For a boss or high positioned member of a team, setting a standard is best achieved by leading by example. When there is a time they must arrive to work or a meeting, they will arrive early. When there is a deadline they have to meet, they beat it. When there is a dress code – they own it. In most offices, this means suiting up, and for the bosses, this means going the extra mile.
Less senior members of the team will of course have less of a budget and this leads the majority of work forces to buy the bare minimum that they can get away with. The result? A clear sartorial divide between the senior and junior members of staff.
So, when pushing for a promotion there are a few tips to bare in mind. The first two tips are simple: Firstly, make sure that you always arrive to work or meetings at the same time as or earlier than the bosses – a simple case of time management will go a long way. Secondly, don’t just meet your deadlines; destroy them. If you’ve been given a week to complete a project, take some time out of a few evenings and do the project in half a week. Aside a little extra effort, implementing these two tips will cost you nothing and will help you stand out. All that remains is the wardrobe. So how do you dress like your bosses?
Fit
First and foremost, the most important point to note when power-dressing is fit. If you haven’t enough cash for a bespoke or Made to Measure, adjust what you have to fit you. Tight or loose suits will make you look inexperienced in wearing a suit and by extension – make you look more junior.
Colour
For the most part, dark suits are the safest choice to help you project a message of power. Like dinner suits; they’re dark, simple and they project an image of power and wealth. For example, a midnight blue or black suit paired with a crisp white shirt, a well shined pair of shoes and a dark or monochrome tie will look bold and immaculate. Think Harvey Specter of Suits.Your other option is to call on an old favorite of bankers, lawyers and Wall Street big shots. The pinstripe. A navy suit with a white pinstripe instantly grabs attention, giving you an immediate presence in any room – perfect for standing out to your bosses. Pair the suit with a blue shirt with contrasting white collar and cuffs and a bold red tie for a splash of eye-catching colour – Wolf of wall street style.
Style
Generally speaking, day-to-day office suits will be two piece single breasted and with a notched lapel. If you were to first change the lapel to a wide peak, you would draw the eyes to your shoulder thus giving the illusion of height and width to your torso. Appearing taller and broader brings connotations of being the alpha; powerful, strong and boss-like. The next suggested change would be the addition of a waistcoat.The waistcoat increases the suits formality, adds an extra detail and means you have the option of removing your jacket and still looking smart – useful in the heat of summer. If you’re not a fan of the three piece, a double breasted suit is another great way off adding formality to your look, whilst also adding width and height to your torso with its peak lapels.
Details
The devil is always in the detail. On your suits, choosing to have a ticket pocket adds extra detail to your suit that is not often seen on off the peg suits, thus giving you an edge. Coloured button holes on the jacket cuff will also add detail that shows that the garment you’re wearing is bespoke or made to measure. On your shirts having a pin collar adds detail and individuality to your look, as does using other unusual collar choices, like a tab collar or wide cutaway.
A lot of these choices are very specific and therefore are best achieved through buying a made to measure or bespoke suit. Though more expensive, investing in just one immaculate bespoke power suit will pay for itself when you need to be noticed – and it will serve for many years. And besides; once you’ve invested in one to help earn yourself a promotion, you’ll be able to replenish your whole wardrobe with the new and improved paycheck. Good luck…
