When it comes to men’s executive fashion, I hear a lot of men say that they feel overwhelmed.
They know that the way they dress and present themselves affects how others see them. In one study, psychologists from Princeton found that the judgments that people make (and that we make about others) happen in milliseconds.
While this might seem like a negative, it’s actually an opportunity. Many things in life are out of your control, but style is something you can take control of.
In this guide, we’re going to share four examples of men’s executive fashion and break down why these outfits work so well.
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How to Dress as a Male Executive
The first step in dressing well as a male executive is to create a personal brand. Your personal brand is the image that you want to project to those you meet.
To develop your personal brand, start by evaluating your:
1. Company’s dress code
2. Lifestyle
3. Professional goals
You can also take a look at how successful people at your office dress. The clothing and style they have can serve as inspiration.
Another helpful strategy is to draw inspiration from an executive or celebrity. In this post, we’re highlighting four executives with great style, but the Next Level Wardrobe Pinterest is another great resource.
Once you’ve established your branding goal, you’ll want to start upgrading your closet.
At Next Level Wardrobe, I recommend that my clients focus on high-quality essentials, core colors, and fit. This is The Next Level Wardrobe Style System™.
By following this men’s style system, you can be more efficient and make sure that you’re spending your money on the right pieces.
Casual Executive Style: Richard Branson
Photo Credit: @RichardBranson
Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People.
His appearance is definitely more casual. His Instagram bio even says that he loathes ties. If you feel that way too, he might be a good style role model for you.
Richard’s look would be best suited for someone who works in a relaxed office environment. For example, someone who works in tech.
This look could also work in a company that has a casual Friday dress code. If you’re not sure if jeans are acceptable, ask your manager or HR team.
If jeans are too casual for your office, you can still get a similar look by switching out the jeans for trousers or drawstring pants in high-quality materials.
Men’s Executive Fashion: Tyler Perry
When it comes to men’s executive fashion, Tyler Perry is one of my favorite style icons.
Tyler Perry is an actor, producer, screenwriter, and director. In 2011, he was the highest-paid male actor in entertainment.
In the look above, he’s wearing a monochrome outfit. Tyler is wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, a jacket, and a modern pair of sneakers.
This is a great outfit for someone who wants modern men’s executive attire. It doesn’t look overly formal or stuffy, but it still looks sharp and powerful.
One of the elements that makes this outfit work so well is his shoe choice.
Sometimes my clients are hesitant to wear sneakers to the office, but if it fits your dress code then go for it. It’s a comfortable and stylish option.
But you need to make sure that the sneakers you wear to the office are day sneakers, not gym sneakers. Visit my blog post How to Dress as a Casual CEO for more about choosing the right sneakers.
Finally, try wearing a full monochrome outfit in black or navy to get a similar look.
Men’s Business Casual: Jeff Bezos
Photo Credit: @JeffBezos
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin. His style has improved dramatically over the years, and he was even recently recognized as the second most stylish person in tech.
In short, Jeff Bezos is a great example of how to dress as a male executive.
This look in particular is good for executives who work in a business casual office. A business casual dress code is more formal than a t-shirt or a hoodie, but it’s more casual than wearing a suit.
In the outfit above, the white shirt and gray blazer keep things looking professional while the shoes and burgundy pants are more relaxed.
To get men’s business casual style, invest in polos, sweaters, and well-fitted pants. Generally, jeans are considered too casual for a business casual dress code.
Formal Dress Code: Arturo Elías Ayub
Arturo Elías Ayub is the CEO of the Telmex Foundation and an investor on Shark Tank Mexico.
As an executive in a corporate environment, Arturo’s style is more formal.
Most likely he has a formal or professional dress code at the office. This dress code is the most traditional and conservative as it usually requires that you wear a suit.
Arturo’s style in the photo above is a great example of classic corporate style that still stands out.
For most of my clients, a high-quality, tailored pantsuit is a worthwhile investment. The right suit can make you feel confident and powerful as you walk into the office.
Plus, it’s versatile. You can wear a suit again and again either with the jacket and pants together or separately.
A quick tip on suiting: make sure to have it tailored.
As a men’s image stylist, I’ve found that about 95% of my clients need some tailoring whether it’s shortening sleeves, pant legs, or having a jacket taken in.
Tailoring will make a big difference in how your suit fits and it can truly take your executive style to the next level.
Developing your personal brand can be a huge asset when it comes to your professional growth and feeling more confident. If you need help building an executive wardrobe, check out my Virtual Executive Image Consulting service.
