Wednesday 16 February 2011

How to Dress Like a CEO (Men)

What are you silently shouting? When a CEO is not appropriately dressed his message gets lost! This article exposes secrets on how to portray authority and exude control and power by wearing the right combination of clothing, thereby sending the right subliminal messages!


*Choose what you will wear based on your audience. Your image is your most valuable marketing tool and your wardrobe is one of your most important investments. You should have appropriate attire for all occasions, from power suits for business and board meetings to sophisticated business causal ensembles for more relaxed meetings or social engagements.

*Your clothing and appearance speak volumes about you. Before you utter a single word, an impression and a visually-based opinion has been formed in the mind of your viewer. Impressions include your position, stature, intelligence, socio-economic level, respect level and morals as well as your level of education.



*Although there are stereotypical wardrobes designed for "power", you need more than the cliché. A President / CEO should display leadership, control and direction. True leaders instill calm, as well as leadership and discipline. The suit you wear to inspire your sales force will be significantly different than the one you wear when addressing the board of directors. For each occasion, you need to consider what subliminal messages you are transmitting to your audience.

 *Choose dark conservative suits in navy or charcoal, pinstriped, solid or with a minimal pattern or texture for ultimate control. Contrast this aura with a friendlier, more forthcoming appearance by wearing olive, tans, or medium shades of gray.

*Appropriate business casual attire is important. Even on the most casual of days, a President / CEO needs to exude an air of success, control and authority. (Remember, there's a reason why the General does not wear the Private’s uniform!)

*Everyone has his own unique coloration, physique, stature and personality. The key to successful dressing is marrying your attributes with the clothing. Your outfits should never be separate from you. Instead, they should be part of you. (In essence, the clothing becomes the splash and the paint that finishes the canvas that starts with your face and finishes at your feet.) For this reason, one should choose colors that are flattering to one’s pigmentation, styles that enhance your best features and camouflage the unfavorable ones. Essentially, choose outfits that are harmonious with your attributes, goals and mission.
  
*Always send the right subliminal messages and "slam dunk your outfits." Your choice of suit, shirt and tie is paramount. Different combinations convey different messages. Business leaders need to clearly understand and control these messages and then visually communicate them to achieve the best results.

*Choose an expert image/wardrobe consultant to polish your appearance. This is a professional who understands how to communicate the visual messages in the business world. The cost of clothing must be looked upon as an investment. This is your “Business Suit of Armor"; the money spent on your image will make your work easier (as impressions are half the battle) and will actually return a higher profit. Not knowing the business world can wreak havoc on the outcome and yield disastrous results. For these reasons, it's best to seek the advice of an expert! A good wardrobe consultant, by carefully crafting your image, will make you look and feel great, exude power, and communicate effectively, thus making you more successful.

                                                            Darker suits project authority. 



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