"Elegance is good taste, plus a dash of daring" - Carmel Snow.
"Elegance in dressing well is individual style with a dash of daring, occasionally".- D Paris

In most professional cultures and environments, there are proper guidelines, if not rules of appropriate dress. And I always express the need to respect the codes, rules, and guidelines. By following the proper dress, you will always serve yourself well. Now, with that said, within those guidelines, there are ways for you to develop your own respectable individual style that will allow you to have a positive influence and let you properly and professionally be noticed. I do not mean, "stand out" or being "loud" with your clothing selection, but a simple and subtle difference of dress.

An example would be for gentleman to develop a habit of always having a pocket square in the suit jacket or sport coat. Another way for individual style would be a certain type of cuff link when wearing the appropriate french cuff shirt. For ladies, a certain type of earring or necklace. Or, if are known for wearing jackets, a certain lapel style such as a one button, peak lapel style. Simply a little thought and trying a few things that may work for you. It can be fun and over time, you will have established a professional and proper individual identification. Again I want to reiterate, a subtle style addition and to not try to stand out to far from the guidelines.

Using a professional clothier will go a long way for your clothing style consideration as to what may work best for you. Be sure you incorporate a time for questions to be discussed. Center the questions to be answered as to how they will affect you, those around you, your professional goals and the possible risk for any clothing idea you may want to try. Always consider the risk of the ideas you may have as you stretch your creativity for your individual style. And at no time, are these risks about a lessor quality of clothing or consideration totally outside of the guidelines of your industry.

Enjoy the process of developing your individual style and know that a little daring can serve you well!
Continued success,


Doug
"Oh by the way", if you know of someone I may introduce myself too, please send me there contact information and I will be happy to give them a call.

STYLE: A Life's Work: Final Four Coaches for Duke & Butler: Leadership through Character, Principles & Values. Yes, both gentlemen dressing well.

As a student of style and the different definitions of style, I happen to notice the two coaches for the NCAA basketball championship game and how they both have a presence and obvious leadership qualities that express their individual Style. I truly believe that it is no accident that they happen to have lead their team and respective schools of higher education to such an accomplishment as to play in the championship game. Coach Mike Krzyzeski from Duke University is consistently in the tournament and often goes to the Final Four. The young 33 year old coach, Brad Stevens from Butler University is experiencing such early career success that many have marveled at how he has such a mature and solid handle on his place and what he needs to do to be successful.


Both coaches are such great leaders. Their Style is based on qualities such as Character, Principles and Values and leading by example. It is obvious they have made a good life choice to lead others from the coaching profession platform. I am willing to bet, they both believe they are teachers and mentors, before the actual act of coaching. The young men they coach understand and accept their coaches respective philosophy and they are absolutely convinced they will perform to the best of their abilities for their team and the school they represent. Again, this is not an accident these two coaches are in the championship game. They are leaders and a magnate for high achieving young men with like values to be nurtured and formed under their tutelage. And yes, it is not an accident they choose to dress with purpose, dress appropriately and dress respectfully. Simply, they dress well. Again, note the young coach at the age of 33, chooses to dress as other successful men that have gone before him. and not as some of his young life peers. He separates himself as a leader and enhances that by dressing as a mature gentlemen, a gentleman with purpose.


As I think of leaders from the sport of basketball with Style, the first that comes to mind is Coach John Wooden, former coach of the UCLA Bruins. The man is a legend. The most decorated coach in the history of College Basketball. Coach Wooden preferred to be known as a teacher, a mentor, before being called a coach. He sincerely believes in helping others become better. If ever the opportunity, add his books to your list of "must reads". You will learn and be inspired with his knowledge and leadership qualities. A Man of great Character, Principles and Values. I remember a young Bill Walton being such a challenge for Coach Wooden regarding Walton's off court choices, but he stuck with him, teaching, mentoring, leading. And now? Bill Walton is his one of Coach Wooden's strongest disciple's of the philosophy he was taught. And yes, he continues to dress with purpose, dress respectfully, and dress appropriately. He simply dresses well.\

The three Gentlemen I have mentioned in this article have created a STYLE that is to be emulated and used as a template for life and they choose to enhance that style by the way they dress. I believe it, I live it and am privileged to experience leaders daily as I represent clothing selections to many many successful ladies and gentlemen choosing to be leaders and enhance their leadership qualities by dressing well. It is not an accident.

