The concept of dressing can roughly be categorized into two – casual and power. Now both these styles are unique and strong unto themselves, but what is to be remembered is that neither can step into the sphere of the other. Shorts and chinos were never a part of formal/office wear and can never be. Professional clothing is all about getting the look – the killer look that sets you apart and makes women swoon. Think about it! You have to look the part to play the part. What women want and what the corporate world wants in a man is pretty much the same, a man who looks like he cares about himself, the people around him and can get things done.

This is from where the concept of power dressing arises. Power dressing came into play in the 80’s where it meant use of expensive clothes with sharp, hard lines that were destined to make people look assertive. But this concept did not fade away like the other fashion trends of that time; it exists pretty much till now.

Now days, it has become more about projecting the right image. A stiffly-starched shirt and shining shoes can clinch it for you just as much as business savvy and a cutting-edge education.

It’s all about the suit:

In the business world, there are suits and then there are power suits, which are in a class by themselves. Power suits are the suits executives wear during those important moments, such as the meeting of the executive board, that make-or-break presentation, or when the money is on the line. Power suits display the charisma, the class, and, of course, the power needed to make a maximum impact on every person in the room.

Slimmer cuts, straighter lines, lighter fabrics are in these days. Whatever your role, as the old saying goes, “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.”

As far as men are concerned it all zeros down at

How to get the right suit:

Getting the right fit is one of life’s biggest challenges. While getting the suit made or buying one never trust the tailor alone; no one knows you better than you.

THE JACKET: the fit of the jacket shows whether a man knows his size or not. The jacket fits only if (a) you cannot see the outline of your own shoulder in the sleeve; and (b) there is no overhang, or sagging at the shoulder. (c)The length of the jacket should also be correct. With your hands at your sides, the hem of your jacket should be even with your knuckles-or it should be just long enough to cover your butt. Anything longer or shorter than this looks terrible. Also, (d) the cuff of your dress shirt must always protrude from your jacket by about a quarter to half an inch.

THE BUTTONS: Now this is something most men ignore only one button, please! On a two button jacket, a man should only button the top button. On a three button jacket, a man should only button the middle button. Also, if any creases or ripples radiate from your fastened buttons, your suit doesn’t fit.

THE PANTS: The hem of a man’s pants should cover the lace-ups of his shoes. And in the back, the hem should hang about an inch over the welt of the shoes. Also, a man’s suit will not fit correctly if he doesn’t know his true waist measurement. Your true waist measurement is neither across your hips, nor across your naval; it’s half way in between. The waistband should be comfortable enough and in general, flat front pants are the most flattering on a man, rather than pleated fronts.

THE DETAILING:

It’s the finer details that give your attire that air of grace and authority,

Tie: when thinking about powers dressing think about business gods from the likes of Larry Ellison, Donald Trump and the impact their appearances make. Ties can make or break an outfit. Always colors coordinate your tie with your shirt.

Always wear a tie clip, or tiepin. It polishes off your look with that tasteful spark of metal.

CUFFLINKS: are important accessories;

BELTS: Always wear a belt. It puts the whole look together. And always make certain that your belt matches your shoes.

WATCH: There is no better way to give you that man-of-power look than by having that flash of metal around the wrist. It looks extremely attractive. A piece of advice; a quartz watch always looks better than a digital one.

SHOES: shoes should be extremely classy but comfortable at the same time. Black, brown and burgundy are your color options. Always keep your shoes polished.

OTHERS: always wear cologne that demands attention but does not scream for it! A pocket handkerchief is important, and should be white in color.  A real-leather wallet is essential. Every time you pull it out, people will note your appreciation for the finer things in life and you’ll be respected for it.

Some things you should never do:

(A)Do not wear short-sleeved shirts below a jacket. Showing clean cuffs is a must.

(B) Do not wear ties with short sleeved shirts; infact leave your short sleeved shirts for casual days only.

(C) Your socks must be matched to the color of your trouser. Wearing light colored or ankle length socks could be disastrous.

(D)Invest in a good pen. The entire effect of a pin-striped suit, polished shoes and well-shaved face will be lost the moment you take out a ball point pen ‘borrowed’ from the hotel lobby.

(E) Keep your patterned animal printed ties and metallic shirts in your closet when dressing for offices and meetings

Finally, it may be true that, if you look like a million bucks, it shouldn’t take long for you to make that much… Looking the part might win you half the battle but in the end you need to know how to earn the millions. If you look good you will feel more confident and that gives you the edge over others. “It’s important to look nice, but not to the point where it looks like all you do is think about your clothes. The trick is to keep it stylishly simple!

Useful Resources:

Power Dressing for Corporates

Dressing tips for men

Dressing for success