Suited for Business – Business looks that mean business

Your first suit is like your first love, you can never forget it, even if you wanted to. I can't forget my first suit because every time I see John Travolta, I'm reminded of it. As a teenager in the 1970s, I thought I would never wear anything other than blue jeans. Then I saw the movie, Saturday Night Fever. John Travolta looked so good, burning up the dance floor in his cream colored three-piece, that I knew I had to have a suit too.

Although it had humongous lapels and dangerously flared trousers, when I put it on and practiced my disco stances in front of the mirror, the result was miraculous. I had gone from a gawky jean-wearing teenager into a smooth confident looking adult. Such was the power of the suit.

Since then I've owned many suits, none quite as magical as that first disco suit, but still capable of helping me look sharp and feel good.


Power of the suit


A suit is like a businessperson's coat of armor, it immediately lends credibility, presence and power.

Successful people use it to be successful. Take Wayne Gretzky, the great one. He understands the power of the suit. That’s why he arranged for Team Canada's coaches to be custom outfitted by local master tailor, Sam Abouhassan. So they would feel confident, look great and even slightly intimidating in their black, single breasted, well-fitted suits.

While men have always needed a so-called “marrying and burying suit”, the business casual trend of recent years almost saw the demise of the suited look. such is the power of the suit that Unlike business casual clothes, which lose their cachet when wrinkled, a suit even when slightly rumpled, is still a suit and retains most of its authority.

Now the business casual pendulum has started to swing in the other direction and business men and women are deciding once again to dress as though they mean business. And nothing spells high-level business better than the suit. Whether you decide on a custom tailored suit or one off the rack, every business wardrobe needs at least one.

Joanne has provided some power tips to keep in mind with suiting.


Colour considerations


Pin-striped or chalk striped suits are making a comeback now but they will come in and out of fashion faster than a solid colour. While a black suit may be fine for many business women or hockey coaches, it can be too intimidating on a businessman, especially a bigger man. A better choice would be dark Navy.

Any dark suit teamed with a white shirt is referred to as a high contrast look and lends the wearer the highest level of authority. For more approachability try a lighter shaded suit or team your suit with a coloured shirt.


Fabric


Wool, especially worsted wool is ideal for both men and women, because it breathes, drapes and wears well. Blended fabrics with a higher percentage of natural fibers are viable alternatives. Avoid linen due to its wrinkling properties.


Style or cut


If you want your suit to remain in fashion as long as possible choose a more classic style avoiding any exaggerated lapels or shoulders. The more conservative the style the greater longevity the suit will have. Men who have extra girth should think twice about buying a double-breasted suit not only because they come and go more due to fashion but also because that extra layer of material adds extra pounds.


Fit and alterations


The suit looks best when it fits well and even an inexpensive suit though it may not wear as well, will still look sharp if the fit is there. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.

When trying on suits from various designers pay close attention to the fit of the shoulders. This is the area of critical fit and is hardest to correct through alterations. each designer fits differently because they each create with the a different so-called “ideal” physique in mind. When you find a designer whose clothes seem to fit you fairly well off the rack, stick with that label.

Alterations are essential. Many people especially women neglect to have sleeves properly altered. as a general guideline sleeves should end where the hand meets the wrist allowing a quarter inch of shirt cuff to show.


Advice Suited to women


Women buying a suit often have the option of purchasing a skirt or pant. Purchase both and you will double your return with essentially two suits. And when it comes to a good fit most women 5 ft. 4 and under regardless of their weight should be looking for petite sizes.


Suitable for Special Occasions


For dressy business/social occasions the suit is eminently suitable. Women can add a sparkly top and metallic accessories to successfully transition the suit to after five. Men can classy up their look up with a French cuffed shirt and cufflinks. For very formal occasions while women may have to trade their suit for their evening gown, men can still get by wearing their dark suit without trading up to a tuxedo.

Remember, for confidence and power it’s always better to be overdressed then underdressed. You will rarely feel underdressed in a suit. They never really go out of fashion and they have staying power. Just ask John Travolta.

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This article was provided by Terry Pithers and Joanne Blake, business dining, image and etiquette experts, speakers and creators of the Dining for Success Video Online Training Program.
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Copyright © 2008 Style for Success Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.