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)

Business casual is a dress code that strikes a balance between formal business attire and casual wear. It’s typically less rigid than traditional office wear (like suits and ties) but more polished than everyday casual clothing, offering a professional yet relaxed look. Key Features of Business Casual For Men: • Shirts: Collared shirts such as button-downs, polos, or Oxford shirts. Avoid t-shirts. • Pants: Chinos, dress slacks, or khakis. Avoid jeans unless explicitly allowed. • Jackets (optional): Blazers or sport coats for a polished touch. • Shoes: Loafers, brogues, or leather shoes. Avoid sneakers or sandals. For Women: • Tops: Blouses, tailored tops, or knit sweaters. Avoid overly casual t-shirts or tank tops. • Bottoms: Dress pants, skirts (knee-length or longer), or tailored trousers. Avoid shorts or distressed jeans. • Dresses: Simple, knee-length dresses that aren’t too revealing. • Shoes: Flats, loafers, or low-to-mid heels. Avoid overly casual footwear like flip-flops. What Business Casual is NOT: • For Men & Women: • Ripped or distressed jeans • Graphic t-shirts or hoodies • Shorts • Flip-flops or athletic sneakers • Overly flashy or casual outfits Situations Where Business Casual is Appropriate 1. Office Settings: For companies with a relaxed dress code. 2. Networking Events: Casual meetups or professional mixers. 3. Client Meetings: When formal attire isn’t required. 4. Conferences & Seminars: Unless the dress code specifies otherwise. Quick Tips to Nail Business Casual 1. Keep It Neutral: Stick to subtle, neutral, or muted colors like navy, beige, black, white, or gray. 2. Layer Wisely: A blazer or cardigan can instantly elevate your look. 3. Grooming Matters: Even casual outfits should be paired with a neat and polished appearance. 4. Adapt to Industry Norms: Business casual in a tech startup may be different from business casual in a law firm. In the 3 pictures which one isn't Business Casual? Comment below #imagemanagement #executivepresence #communicationskills

For the longest time, I questioned why our appearance should dictate our credibility as professionals. Shouldn’t our expertise, intellect, and hard work be enough? And then, Sylvia Ann Hewlett burst my bubble. Executive presence isn’t just about looking good, it’s about inspiring confidence. It’s about showing up in a way that signals long-term reliability, competence, and influence. It’s not about dressing in brands; it’s about dressing the room. Think of it like this, ever walked into a room where someone’s attire was completely out of sync with the environment? A tech startup CEO in an ultra-formal three-piece suit at a brainstorming session might feel out of place, just like a financial analyst in sneakers and a hoodie at an investor meeting. Neither is “wrong,” but both have missed an opportunity to align their presence with their audience’s expectations. Our visual presence is the first handshake before we even speak. In a marketing agency buzzing with creativity, casuals might scream “I get this space.” But step into a high-stakes boardroom with industry leaders, and business formals say, “I understand the gravity of this conversation.” The trick? Authenticity with Adaptability. You don’t need to dilute your personality, but you do need to be mindful of the visual signals you send. As a leadership consultant, I encourage professionals to ask themselves before any critical meeting: • Who is my audience? • What message do I want to send? • How do they expect me to show up? Executive presence isn’t about a rigid dress code, it’s about strategic alignment. It’s about dressing in a way that ensures your presence commands attention, respect, and trust. Your expertise is your foundation, but your presence is your amplifier. Dress authentically while respecting the decorum of the room you step into. In doing so, you won’t just be seen, you’ll be remembered. So, the next time you stand before your closet, don’t just pick an outfit. Choose your presence. #ExecutivePresence #DressingTheRoom #NyraLeadershipConsulting

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

I've been thinking a lot about wardrobe fundamentals lately, especially after working with so many clients who struggle with the basics. These are all rules I personally follow with my own wardrobe, and they've never steered me wrong. So, what are the 8 rules every man should know for building a timeless wardrobe? - Invest in quality over quantity. One well-made suit will outlast five cheap ones, and the difference in how you feel wearing it is night and day. - Master the fit first. The most expensive garment in the world looks terrible if it doesn't fit properly. Get your measurements right and find a good tailor. - Build around neutrals. Navy, charcoal, and grey form the backbone of any solid wardrobe. Everything else should complement these foundations. - Choose natural fibres. Wool, cotton, and linen age beautifully and perform better than synthetic alternatives. They're worth the investment. - Perfect your shirt game. A crisp white shirt works with everything. Add light blue and you've covered 90% of your needs. - Invest in proper shoes. Good leather shoes, well-maintained, can last decades. Start with black oxfords and brown brogues. - Understand occasion dressing. Know the difference between business casual and black tie. When in doubt, slightly overdressed beats underdressed. - Maintain what you own. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and timely repairs will extend the life of everything in your wardrobe significantly. These aren't revolutionary concepts, but they're the fundamentals that most men overlook. I see it constantly in my work - guys who've spent thousands on clothes but missed these basics entirely. What would you add to this list? I'd love to hear what wardrobe rules have served you well over the years.