Continued success,
Doug
"Oh, by the way, if you know of someone I may introduce myself to, please send me their contact information and I will be happy to speak with them."

Chefs focus their food presentation to influence the diner’s experience. Does your presence help influence your opportunities? Dress well and dress appropriately

As one that truly enjoys the dining experience, I am often amazed by the presentation of the food for the dining experience and the importance to do it right the first time (not a dress rehearsal). It is not an accident or after thought by the chef or their staff of the restaurant to pay attention to the details. It is their opportunity to influence the "first impression". And make no mistake, each time a customer visits the restaurant, it is a new "first impression". Without a good (or great) food presentation they will not be in business very long. The truly successful chefs and restaurants not only work hard at the food delivery and presentation, but also pay attention to all details for the dining experience.

Using that as an analogy for those of us wanting to be successful in our careers and those of us wanting to be leaders both professionally and personally, it is important that we take the opportunity to present ourselves well. We understand and accept the importance of presenting ourselves appropriately dressed and by dressing respectfully with purpose.


Doors will open so your message will be heard, your message will be respected, and appreciated and very much wanted. On the other hand, if your first impression is less than appropriate, your message will never be heard, you will only be trying to recover from your gaff. The first impression is just that, a first, and it will not change. Seems to me, any opportunity worthy of our attention should be important enough to pay attention to the details and prepare well.

For future opportunities you are about to receive, remember the analogy of the dining experience, think about the times you have been less than impressed with the food presentation, the lack of service, the lack of attention to details for your experience. It probably made the price of the food more noticeable, correct? If the food presentation was exceptional, the service impeccable, the attention to details noticeably good it probably made the cost of the dining experience pleasing and well worth the cost for the value received, correct? If you agree, then I encourage you to think of ways to improve your presentation for your opportunities of influence. Make it the best possible experience for the successful outcome you wish to receive.

Continued success,
Doug

Oh, by the way, if you know of someone I may introduce myself and my company to, please send me their contact information and I will happily give them a call.

Breaking the rules; breaking out the flip flops with slack and sport coat today. Those that know me are not surprised. What clothing rules do you break that is part of your style / attitude?

Many times when speaking to corporations and business associations I am questioned about the specific rules of dress codes. Sometimes the attendees suggest that the rules of yesterday do not apply for today's dress requirements. Having thirty years of clothing consulting experience I am comfortable suggesting that the rules still apply and the dress codes are more important than they have ever been for those wanting to help themselves succeed and accomplish their goals. The two main differences for all to embrace are the slight adjustments and updated fashionable style. For example, the width of a tie (or no tie), the flat front slack being more prominent or fashionable compared to 5 years ago, lapel widths and style. Ladies have many more fashionable changes and their changes are more often, so a continuous change and update of wardrobe choices will be the norm. The thing that remains constant - the importance of dressing respectfully, appropriately and with purpose. This usually requires one to maintain a certain level of quality and classic clothing style.



Breaking the rules will always be apart of the equation which allows one to adjust their style that makes them an individual. So, the basic rules remain the same, the individual adjustment is for a personal and comfortable dress style. Possibly, loafers with suits, knit sweaters with suits instead of classic tie and shirt. For ladies a certain fit of slacks, blouses, tailored jacket. it is something that a person should have fun with and play with as they become comfortable with how they want to present themselves and how they want to be remembered. And trust me, you will be remembered regarding your clothing presence and choices. It is a fact of business career development.

A key element to remember: When breaking the rules there comes a risk that is inevitable, be sure the risk is in balance of the reward you are seeking. So, know the rules of business dress for your industry, geographical region and specific to your company environment and culture. Internalize these rules, now enlist a qualified clothing consultant capable of helping you break the rules that helps you be the individual your are wanting to present. It will serve you well.

