Off the cuff

In thinking about developing your personal style or 'business image', there are two main factors to consider, as in anything you do in life it makes an impression and will create a perception. The same applies to the way you dress and so it’s important to develop your own sense of style. It's worth remembering that being dressed well makes you feel good and will add personal confidence. In the business world and especially in retail and any work place that involves interaction with customers or business clients it is very important to look the part and to look good……and know it too.

The key to this is finding a dress style that works for you personally. It's not a bad thing to be impressed by someone who looks good and if you like their style and look, then try it yourself. But do not follow or try to imitate high street fashion. 'High street fashion' and 'style' are mutually exclusive.  Be yourself, follow your instincts and try putting together a few items of dress until you find (by instinct) a look and style that works for you. Be careful and not try to introduce a 'casual' look for business. Casual and business dress are also mutually exclusive, so do not try and mix them.

There are certain basics that apply in all dress, it's a question of using them and finding what looks good on you. Colour for instance. In a business environment, strong primary colours are a key and they can be mixed to 'tone up' or 'tone down', to highlight or understate or even better to do both. For example, a dark navy suit, blue and white Bengal stripped shirt with a yellow or orange tie and pocket handkerchief. That is to tone up or highlight. Understatement is much more of a subtle message and if done well will be extremely effective. For example, that dark navy suit, a blue shirt ( not Navy blue) perhaps an Oxford blue with a dark green, brown or red Paisley patterned tie and hankie. A plane dark background with a bright tie and pocket hankie in plain or stripped primary colours is striking.

All this will give out the impression of good taste, style, confidence and personal pride and integrity. What does it look like to see a chap walk down Bond Street in a suit and no tie? Perhaps 'cool and casual' but somehow it just does not look good or finished...there is something missing! And it's not only the tie.

Indeed try everything if you can, but always remember what kind of working environment you are in and dress for that environment. A man is not afraid of wearing bright colours but it is important to have the right mix of those colours.

Image: