Professional Style Tips

Style 101 for Young Men In my early years as a senior banker, I noticed that young men in the bank needed some guidance on dressing up. I often saw them wearing orange or red shirts with black ties, and black shirts with silver ties. I recalled the time when I was clueless, and took it upon myself to write this guide: 1. If you want to play it safe, wear light-colored plain shirts white, pink and blue. Try white collars and cuffs. Other shirt colors (orange, red, etc.) are tricky. 2. Ties should generally have a darker shade than the shirt. Put a dimple on your tie knot. Avoid the black or gray shirt with light tie combo unless you moonlight for a steak restaurant or a band. 3. Striped ties are better with plain shirts. But if you feel bold and want to wear a striped shirt, the tie stripes should be wider than the shirt stripes. And they should share a similar color. 4. If you are wearing a bold shirt, like a checkered one, wear a plain, sober tie. 5. Wear dark socks that match your pants. If you feel adventurous and want to wear colored socks, do not wear a patterned shirt or striped suit. They will clash. 6. The belt should match your shoes. Don't use a brown belt with black shoes. Better yet, don’t wear a belt at all, like Korean actors. I usually don’t. 7. Wear brown, tan, or burgundy shoes only with pale or navy blue suits. For suits in midnight blue and dark grey, pick dark chocolate brown shoes. Never wear brown shoes with black or near black suits. 8. The coat and pants should match unless you are wearing a blazer or sports coat (more business casual). If you wear a blue blazer, wear gray or khaki pants, avoid blue or black. Contrast is key. 9. The tie should reach the upper part of the belt and not go lower than the buckle. 10. Leave the lower coat button unbuttoned. Do not button everything. Only JFK and preschool boys are exempted from this rule. 11. Show some shirt sleeve, about half an inch, when wearing a coat. If more than an inch shows, have the shirt altered. 12. Slim cut is preferred, and flat front without pleats. Pants should not be too long, with only one break (wrinkle) and not much cloth hanging around the shoes. 13. Finally, if your suit is new, cut the threads from the pocket openings and the vents. You can’t imagine how many times I had to cut the vent threads from new suits of younger bankers. Have it dry-cleaned, especially if the tailor’s chalk marks are showing. One lady CEO still reminds me of the time I pointed out the chalk marks in her blazer. She was just new in the bank then. When having your first suit made, pick navy blue. Next, medium gray. They match most shirts. Then black for special events. Do pinstripes later. Find a good tailor and make him your friend for life. My shirtmaker has done work for my father, my brothers, my sons and nephews. But my suit cutter recently retired and migrated to Canada. (Reposted, per request)

Quick advice for men who need to dress professionally -- especially my brothers in TV news… Look, on-air or off-air, you don’t need to look like you’re auditioning for Mad Men or about to sell me a reverse mortgage. You just need to look clean, sharp, and like you didn’t get dressed in the dark during a 2:30 a.m. wakeup call. Speaking from experience. Here we go… 1. Wear collar stays. Yes, they matter. Yes, you need them. No, your shirt doesn’t “do that on its own.” 2. Stick to white, tan, or blue dress shirts with your suit coat. These are the Jordan–Pippen–Rodman of shirt colors. 3. Match the width of your tie to the shape of your face. Yes, this is a real thing. 4. If you don’t have time to iron (…all of us), go wrinkle-free. Search “non-iron twill” and let modern fabric technology save your life. 5. Avoid blending too many patterns. Plaid jacket? Solid shirt. Solid jacket? Lightly patterned shirt. But plaid jacket + striped tie = you reporting live from the optical illusion district. 6. Don’t wear anything distracting. If viewers remember your tie more than your journalism… you’ve lost. 7. Choosing between tie, pocket square, lapel pin, tie bar? Pick two -- MAX. Any more and you’re basically bedazzling yourself. 8. Know your collar type. I like a spread collar. It frames well, looks clean, and doesn’t make me look like I’m hosting a 1970s game show. 9. Skip white-collared dress shirts unless you’re actively trying to look like a Wall Street villain. 10. Match your shoes and belt. Black-black, brown-brown. And if you match your watch too? Chef’s kiss. 11. Pocket squares don’t have to match anything. In fact, a contrasting color gives a nice pop. 12. And the biggest tip of all -- wear clothes that fit. Revolutionary, I know. But seriously -- save up, get measured by a real clothier, learn what fits YOU. You don’t need custom everything… but once you feel the difference, you’ll be better suited (yes, I said it) to shop for yourself forever. xoxo

