Dress for success (part 3): Do's for men
Articles about dressing for success often only focus on women, but men’s appearance on the job or during interviews is just as important. The following are recommendations for men:
1. Pay special attention to grooming and hygiene. “You would be shocked at how many men still don’t understand the importance of clean fingernails and even brushing their teeth. It’s fairly simple: Shower, shave, brush your teeth and carry Listerine Strips,” said
Jenn Hoffman, president of
Get Some Media.
2. Do your homework. “Know what is ‘expected and respected’ attire for the organization and position for which you are applying,” said Valerie Sokolosky, president of
Valerie & Company. “If you are applying for an entry-level role, wear a navy sport coat, gray or taupe slacks, polished shoes, belt and shoes that match, blue or white shirt, and conservative tie.”
3. Wear an undershirt. “Make sure you have solid white shirts to wear under your button down shirt. It is important that your white undershirts not have any printing, logos or designs that will show through,” said Robin Kazmarek, director of career services at
Stetson University.
4. Own your clothes, don’t let your clothes own you. “So often, I see men choosing suits that the sales clerk recommended, and they end up feeling uncomfortable in them because they don't suit their skin tone or physical characteristics,” said Amy Elizabeth Casson, president of
Polished Image. “Be brave and choose styles that you like - not what the clerk tells you is ‘in.’”
5. Wear cufflinks. “Cufflinks are essential if a man wants to exude a polished professional look. A tailored suit should be paired with cufflinks, tie clip and handkerchief, if possible,” said said Lisa Punter, president of
Exceed Consulting Group.
6. Match your belt to your shoes. “Matching these two items really makes a difference. If you don't, it makes people wonder, ‘What was he thinking?’ Also, make sure your belt and shoes are, or at least look, new, and always polish your shoes,” said Lauren MacArthur, partner in
Winter, Wyman’s Information Design and Delivery Division.
7. Invest in a good tailor. “Most of us can’t afford to travel to Savile Row and have a bespoke suit created for us, but this is no excuse for having a suit that doesn’t fit. Make friends with your local tailor and, for a fraction of the cost, you can have a suit that looks like it was made just for you,” said Gary Field, founder of
Career Gear.
8. Purchase a briefcase. “A must have in a man’s wardrobe – a professional attaché/briefcase. It doesn’t have to be real leather, but must look the part,” said Punter.
9. Think outside the khaki box. “If it were up to me, I would ban pleated pants entirely, but pleated khakis are the worst. They do not flatter anyone. No, not even you,” said
Hoffman.
10. Wear quality accessories. “Your watch should be classic, no divers special with all the gadgets,” said Sokolosky.