When Times Get Tough …SUIT yourself!
(Article published in Issue 5 of the Australian Business Solutions magazine. April 2009.)
Author: Nicola Barnard
As times get tough in the business and financial world, people steer more towards low risk behaviour. This translates to a desire for more formality and predictability. The business’s dress code becomes more important in a competitive environment. When business is booming, dress standards can drop with little impact. But when times are tough, any negative image can do measurable damage to the business and its bottom line.
For staff of a business in tougher economic times it is important to maintain an image of trust and reliability. Enter – the SUIT. Contrary to what the fashion world will tell you, a suit will never be inappropriate. If made of good quality fabric and coordinated well, it can be worn in any business situation and is especially appropriate for a first meeting or interview. It is designed to provide structure and the tailoring details of lapel and buttons add an element of tradition. Structure and tradition translates to trust, professionalism, and stability.
There are certainly people in the business world that see the suit as old and stayed. These people are generally those that have never experienced what a quality, well fitting suit can do for them. Some give the impression that if you want to be cutting edge; you need to wear something other than a suit. These people are rarely the stakeholders in a business. Do not misunderstand me; there are certain situations where a more casual look is appropriate. However, if your starting point is a suit, you will always be smart and you can then relax your appearance by taking the jacket off as needed. If no-one in your working environment wears a suit, not even the highest boss, then a blazer style jacket over a shirt and pants works well.
A separate blazer (or sports coat) style jacket in a fabric that is different to the pants is appropriate for a business smart casual look and is how to wear the suit look in a casual environment. Always have one in your wardrobe, as it can be used for many business and social situations. Tip: Don’t wear a suit jacket with pants of a different fabric. Suit jackets are designed to always be worn with the matching fabric pants. I’ve seen men wearing a suit jacket with jeans! It will look like you are desperate or ignorant. Either way, it won’t positively support you in a business setting. A navy suit jacket is possibly the only exception that can be successfully worn with a separate non-navy trouser, such as charcoal, beige or khaki. I suggest this for those that are only ever likely to own one suit. You can at least get more wear from the jacket, and the colour is versatile.
For everyone else, have at least two or three suits for a corporate suit environment and two or three blazer jackets for the purely business smart casual environment. It will always be worth the investment. That goes for you too, ladies. Obviously the coordination with other items is important but you need to start with quality basics. And if you want to spice up your look, the waistcoat or vest is in vogue again.
The image people attach to you will also be associated with the business. Make an effort to look successful and that’s what people will perceive you and the business to be.
