
Avoid flashy jewellery like rings, body piercings, and so on, like the plague. The only accepted jewellery in a business setting would be a wedding band and a wrist watch.
Rule 5: Colors are the clincher
Offices requiring business attire will expect conservative suits in dark shades. Stick to pinstripes in gray, blue and black when it comes to suits. Patterns are ok when it comes to shirts but make sure they aren’t loud or bizarre. Invest in formal shirts in safe colours like white, pastel shades, navy, black and burgundy.
Rule 6: It’s a perfect fit
There’s nothing worse than ill-fitting clothing, whether too loose or too tight! Ensure that your shirt is fitted and that it flatters your body type and minimises any flaws. You can guarantee this if you get your clothes tailored by a good tailor.
Suggestions for styles, colors and cuts can come from a tailor who’s good at his work and he can actually up your fashion anté considerably at work.
Rule 7: Good grooming counts
No matter how fashionable your clothes or how well they fit, if you don’t take care to groom yourself well, it is all a wasted effort. Your hair should be washed and combed neatly. Your nails should be clean and trimmed. Take care to see that your teeth don’t have bits of food sticking in it. And use deodorant or perfume to kill any possibilities of body odor.
Rule 8: Leave no stone unturned
Other important points to keep in mind are to always wear dark socks, keeps your shoes shined, keep your pockets empty, avoid bulky bags and not chew gum in meetings.
With these basic tips, you are sure to make a big impression when it comes to good grooming and sense of style. Though it might seem superficial, the care one takes with one’s appearance is actually a reflection of the type of person a man is, and seniors at work often make decisions based on the nitty-gritty of a person’s appearance. You wouldn’t want to risk your chances now, would you? After all, it pays to be prepared!