What does your outfit say about you at work?" 🧥 Your wardrobe choices can speak volumes before you even say a word. Dressing for success isn’t just a cliché—it’s a strategy! Here’s how to master the art of professional attire:💯 1) Know your workplace dress code: Understand the company culture and dress accordingly. If you're unsure, observe what your colleagues and superiors wear 👗 2) Dress for the industry: Different industries have different dress code norms. For example, finance and law tend to be more formal, while tech and creative fields may be more casual👔 3) Be mindful of grooming: Ensure your clothes are clean and pressed, and pay attention to personal hygiene🌟 4) Invest in quality over quantity: A smaller collection of well-made, timeless pieces can make a bigger impact than a large wardrobe of cheap, trendy items💰 5) Dress for confidence: Wear what makes you feel good about yourself and confident in your abilities💎 6) Consider layers: Wearing layers can help you adjust to changing office temperatures and add versatility to your outfit.🧥 7) Pay attention to details: Ensure your socks match, your shoes are polished, and your accessories complement your outfit.👞 8) Be authentic: Incorporate personal touches that reflect your personality and style while still adhering to workplace norms.✨ Dressing professionally isn’t just about following the rules—it's about owning your space with confidence and authenticity. Have questions or need specific advice? Let’s talk! ❤️ I am Riya Thukral, your Image Consultant and Personal Stylist. If you are ready to change the way you look and feel, then DM me to book your personal styling session ✨ #StyleInspiration #ProfessionalDress #ImageConsulting #ColorBlocking #ConfidenceBoost #Personalstylist #Imagecoach #Dresscode #workplace #employee

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.

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.

I’m going to offer one piece of free professional and styling advice for anyone getting up in front of an audience: think about your clothes. Whether it’s an internal all-hands or an insider-y industry panel, the second you sit down in a lounge chair or lean on a stool, the entire fit of what you’re wearing changes. Take the beloved button-down shirt, for example. What was a lovely, fitted shirt morphs into something else entirely once you sit down. Those poor buttons end up looking like they’re performing the hard labor. So, here’s my checklist: 1) Practice sitting. Literally sit down in your outfit. Do you lean forward? Recline? Cross your legs? Your posture changes how your clothes pull, bunch, ride, or gape. 2) Cover the buttons. Rethink the classic button-down. Try a pullover, a nice Henley or blouse, or neutral T-shirt with a blazer/jacket. And if you do stick with the button-down, think about going for a looser fit and wear an undershirt. 3) Patterns: choose one, not two. If your shirt is patterned, let your blazer be solid. If your blazer is patterned, keep the shirt plain. Not both. Generally, small details can be hard for the camera to pick up so bold patterns work better than subtle floral prints or plaids. Better yet, go with solids for impact. 4) Channel David Letterman. Blazer buttoned when you stand. Unbutton the second you sit. No bunching, no pulling, and let the shadows work for you. 5) Socks and shoes tell a story. They’re often eye-level with the audience. Be intentional. Governor Schwarzenegger used to wear cowboy boots with the California state seal. That may not be your thing, but he did it intentionally knowing his pants rode up when he was sitting down. You don’t need to be “fashionable” to look professional. Just be thoughtful. Your image is part of your message. Make sure it supports what you’re saying ... and, most importantly, that you look comfortable wearing it.

7 Science-Backed Style Shifts to Boost Confidence in Your Career: 𝟏. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝟏𝟎% 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. Not to stand out—but to feel in control. It changes how people see and hear you. ↳ Northwestern study on enclothed cognition 𝟐. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲. Red and cobalt blue boost confidence and authority. The colors you wear shift how others perceive your energy—and how you perceive your own. ↳ University of Rochester, color-influence study 𝟑. 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐭. 90% of style issues? Poor fit. Tailoring makes anything look expensive—even a $200 dress can outshine a $2,000 one if it fits like it was made for you. ↳ Consumer behavior research, Journal of Fashion Marketing 𝟒. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞.” Outfit = Top + Bottom + 1 finisher (statement jacket, silk scarf, bold shoes). It instantly elevates your outfit. ↳ Fashion psychology styling framework 𝟓. 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮. Start with 3 categories: timeless watch/bag, standout jacket, or cool shades. ↳ Psychology of self-expression 𝟔. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭. If you stand taller after getting dressed, it’s a yes. If you shrink, change. ↳ Embodied cognition studies, Cornell University 𝟕. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. What you wear can rewire how you think, feel, and act. Show up as the future you—and your brain (and everyone else) will start to believe it. ↳ Northwestern’s enclothed cognition study 🧠 Remember: 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥. The real question isn’t if it matters— It’s whether you can afford not to become that version of yourself. ____ ✍ DM “ZHAI” for your free guide: How to Upgrade Your Style & Own Any Room—in Just 10 Minutes. ♻️ Know someone who needs this? Send it their way. 👋 Follow Veronica Zhai for more evidence-backed style psychology. #LuxuryFashion #Sustainability #CEOs