Learn the art of power dressing from these top-notchers!

As the Managing Director of a reputable corporate organisation strode casually to his sparse and expensively furnished office, Xquisite style could not help but notice his power dressing; a luxury grey suit worn over an expensive looking shirt which he accessorised with a patterned silk red tie that must be from an Italian designer’s collection and a pair of shoes that must have cost quite a fortune.

Power dressing is all about the power suits. If you are a Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or a Managing Director of a corporate organsiation, your dressing should have an impact on your employees and stakeholders. Today’s power dressers know that clothes are an important part of projecting an image of success and confidence in the corporate world.

“If your clothes don’t convey the message that you are competent, able, ambitious, self confident, reliable and authoritative, nothing you say or do will overcome the negative signals emanating from your apparel” – Betty Harragan.

In offices where suits are the norm, power players should strive to maintain a defined silhouette with crisp lines and a rich colour palette. For men, suits look best in navy or charcoal with a micro-pattern, which adds dimension without being distracting.

Rich colours are a power-dressing asset. Ties should incorporate rich colours. For example, if you chose red, make it a deep red, not a cranberry red. Your other option is to pattern mix the shirt and tie — the smarter the combination, the better the impression.

Pocket square which can be as simple as white linen or more colorful in a bright colours, can help the power dresser add some personality to his outfit. How the pocket square is placed in the pocket is important. It shouldn’t be flamboyant but should show your personality. However, it should be tucked into the pocket in just the right way.

If you give the impression that you pay attention to details when you dress, it indicates that you would do same within your profession and this will assure your employees and business associates that you will pay that little extra attention needed in every situation. In essence, knowing you look good in clothes that fit well will boost your confidence, no matter the situation and that’s the basis of power dressing.