Successful Dressing For Men

HAIR
Men's hair should be short and neat. This goes for most facial hair, especially goatees. Most men have done the goatee thing. Now it is time to move on.

COLOGNE
If you feel the need to wear cologne, maybe you want to re-think for a few minutes and remember back to any elevators you've shared with men who've bought stock in Polo Cologne. If you must use it...use only a small amount and avoid wearing a heavy scent.

SUIT
You should wear a conservative suit, that is well fitted. A single-breasted suit, in a traditional cut is safest in a pinstripe, solid, or subtle pattern, navy or dark gray wool. Avoid brown, green, or light colors, unless your girlfriend or most trusted female friends have seen the outfit and gives the green light. Avoid sport coats.

SHIRT
Your shirt should be well pressed and have a tab or spread collar. While white and light blue shirts are safe for most industries, other solid, high quality cotton shirts can also be worn. Polo ponies belong on Argentine playing fields, not on your chest. Consulting firms typically expect white shirts, while banking does not.

TIE
Compliment your suit with a conservative tie with stripes or a small pattern (red/maroon is traditionally the most conservative).

HANDKERCHIEF
Avoid an elaborate handkerchief displayed from your breast pocket unless you have the confidence to pull it off. If you wear suspenders make sure your pants are designed for them "clip-on's" are the kiss of death. Best if you avoid suspenders altogether, unless you're English and can use the cool accent to get away with it.

SOCKS
Basic black or navy socks are best. Avoid getting dressed in the dark, because people do notice when a person wears socks that are different colors (and they don't think that it's a charming quirk of the obviously brilliant mind). Socks should be mid-calf length to avoid accidentally exposing your 'winter white' legs.

SHOES
Shoes should be well polished black or cordovan leather. Depending on the industry, they can be slip-on or lace-up (a must for banking), but heels and soles should not be worn down. This may come as a surprise to a few of you, but your belt should match your shoe color. Avoid large or conspicuous belt buckles, especially if your name is on it.

JEWELRY
Jewelry should be minimized anything beyond a wristwatch and a wedding ring is questionable. Rings with club or religious affiliation can be risky. Earrings are not an option, unless you're trying creative director of an agency that only exists on TV.

BRIEFCASE
Bring a briefcase if you must, but only if it's good leather. Those silver Porsche cases are very 1984. "Padfolios" are good for carrying papers, and won't get in the way.

DON'T
A few other NoNo's include:

• backpacks

• the patent leather

• light colored shoes

• light colored socks

• short sleeves

• dirty fingernails

• wrinkled, worn or poorly fitting clothes

• ragged trouser cuffs, missing buttons, or cuffs that do not reach the top of your shoes.