Businessman’s fashion in the workplace

When it comes to dressing men in the workplace, the same rules apply as for women.

Always be appropriate and respectful of 3 things:

• Yourself and what suits your body shape and personal colourings.
• The environment and industry you work in.
• The people you will be associating with throughout the day.

If you follow these guidelines life can be a breeze and few fashion faux pas will be made that might affect your business success.

If you think about the Company you work for, what image does it have? Is it professional, relaxed, creative? These factors can help you decide what the appropriate dress code is for you. Even if you love fashion and crave to make a statement each and every day, business success is largely dependent on the impression you make on others and how easily you can build relationships, so it is a good idea to observe what is going on.

I find that men just want to keep it simple, so here are a few ideas of what might be appropriate for different industries.

Finance: A very traditional navy suit, possibly pinstripe. Navy is one of the most people-friendly colors to wear and matches back very well with other shirt and tie combinations. The cut and fit must be exceptional, as you would expect the work performed by these men to be as well. Leather shoes and a small number of quality accessories. Grooming should be impeccable.

Law: Again, very traditional, and nothing beats an elegantly fitted pinstripe suit in navy, dark grey or in some instances, black. In some legal environments, the dress is more relaxed, and a pair of fitted trousers and jacket is fine with collar and tie. Leather shoes again, briefcase in leather and good grooming.

Social Media: This is a growing area and we are seeing men dressing in a more casual way here. Colours are current and bolder, and expect to see chino pants, cotton shirts, casual ties, cardigans and jackets. Accessories might include an iPad case instead of a satchel or briefcase.

Editor/Media/Advertising: This is where self expression can be seen and allows men to dress down, with open neck shirts, or cotton shirts with flamboyant ties. Some media people dress more conservatively, and might adopt a trench style coat over casual pants. Accessories are often statement pieces for the more creative men in these industries and colour can be a way of adding interest and personality.

Education: Depending on the level of education and the establishment, teachers or professors might be seen in a chino pant, open neck shirt, v neck jumper and woolen jacket. Colours are more natural, with little or no contrast. Accessories are minimal. Dressing down allows for a more casual shoe possibly with a rubber sole to be worn.

Whatever your style and industry, what you wear is an integral part of your personal brand. It needs careful selection to ensure that it is working for you, and not against you from a first impression perspective, and that your attention to detail in presenting as credible, and likeable to everyone you do business with is leaving a great lasting impression as well.

You are your brand, appearances do count, so make sure you are getting it right.

Julie Hyne is an image consultant and Camberwell’s fashion stylist. Whether you are a man or a woman, Julie can help you find the style to suit your body shape, show you where you can shop in Camberwell to create your unique look, and help you work out the colours that most suit you.

www.juliehyneimagestylist.com.au