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So you have made it as a leader in your field. Congratulations!
Does your look portray the success, prestige, and power behind your position?
Does it command respect from your peers and those looking up to you in their careers?
You don’t have to be CEO to have “CEO style,” you just have to want to use your wardrobe to expand your influence and to create a memorable impression.
In my work with corporate clients, I help men develop their personal brand and then align their wardrobe choices to that brand for maximum impact in the workplace. Here’s how men in leadership positions can dress like a CEO.
What do well-dressed CEO’s images have in common?
As a corporate leader, you often find yourself as the focal point or center of attention due to your position, so your style should whisper, not scream, your personal branding message.
You can convey confidence in a way that isn’t loud and obnoxious.
Their wardrobes support their story: their personal road to success, their values, leadership style and more.
Whatever message they are delivering, they use their male CEO style choices to enhance, not distract.
Dressing like a male CEO means keeping it simple.
Focus on fit over trend, core colors over flashiness, and high-quality pieces over quick fixes. This will ensure you look not just professional, but like a competent leader, all the time.
If you want to know how to dress like a CEO, keep reading for pictures and style breakdowns. We have something for all ages and body types:
Five Male CEO Style Breakdowns
#1: Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet
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Photo Credit: @SundarPichai
As CEO of one of the largest companies in the world, Sundar Pichai knows that how you dress affects how you are perceived. He understands that the perception of the public, regulators, and stockholders impacts how well is able to achieve his vision for Alphabet.
To enhance his public image, Sundar’s wardrobe focuses on core colors and high-quality pieces. This allows him to look put together and modern—without making him the center of attention or distracting from his message. Instead, his clothes enhance his credibility and vision.
Fit is especially important in Sundar’s male CEO outfit above. A navy suit is a business staple, but the fit of his suit is what truly sets this look apart. Because the suit is tailored to him, he looks sharp and professional.
#2 Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH
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Photo Credit: @EyesMag
As the CEO and founder of LVMH, Bernard Arnault has had a profound impact on the luxury industry. His company, LVMH, has a valuation of $329 billion and owns luxury brands like Loro Piana, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and more.
In the photo above, his male CEO outfit communicates trust and luxury, both of which are important parts of his image.
A turtleneck and a blazer in a core color are a great strategy to achieve this. A turtleneck looks fashionable without being overdone. It also makes the blazer more casual.
If you want to wear a blazer but a button down feels too stiff or formal, try pairing it with a polo, sweater, or turtleneck for a relaxed look.
#3 Tim Cook, CEO of Apple
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Photo Credit: @TimeCook_Fan
In 2009, Tim Cook defined the future of Apple in declaring, “We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products and that’s not changing.”
Cook’s wardrobe communicates that through his simple yet powerful use of core colors to demonstrate capability, and also to stand out.
The subtle details of his dark outfit command attention, and he communicates that both he and his brand are trustworthy and intentional (which makes me want to buy the newest iPhone out there, right?!).
His casual jacket brings an approachability to his vibe, inviting us to trust what he stands for.
#4: Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon
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Photo Credit: @JeffBezos
Bezos’ male CEO style transformation in the last few years demonstrates the potential your wardrobe really has when it comes to communicating power and being seen as a power player. (Checkout his new look above).
He has moved from a sloppily-dressed, nerdy dad vibe to a competent, traditional, and polished look. Some of his more recent looks are a bit crazy and of course don’t follow the Next Level Wardrobe System, but you can see he’s having fun with his style.
Even though we don’t approve of all his outfits, the biggest takeaway you can learn from Bezos about CEO style is fit.
Many male executives I’ve worked with hear “fitted” and think “hot, uncomfortable, and tight.” But this is simply untrue.
A well-fitted outfit will make you more comfortable, not less, especially if you were wearing baggier clothes before. In fact, most of my male clients are always so surprised how easy it is (with an expert’s help) to create a male CEO style that is stylish and comfortable.
Remember, even a casual male CEO outfit can look put together if your clothes fit well.
#5: Tyler Perry, Actor and Founder of Tyler Perry Studios
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Photo Credit: @TylerPerry
Some male CEOs and business leaders have a sense of style and they understand their brand can be conveyed through their clothing, but they simply need an update.
Perry is a perfect example of someone who updated his image to change with the times, as his old style communicated an old-fashioned vibe that wasn’t aligned with his cutting edge company mission.
Now, as he integrates core colors and textures, his fresh feel shows he has his life and business together. The color, fit, and texture of his leather jacket show he’s willing to take a risk, but doesn’t have to be the center of attention- he lets his expertise and skills speak for themselves.
If you’re ready to take your CEO style to the next level, apply for our men’s image consulting service.
