In last week’s post, we met Art Magnaye, a stylish sales professional who definitely understands the power of a well-thought out look… trust me, he’s the real deal! He joins us again for part 2 of his 3 part series. Enjoy! In my last post I introduced the concept of fit. I’d like to back up a bit and explain why I went straight for suits. I will be talking about a “professional style” and for most men that involves the wearing of a suit. When you choose to don a suit, (like it or not) you are participating in a world-wide custom that arose when the British ruled the mercantile world. Almost every man in the business world puts a suit on at some time. To be successful in this custom requires you to have a wardrobe that is “suitable” (pun intended) to your personal requirements. Some men wear suits every day of their professional lives; others may only need the basics. And some wear suits so often they may need an extensive wardrobe to offer choices depending on the occasion. Am I scaring you yet? I will cover the basics here and after that you are free to have fun entering the wonderful world of suits. Again, notice I said suit. Not blazer or sportcoat and trousers (that is the last time I will use trousers. When I refer to dress pants I will just say pants – it’s easier). I think if you buy the correct suit it will be more versatile than any jacket/pants combo. And you’ll look better to boot! Now, most men dread shopping; and most would rather face a rabid raccoon (or twenty) than go shopping for a suit. This probably comes from the memory of going shopping to the local “Fit-Right” buying a dove grey suit, a size too big, in some unspeakably synthetic, scratchy material, looking into the mirror and thinking – “NEVER AGAIN!” Shopping for a suit does not have to be that bad (ever). Once you see how good you can look in the finished product you may actually start to enjoy the experience. Honestly, keep reading (please!); follow the guidelines (it’s not rocket science) and try to have fun with it. The first thing to think of is color. No matter what the sales person says about the dove grey or light blue, or the funky pink pinstripes do not stray from this advice (especially for your first suit). There are only 2 correct choices for a man’s first suit – navy blue or charcoal grey. Solid please. I suggest solid because it is easiest to match with shirts and ties. Pattern matching is better left to the advanced class. I suggest those colors because they flatter more mens’ colorings than anything other colors (I really can’t think of a complexion they would not flatter). Both colors are business appropriate and with the right accessories both are dark enough to wear to any formal event short of white
Creating a Successful Professional Style: A Male Perspective (Part 1 of 3)
I am really excited to present to you a 3-part series by a special guest who definitely has style and isn’t afraid to share it here with you! He’s 100% “L2 Style-approved” – we don’t just let anyone onto this blog you know…. Without further ado, I’d like to present to you, a thoroughly well put-together, stylish individual – Art Magnaye. There comes a time in every man’s life when he realizes there are more to clothes than protection from the elements. For most (and I include myself in this group) this epiphany usually occurs several times in a lifetime. For the most part these periods of enlightenment coincide with landmark occasions in a young man’s life…first date, prom, first job interview, popping the question, promotion, you get my drift. And, much like history, these periods of enlightenment are followed by “the Dark Ages”…the mullet, bell bottoms, acid washed jeans, the ‘80s. It is the combination of the “A-HA” moments and the “What was I thinking?” moments that ultimately determine a man’s unique style. Individuality is commendable, and being able to stand out in a crowd is (again, for the most part) a good thing. But I think we can all agree that, especially in a professional environment, there are good ways to stand out and not so good ways. A professional image is what we all strive for… we want to be taken seriously in whatever we do. You’re thinking this “fashion thing” is all superficial, that I am good at what I do and that should be good enough. And guess what – YOU’RE RIGHT. But why would you want to sabotage yourself when with just a little bit of thought you could enhance your talents and get noticed? Lazina has done a great job of defining style and differentiating it from fashion. And I heartily agree with her. A personal style is one of many tools that a man has to project the best possible image. I think most of us seek a style that projects a professional and confident image. What I’d like to do is offer some tips on the basics of developing a professional style. Notice I said basics. If you’re already rockin’ the bow (tie), or going out with the spectators (shoes) you’re in the advanced class – congratulations and have fun. I have committed to helping you develop a professional style. What I am not going to do is tell you to run out and buy every new trend that blows in from New York, Paris or Milan. You probably already have everything you need to get started… it might just need a little tweaking. Let’s start with the first (and arguably the most important) thing – FIT. Walk around the streets of downtown Calgary during the week and you will see suits. Lots and lots of suits. Unfortunately, most of these suits don’t fit properly. A man in a properly fitting suit looks great – ask any woman! So what is a proper fitting suit?
Necklines: Creating a Polished, Professional Look
So, you want to be taken seriously like the professional you know you are but you aren’t sure if your attire is sending the “right” message to your clients. First off, good for you for thinking about how your clothing choices might impact your future career success (for those of you that have made this association)! That’s usually the biggest hurdle for most people to overcome and admit to. Second, one of the biggest no-no’s that a woman can make is to not think about how they’re “managing the ladies” in the workplace. Regardless of the type of professional environment you work in (whether you work for yourself or in an extremely formal office), making silly mistakes about the neckline of your blouse or dress is hurting your credibility and could be costing you big $$$! Here are a few neckline blunders that many women are making each and every day. Once you’ve had a read through these, don’t let this happen to you again. Deep V-neck: This is a great way to show off your cleavage and be the envy of those around you. You definitely don’t want to attract this attention in the office though. This doesn’t really let your clients know that you’re a “serious and driven professional.” Wide boat-neck: If your shoulders and upper chest are sculpted, this type of neckline is great for showing off your buff-ness. However, this neckline isn’t very professional since you can (most likely) see your bra straps! Remember, we want people looking at you, not your bra. Sweetheart neck: A sweetheart neckline is cute… do you want to be “cute” in the boardroom or with a prospective client? I doubt it! I sweetheart neckline also has the ability to REALLY accentuate your cleavage… again, not something you’d want to do during an important client meeting! One-shoulder neck: I know there is at least one person out there thinking “what’s wrong with a one-shoulder top? It’ll be fine under a blazer!” Well, it might be fine but it certainly doesn’t let others know you are a professional person. To me, this type of look says that you’re itching to get to the bar after work. Square neck: this can be a flattering neckline but you need to make sure it isn’t too wide or else it WILL accentuate your bust. Again, this is great for your personal life (if that’s the type of thing you’re into) but if the cut of the square neckline is too wide, it won’t create a professional look at all. I truly believe that because women have more professional options – and more ambiguity – than men do, we are more uncertain about what is appropriate or expected of us in a professional capacity. I’d like to share some neckline options that are professional, appropriate and – of course – stylish! These are going to have your clients thinking about who you are and what you do rather than have them day-dreaming about your cleavage… ugh!