For men, grooming is not vanity but a form of communication. How you present yourself speaks long before you do. Your grooming, attire and overall appearance tell others how seriously you take yourself, your work and those you engage with. A well-groomed man communicates confidence, discipline and self-respect - qualities that strengthen a personal and professional brand. I often remind men that grooming is not about trends or luxury; it’s about consistency, intentionality and respect. The goal is to project credibility through simplicity and care. Here are key principles every man should consider: 1. Consistency builds credibility. Good grooming is not a one-time effort - it’s a daily standard. Regular haircuts, neat facial grooming, clean nails and well-pressed clothes show reliability and self-management. 2. Fit and quality matter. Clothing should complement your physique and communicate professionalism. A well-tailored shirt or suit instantly elevates your presence, while poor fit can weaken even the best brand. 3. Subtlety speaks volumes. Whether it’s a light fragrance, a classic watch or polished shoes, understated details communicate refinement. Less is often more - your grooming should enhance, not distract. 4. Pay attention to details. People notice small things - clean shoes, tidy facial hair and fresh breath. These details reinforce that you care about how you show up and by extension, how you handle responsibilities. 5. Grooming reflects discipline. Consistency in appearance mirrors consistency in behavior. A man who takes care of his image signals that he values order, precision and respect - traits every leader and professional should embody. Grooming is more than appearance - it’s part of your personal branding strategy. When you show up well-groomed, you don’t just look confident; you communicate confidence. Remember, your image walks into the room before you do. Let it speak strength, composure and professionalism every time.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐈𝐧? Let’s Uncover the Secret! 👇 Did you know? People form lasting impressions about your authority and confidence within the first 7 seconds of meeting you. And no, it’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you present yourself. The boardroom is your arena to shine, but your style can either amplify your impact or undermine it. At Image Consulting Business Institute, we’ve helped countless professionals refine their appearance to ensure they’re heard before they even speak. Here’s how you can do the same: 1. Speak Authority Without Words Colors set the tone before you utter a word. Deep shades like navy blue, charcoal grey, and black exude credibility and professionalism. Want to subtly stand out? Incorporate jewel tones like emerald or burgundy. 👉 Pro Tip: Pair a dark blazer with a crisp white shirt for a timeless look that signals reliability. 2. Perfect Fit = Perfect Confidence Wearing ill-fitted clothing is like showing up with a weak handshake—it sends the wrong message. A well-tailored blazer and trousers/skirt create sharp, clean lines that radiate control. 👉 Quick Fix: A blazer that fits at the shoulders and trousers hemmed to the right length can do wonders. 3. Details That Define You Accessories are silent messengers. A classic watch, sleek belt, or structured bag conveys focus and attention to detail. But tread lightly—less is always more. 👉 Insider Tip: Skip anything that jingles or distracts. Let your ideas, not your accessories, take center stage. 4. The Power of Polished Shoes Your shoes say more about you than you think. Closed-toe, polished footwear in neutral tones screams professionalism. 👉 Action Step: Ensure your shoes are clean and polished—it shows you care about the little things. 5. The Non-Negotiable No matter how well you dress, poor grooming can overshadow it all. Neatly styled hair, clean nails, and subtle makeup (if you use it) are your foundation of authority. 👉 Pro Tip: Never underestimate the impact of a fresh haircut before an important meeting. 6. The Invisible Outfit The way you carry yourself is just as important as what you wear. Stand tall, keep your shoulders relaxed, and maintain steady eye contact. It’s the non-verbal signal of confidence. 👉 Mindset Shift: A powerful stance can make even a simple outfit look extraordinary. 𝟕. 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 Even the best style tips can fall flat if you don’t feel confident. Prepare, practice, and own the room—you’re there for a reason. Styling for a boardroom isn’t about trends; it’s about creating an aura of competence and credibility. When you align your appearance with your goals, you’ll notice the way people start to lean in and listen. #SumanAgarwal #ICBI #ImageConsulting #SoftSkills #Corporate #Pitch #Founder #manager #Management #PowerDressing #ExecutivePresence

