The Secret To Power Dressing

The Reagan years may have been the breeding ground for greed and materialism, but it was also in this decade that the term "power dressing" was coined. Back then, the notion referred to the use of expensive clothes with sharp, hard lines that were destined to make people look assertive and angular.

Now, almost twenty years later, the concept is still very much alive even if the '80s are long gone. More than ever, we live in an era of appearances and power dressing. It's all about looking the part and projecting the right image. If you look like a million bucks, it shouldn't take long for you to make that much.

DRESS FOR THE JOB

If you don't want to be perceived as radical, you should always dress according to the type of work you do. Conservative careers warrant conservative dress. While this rule has taken a relaxed stance over the last few years, it's still very much in effect. Mostly, this is to put your clients at ease. Picture a banker: Would you trust him with your hard-earned money if he were wearing jeans and sandals?

On the other hand, liberal professions call for a more laid-back wardrobe. Some of these people are actually suspiciously regarded when they dress too conventionally. For example, only studio executives are expected to wear suits to work in Hollywood. Filmmakers who do so are immediately believed to lack creativity.

With the advent of the dot-com industry, casual dress was spurred forward. In a short time, the trend took over and conservative businesses encouraged their employees to be more lax in their attire. But with the Internet hemorrhage of late, it seems like the trend is now back to suits.

CLIMATE-FRIENDLY CLOTHES

Rest assured, you don't need to wear navy pinstripes all the time. When summer comes, you can wear lighter colors and still project power. If the area you live in is home to a tropical climate, you can still wear all the colors you want, just choose lighter fabrics. Just remember that short-sleeve dress shirts became extinct in the '60s and you should never be seen wearing one at work.

TIES, BE BOLD

In addition to color coordination (yes, your tie should match your shirt), you should take great care in your tie selection process. Solid colors and striped ties are essential as they are stylish and still conservative. If you want to be more aggressive, pick out designer ties or funkier patterns.

Remember that this is power dressing, not I-want-to-be-a-wallflower dressing. You're the man and you want everybody to know it.

ACCESSORIZE TO INCREASE SIZE

If you don't accessorize, you are not a serious power dresser. It would be like putting on a façade over a hollow shell. You need to play the part all the way. Cufflinks and tiepins are always noticed. They are accessories that don't necessarily fill an indispensable function but they certainly get spotted. Wear cologne that is rooted in tradition and doesn't scream for attention.

Consider wearing a folded handkerchief in your breast pocket. It should be cotton and remember that white is the traditional color. A real-leather wallet is essential. Every time you pull it out, people will note your appreciation for the finer things in life and you'll be respected for it. Similarly, an elegant watch should complete your outfit. Brand names always leave an impression, but think sophistication first and foremost.

THE RIGHT SHOES ARE ESSENTIAL

Again, you must be stylish through and through. While comfort should definitely be one of the deciding factors, aim for leather footwear. If possible, avoid rubber soles and opt for leather ones instead. Black, brown and oxblood (i.e. burgundy) are your color options.

Always make sure they are properly shined, as dirty luxurious shoes are as useful as wearing Bermuda shorts to a board meeting. You can even take advantage of these shoe-shining moments to catch up on the office gossip. Shoe shining professionals are fountains of knowledge as they're constantly present during people's conversations.

QUALITY FIRST

It's a given that your clothes should look good but you shouldn't discard quality. It's easy to save a few dollars for something that looks good but that would never pass a quality insurance test. Spend a little more money to get garments that will not only last you a long time but will enhance your image. Tailor-made suits and shirts of high-quality fabrics don't just cost more; they'll make you feel different in all respects. You'll look better and feel a lot classier. Quality is worth it.

WHAT'S YOUR GOAL?

Before slipping into your clothes, take a moment to ask yourself what you want to achieve with this particular attire. Do you want to intimidate a colleague? Do you want to impress a superior? Or perhaps you want to put a client at ease?

Whatever your objective, you must unquestionably think about it beforehand and establish a game plan to sort out all the details. You might even want to reconsider how your nails and facial hair are presented.

PREPARE EARLY

You should never pick out your clothes at the last minute. Always select your outfit the night before, prior to hitting the sack. Keeping in mind what tomorrow's purpose will be, decide on the dress that will fit the bill best.

Take time to inspect these clothes to make sure they are free of wrinkles and stains. The meeting is not the place to become aware of these imperfections.

YOU'RE THE MAN

You don't have to hire a fashion consultant to help you furnish your wardrobe. All you have to do is befriend a salesperson at your favorite clothing store. They'll be able to give you unbiased opinions and help you pick out the right garb. Besides, being a loyal customer can ensure that you'll be the first to know when new merchandise comes in, or when a big sale is taking place.

What will be left for you to perform is the demeanor. Looking like a million bucks means nothing if you don't act like it as well. Walk the walk and talk the talk. Remember that if you feel good in your clothes, you'll feel a lot more confident. And that's half the battle.