Strategic Dressing for Men to look Sharp

You appearance says a lot about you; who you are, your credibility, your capability, your potential as well as your stability.

It's a hard fact that people judge you first on the basis of how you look and then on the basis of how you perform. This is a world of perception AND in today's world perception is reality.

So let us see the most common concern men have in today's times while everyone is trying to climb the ladder of success and some are just not able to make it primarily on the basis of their appearance because they fail to look the part.

So if you are in a leadership role that requires you to look sharp, authoritative while addressing your team, they must focus on your face without getting distracted. You must wear a strong contrast with lighter/brighter colors on the upper half of your body (Eg: White, ivory, sky blue etc) and darker colors below (eg: black, charcoal, navy etc). Add a focal point in the form of a bright tie (eg: Burgundy, yellow etc).

Attention goes to contrast and to lighter/brighter colors first so if you reverse the order, people will start focusing on the lower part of your body or they can get distracted easily and you may not appreciate it. Focal point means a point of emphasis; Your team members will not be able to shift their attention as the contrast and the focal point will keep their attention intact. The contrast will also make you appear sharper. The most ideal contrast is black and white as white shirt is considered to be most authoritative and black or charcoal offcourse are the strongest colors.

Among neckties, it is the burgundy which holds the highest amount of authority, then comes red and then navy. So if you want to dress strategically the next time you know what options to select from :)

As regards business suits are concerned, double breasted is the most authoritative suit (Yes, it never goes out of fashion), then comes the classic three/two button suit with pointed lapels for a sharper look. In terms of colors, it is the charcoal which is most authoritative and yet quite elegant.

Why a dark suit?

It reflects strength and authority, you will never see an important person or a high profile individual wearing a light color suit. Dark suit with a white shirt and a bright tie frames the face creating a contrast and hence an overall interesting visual communication.

Similarly, if you wish to look approachable, just change one element and the entire message will change, so instead of wearing a dark suit, wear a beige suit or instead of a burgundy tie, wear a floral pink or a bright yellow tie and you are bang on :) A change in one detail can change the entire visual communication.

So from now on, if you have an important occasion and you need to look sharp, you very well know the strategy. Dress to Impress, Dress for Success & Happy looking good :)