What you wear to work isn’t just fabric, it’s a message. Your outfit can silently communicate confidence, reliability, and attention to detail or the opposite. In a desi work environment where impressions form fast and hierarchy matters, dressing appropriately can help you build trust, feel more focused, and be taken seriously. It’s not about being flashy, it’s about being intentional. Here’s a quick guide to get it right: DO’s 1. Keep it crisp & clean: Ironed clothes, neat shoes, and tidy hair say a lot before you even speak. 2. Go for modest elegance: Kurtas with straight pants, solid colors, and subtle prints work well. 3. Accessorize smartly: A classic watch, small studs, or a simple chain elevate your look without overdoing it. 4. Layer wisely: Light blazers, waistcoats, or scarves can make even the simplest outfit look polished. 5. Comfort is key: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or lawn, especially in summer, sweat patches aren’t a good look. DON’Ts 1. Avoid bling overload: Heavy embroidery, sequins, or flashy jewelry are for weddings, not meetings. 2. Say no to casual chaos: Slippers, crumpled outfits, and slogan tees scream “I didn’t try.” 3. Don’t overdo perfume: A light mist is fine. A fragrance cloud is not. 4. Skip extreme trends: Super flared sleeves, loud neons, or dramatic cuts can distract more than impress. 5. Don’t ignore grooming: Chipped nails, unkempt facial hair, or greasy hair can overshadow your skills. Final tip: Dress in a way that lets your personality and professionalism shine and not your outfit alone.

Most men don't think about their wardrobe. But SOME do. And when they do, comfort is their main concern. I come across a lot of men who tell me the same thing: "I want to look better, but I don't want to feel restricted." Here's the truth: You don't have to choose between looking sharp and feeling comfortable. The key is understanding fit, fabric, and function. Here's how to style better without losing comfort: 1. Get the fit right Most discomfort comes from poor fit, not the clothes themselves. Too tight? Restrictive.  Too loose? Sloppy.  Find the sweet spot where clothes skim your body without clinging or drowning you. 2. Invest in quality fabrics Breathable cotton, linen blends, and stretchy weaves exist for a reason. They move with you. A good fabric makes all the difference between feeling polished and feeling trapped. 3. Ditch the stiff collar If your work collar feels like cardboard, it's time to upgrade. Softer collars with a natural structure look professional without choking you. 4. Structured doesn't mean stiff A well-tailored blazer should feel like a second skin, not a straitjacket. Look for unlined or half-lined blazers - they're lighter and more breathable. 5. Upgrade your basics Good t-shirts, well-fitted jeans, quality sneakers. These are your foundation. When your basics fit right, everything else becomes easier. 6. Layering is your friend A shirt + blazer combo works for the office. Lose the blazer after work. Same outfit, different vibe. Comfort and versatility in one. The bottom line? Style isn't about suffering. It's about knowing what works for YOUR body and YOUR lifestyle. Want help building a wardrobe that looks sharp AND feels comfortable? Drop STYLE below and my team will get in touch with you

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮? Imagine this: You're walking into a high-stakes meeting. Eyes turn, and before you’ve even spoken a word, you’ve made an impression. Now the question is—does that impression say competent, polished, and confident or unprepared, uninterested, and outdated? Your personal style is more than just clothes. It’s a silent language, a tool that communicates your professionalism, leadership, and even attention to detail. And in the corporate world, it can make or break your first impression. Here’s where it gets interesting—your wardrobe doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to be intentional. Here are some practical ways to build a personal style that screams success: 1️⃣ Understand Your Role and Goals: What’s your career vision? A sleek blazer with tailored trousers can say “I’m ready to lead,” while softer tones and structured skirts may lean toward approachable authority. Your attire should align with where you want to go, not just where you are. 2️⃣ Master the Art of Versatility: A capsule wardrobe can be your best ally. Invest in timeless pieces—neutral blazers, white shirts, pencil skirts, or tailored pants—that you can mix and match effortlessly. For men, a crisp navy suit can go from boardroom to client dinner with a quick change of accessories. 3️⃣ Pay Attention to Details: Wrinkled shirts, scuffed shoes, or an ill-fitting suit can undo all your efforts. Think of grooming, accessories, and fit as your secret weapons. A well-polished shoe or a classic watch speaks volumes about your attention to detail. 4️⃣ Inject Personality—But Strategically: Corporate doesn’t mean boring. A silk scarf, a statement tie, or subtle patterns can infuse character into your look without overshadowing professionalism. The key? Balance. Let your personality shine, but not shout. 5️⃣ Dress for Confidence, Not Comfort: While being comfortable is important, dressing too casually can send the wrong message. Step slightly above the dress code of your workplace—this subtly positions you as someone aiming higher. And here’s the kicker: your wardrobe evolves with you. As you climb the ladder, your style should adapt to reflect your growing authority and aspirations. 💼 Pro Tip: If you're struggling to create that perfect blend of professionalism and personality, a wardrobe audit is a game-changer. Evaluate what works, what doesn’t, and what pieces can be added to elevate your style. Your clothes aren’t just an investment in fabric—they’re an investment in your brand. Make every outfit count. 👉 Want to master the art of corporate dressing and build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do? Whether it’s a style consultation or a complete wardrobe transformation, I can help you show up as your most confident self. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gRcYN233 Book a free consultation call with me! 👆 #CorporateTraining #ImageConsulting #OneonOne #ImageManagement #NandiniKhanna