Continued success,

Doug

"Oh by the way, if you know of someone I may introduce myself and my company too, please send me their contact information."

Rule?: "Never wear anything that PANICS THE CAT" - P.J. O'Rourke


A fun quote which certainly has brought attention wherever and whenever it is used as part of my message during speaking opportunities. The point I am trying to get across is all about clothes being loud and that "attention getting" clothing will usually take away from the message a business person may be trying to convey. Whether it is a casual business setting, a more formal meeting or even if it happens to be a social event that has implications of business contacts, it all matters concerning the opportunity to represent yourself and your profession well.

If your clothing or accessory choice is more noticeable than you as an individual, the probability will be that you are receiving comments and not compliments. Usually it is best to receive compliments. Comments will distract from who you really are and what you are wanting to achieve. Loud cartoon ties, noisy big jewelry, Men: square toed shoes? Ladies: very high stilettos? as an example. Every day, every business event or opportunity ask yourself what is your message and will my attire help me convey my message? Your clothes speak volumes.

As most of you have heard from me, however I think it is worth repeating; Style is timeless for the individual, Fashion is for the masses.

Continued success,

Doug
"Oh, by the way, if you know of someone I may introduce myself and my company to, please send me their contact information."

Business Rule: "Never buy a piece of clothing unless it enhances your presentation. I mean it should actively benefit you, not be just OK"

Those that choose to purchase clothing with the purpose of advancing or enhancing their career will be rewarded and appreciate the value in their decision. During the process of acquiring and building your career wardrobe I recommend finding a professional clothier that really listens to you, has a complete understanding of your industry and profession and will be able to offer you the correct clothing options and selections for your consideration. Most successful professionals and leaders do take their clothing choices seriously and most do have a professional clothier as their "coach and advisor" for all of their business clothing needs.

We have about 90 seconds to make a first impression so my question to you; How do you want to use your 90 seconds? Wisely I would assume. In most business settings, our clothing choice will speak volumes about who we are, and will make a statement about the seriousness you have for your career and purpose. And in most business settings our opportunity for the first impression is actually an everyday occurrence in some form or another. So, clothing with a purpose will optimize your opportunities.

Of course, separate of our daily business attire is the time to have some fun clothing, more fashionable attire, etc. So, please! Enjoy, be creative and have fun while shopping for these fun clothing and accessory items. I do encourage you to certainly recognize the difference of business events and social events that may relate to your career objectives so be sure to dress appropriately and accordingly. But for fun?....let you creativity shine!!

Dress up......Dress down....that is your business
Dress well............... that is my business

Oh, by the way, if you know of someone I may introduce myself and my company too, please send me their name and contact information.

Continued success,
Doug

• QUOTE:
  "The Sport Coat was introduced in the 1920's as "The Odd Jacket". Now an important clothing choice for business casual. A jacket with purpose."
  

The main point I want us to think about regarding the above quote is the idea for us to embrace change. Today, in most professional and personal dress choices, the sport coat is as common or mabe even the more appropriate choice rather than a suit and tie. Make no mistake, we all have the responsibility to dress appropriately, dress respectfully, dress well, however, over time and through the decades, adjustments are made and additional options are part of dressing well. The one thing that remains constant is style (for the individual) versus fashion (for the masses) as well as continued good taste. Also, the choice of quality fabric, usually natural fibers, will remain the dominant choice for timeless and permanent style.

We have seen so many changes this past decade regarding business casual dress, the options for appropriate dinner and formal event apparel and the daily business dress choice. At times, the choice has confused the proper clothing choice and the dress selection has then become inappropriate at best. The good news? Recently, you may have noticed the pendulum is swinging back toward a more respectful dress option. A subtle and respectful updated look is noticed once again rather than the extreme casual or weekend casual dress that was attempted in some business environments.

Appropriate dress and representing yourself respectfully has not changed. However, we can embrace change concerning tasteful dress options. We will want to always present ourselves both professionally and personally that will allow us to accept compliments, not comments.

Dress up......................dress down........that is your business

dress well.........that is my business