Time to Take It Up A Notch Fellas – Accessorize for Success!
Ever heard the saying, a little goes a long way? We can apply this same logic to our wardrobes. This year, I intend to show my clients how slight tweaks coupled with wise investments can help you build a boardroom-ready wardrobe.
Let’s start with accessories (which are not just for women). Jewelry and bags are just as important on men. This year take it up a notch by incorporating some fine pieces into your wardrobe.
Here are a few pieces that are important yet profoundly overlooked:
Cufflinks
Cufflinks at one point were a status symbol as well as a functional element. Whether you choose to wear cufflinks for style or function make sure you wear the correct ones for the right occasion! For business attire, try purchasing at least one pair of good quality. Whether silver, gold or some other type of metal, the best bet is to go with your undertone. Cartier has a beautiful pair of cufflinks in three different gold tones. These are great because they are identical on each end plus almost anyone can wear them on a host of occasions.
Handkerchiefs
Stars like Kanye West, Terrell Owens and even TI have been photographed with their piece of pocket square showing. While some feel a handkerchief is a part of yesterday’s office attire, why leave your opportunity to make a great impression to trend? Your personal image is not only about style, it’s about all the small parts that contribute to a fantastic whole. Tips for wearing a pocket square include coordinating it with your tie. It doesn’t have to be a perfect match. Try pairing a solid silk handkerchief with a patterned tie or vice versa. Just make sure there’s consistency in the chosen fabric.
Derrick Miller, Creative Director, Barker Black Ltd.
“My dad always said the one part of your outfit you should have fun with is your pocket square.
Watch
A watch is probably the first thing someone notices outside of your shoes. When choosing jewelry I always make my undertone a rule of thumb. A big gold watch is not for everyone. In fact, it may look cheap if it is not the design, size and metal for YOU! The BLING thing is also a trend that has no room in the boardroom. Your time piece does not have to be designer. Just make sure it is quality and classic. Remember, we’re talking investment pieces. Also, try a quality leather band with a metal face as an option.
Collar Pin
This section is from The Well Dressed Rebel on GQ.com featuring a great piece on Dexter Peart, a designer for WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie.
“Wearing a collar pin is elegant and a little old-school: Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair mixed with Remington Steele. I don’t necessarily buy shirts that have collar-pin holes in them—I’ve just been putting holes in my shirts as I go. And I’m wearing pins with every kind of collar: spread, club, and regular. And I have two watches: a silver Cartier with a brown band, and a gold Cartier with a black band. So when I wear the gold watch, I wear the gold collar pin; when I wear the silver watch, I wear the silver collar pin. It depends how I’m feeling that day.”
• Think of a collar pin as you would a tie bar: another accessory that’s back in style. Use it to strike an old-world note in an otherwise modern outfit. The object is to not look like you’re wearing a head-to-toe costume.
Collar pin, vintage. Shirt and tie by Polo by Ralph Lauren. Check out Dexter’s own line of collar pins at wantessentiels.com.
Briefcase
In college, you may get away with pairing a backpack with a suit. However, let’s take it up a notch (or ten) from the backpack to a functional (and much safer for your back) briefcase. It can be nylon or leather. Your choice should be based on your personal style, coordination and purpose. If you work in a professional industry then incorporate the leather briefcase. Black is the traditional choice; however, you can coordinate with your dominant wardrobe pieces i.e. brown, burgundy or tan leather. Light weight nylon bags are great for everyday use. For the executive suite, you may simply want to use a portfolio. A leather portfolio with your initials is a great addition to any attire.
Socks, shoes, glasses, wallets are also important accessory items. If you have questions on how to wear these items, please feel free to send me an email.
Elethia Deal is an image consultant and professional speaker for Alexander Q Image Group. She regularly holds workshops on personal branding, life enrichment, and color analysis… to name a few. She is also a speaker for the Making It Count Programs of Monster Worldwide where she speaks to over 2,000 students each year about managing money, finding a career and personal branding.