How To Dress For Business

Men have been wearing neckwear for two thousand years and formal suits for two hundred years. The modern day silk tie is widely considered as “the epitome of male self expression” and a way to express your individuality. Dress to impress means exactly that, for any occasion, interviews, business lunches, network meetings, or social activities. Express style and attitude and attract the attention of women. So why do men choose not to wear ties and reject the suit?

If you look and behave like a highly trained and well-groomed professional, you will win the respect and honor of valued clients.

First impressions count. A professional consultant who doesn’t take the time to maintain a professional appearance presents the image of not being able to perform adequately on the job. It begins with self respect and discipline, the way you dress broadcasts your attitude.

A fresh haircut, spit-shined shoes, a crisp dark suit and expressive silk tie go a long way in establishing a professional demeanor.

Taking the time and effort to dress out of respect for others reflects self discipline, self respect and a willingness to adopt gentlemanly conduct in business.

As more and more women occupy executive decision making roles in business there are even more reasons for wearing colourful expressive ties and dress to impress. You will certainly break down barriers, open up conversation topics and position you, the sales person, ahead of the competition.

“Eat to please your self and dress to please others” (Mark Twain)

According to Dr. Jeffrey Magee, a consulting research psychologist who, in 1997 and 1998, surveyed 500 firms ranging from small businesses (100+ employees) to Fortune 500 companies, businesses that adopted business casual dress codes reported:
Relaxed attitudes lead to relaxed performance.

• An increase in tardiness, absenteeism, and early departures.
• An increase in foul language and inappropriate conversation.
• An increase in provocative actions, which lead to more complaints to HR, and consequently, to more litigation.
• A decrease in polite, mannerly behavior.
• A decrease in productivity and overall quality of work.
• A decrease in commitment and company loyalty.

Countless studies have shown that there's a direct correlation between how one dresses and how one thinks, feels, and acts or behaves, and how others react or respond. These results certainly attest to that fact, and are the biggest reason why many companies are returning to a more formal dress code.

Like it or not, you are immediately judged by your appearance.

Tie Knotts
The four in hand neck tie knot is the choice of iconic Italian brand Armani and specified to be used in all mannequins displays. This type of knot is falsely claimed by Armani executives as an Italian creation dating back to 1931. But unfortunately for Armani loyalists the four in hand has English origins.

The classic full Windsor was created in 1937 by the Duke of Windsor before his abdication. But even the most Royal knot is in fact an elaboration of the four in hand which has working class beginnings.

The origin of the four in hand had more to do with horse drawn carriages and rigging than neckwear. British coachmen invented the Four-in-Hand during the 18th century in London. Usually a carriage was drawn by four horses, meaning the coachman was holding four reins in one hand. Before the four-in-hand rigging was developed, two drivers were needed to handle four horses. However, with a four-in-hand, the solo driver could handle all four horses by holding all the reins in one hand.

It is said that the first time this knot was formally used was in 1800 by the rowing club at Oxford University. They invented the first school tie by removing their ribbon hat bands from their boater hats and tying them, four-in-hand. When they ordered a set of ties, with the colors from their hatbands, they had created the modern school tie, which is still evident more than one hundred years on.

Style is contestant, fashion comes and goes.

Business style imperatives include a suit; however it is not a suit without a tie. The tie concludes a collection of clothing articles and becomes the focal point. It is the epitome of male self expression and individuality and will draw comment when meeting new people. Men often brag of the fact they no longer wear ties as if it is some major achievement. Sadly they are denied the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and express individuality.

If a woman passes comment on the tie you’re wearing you have made the right choice.

Patrick McMurray is an Australian designer based in Perth and famous for his luxury silk ties Patrick collaborates with textile designers in England, China and Australia. He is an avid blogger and creator of designer silk ties and recognised for Wiifm Business Networking in Perth