Most people don’t realise this but your outfit speaks before you ever get a chance to*. Over the years, I’ve realised personal style isn’t about vanity. It’s about intent. I’ve watched people walk into a room and command presence not because of what they were wearing, but because of how considered they looked. There’s a quiet confidence in being put together. Dressing well is simply design thinking applied to the self. Every element , your fit, grooming, posture, even the energy you carry communicates who you are long before you speak. And much like architecture, true style has little to do with luxury. It is built on balance, function, and intention. For the modern man still shaping his personal style (which, truthfully, is all of us), here are a few principles that have stayed with me: 1) Prioritise the fit. No label can compensate for poor tailoring. A well-fitted garment will always outshine a designer logo. 2) Grooming is non-negotiable. Neat hair, clean nails, and well-kept shoes don’t just elevate how you look they shift how you feel. 3) Shoes speak first. People notice them before anything else. Keep them classic. Keep them clean. They set the tone. 4) Build your uniform. Discover what suits you silhouettes, colours, and textures that feel authentic. Consistency creates identity. 5) Add a signature. A watch, a fragrance, a pocket square, a bracelet one subtle touch that is unmistakably you. Ultimately, style is less about clothing and more about clarity. Because in a world overflowing with noise, the person who appears composed often is. Present yourself with the same thoughtfulness you bring to your work. You are the first design people experience. Dress with self-respect. Walk with intention. Show up like you belong because you do.

Power dressing isn’t just about wearing the right outfit—it’s about selecting the elements that make you feel confident, capable, and ready to take on the world. Here are some key characteristics that define a power dressing outfit: 1. Colors : Bold and Confident : Colors like navy blue, black, and deep red exude authority and confidence. Classic Neutrals : Shades like gray, beige, and white convey professionalism and versatility. Accents and Pops : Incorporate subtle pops of color to show personality without overwhelming the look. 2. Fabric : High-Quality Materials : Opt for fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton blends that not only look sophisticated but also provide comfort and durability. Structured Textiles : Fabrics that hold their shape, like tweed and gabardine, give a polished and authoritative appearance. 3. Fit : Tailored Precision : Well-fitted clothing enhances your silhouette and exudes confidence. Ensure your clothes are tailored to your body for the perfect fit. Comfortable Movement : While fit is crucial, comfort should not be sacrificed. Make sure you can move easily and feel at ease in your outfit. 4. Details : Crisp and Clean : Ensure your outfit is well-ironed and free of wrinkles. Crisp lines and clean finishes convey meticulous attention to detail. Minimalist Accessories : Choose accessories that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Think classic watches, understated jewelry, and elegant ties or scarves. 5. Shoes : Polished and Professional : Invest in high-quality, polished shoes that complete your look. Classic styles like loafers, oxfords, or pumps are excellent choices. Comfort and Style : Ensure your shoes are as comfortable as they are stylish, especially if you’ll be on your feet for long periods. 6. Grooming Neat and Tidy : Pay attention to grooming details—well-kept hair, clean nails, and subtle makeup (if applicable) add to the overall impression. Personal Hygiene : A fresh scent and good personal hygiene are essential components of power dressing. Remember, power dressing is about more than just the clothes you wear; it’s about how you carry yourself in them. By focusing on these key characteristics, you can create a wardrobe that empowers you and boosts your confidence in any professional setting. What are your go-to elements for power dressing? Share your tips and insights below! #PowerDressing #ProfessionalStyle #Confidence #WardrobeEssentials #FashionTips #TailoredFit #QualityFabrics #ProfessionalAppearance

I’m compelled to post on this topic every now and then, but most men were never taught how to dress. No one sits you down and explains fit, fabric, or why a jacket that actually fits your shoulders changes how a room reads you. You figure it out late, or you don’t. I figured it out late. Shout out to Heather, though. Here’s what I wish someone had told me sooner: learning to put yourself together is one of the highest-return investments you can make, and it costs almost nothing to start. + Fit beats brand. + Find a good tailor. + Own fewer things that fit well over a closet of stuff that doesn’t. + Pick two or three colors that work on you and stop guessing. + Buy quality basics before anything flashy. It is less about vanity and more about walking in a room and knowing you look like someone who has it handled. People respond to that. And when done right, what you wear says something true about who you are. You don’t need a lot of money to look out together. You just need to pay attention and care.