As the boss or manager of a firm, you need to exude a solid executive presence while keeping with the company dress code policies. Although that may seem too difficult to achieve, it isn’t always so if you have an idea of where that “executive presence” comes from.
According to styling experts focused on men’s clothing, it isn’t something you can achieve just by looking influential— you should also feel the authority and leadership from the inside. That said, enhancing your authoritative look requires a combination of an awesome ensemble and undeniable confidence that you’re worthy of being called a topnotch leader.
Improve Your Executive Presence With Your Attire
The first thing you need to do to boost your executive presence is to pick the right clothing. Some men opt for custom-made suits, others buy straight from the store. Whichever option you choose, you can still achieve your goal if you follow the following styling tips:
Pick the Right Suit
A man’s suit is practically the main attraction for a formal ensemble which is why it is the first thing you should consider when picking an outfit to boost your executive presence.
As a rule of thumb, suits with a classic appeal are always the safest bet. Try one made with a notched lapel and a two-button closure since it is the best choice for most body types. Color-wise, make sure to have at least one navy and dark grey in your closet with a variety of pinstripes.
Also, pick a suit that is made with shoulder seams that don’t extend beyond the tip of your actual shoulders. This way, you can keep using the jacket even if you gain or lose weight since the size of your shoulders won’t change.
Stick to Good-Fitting Pieces
Wearing a good-fitting outfit can help you feel confident in your own skin. This also applies if you wish to exude authority in the workplace.
Many men make the mistake of choosing bigger sized suits and pants than they need. Suits with too big armholes and loose formal pants can make you look sloppy and bigger than you actually are.
However, remember not to go overboard with skinny-fit trousers. Also, make sure that the end of your jacket sleeves reaches half an inch above the cuffs of your inner shirt and that the hem of your pants sits just above your shoe’s tongue.
Choose the Right Knot for the Occasion
Symmetrical half-Windsor knots are best suited if you wish to look like a gentleman without appearing too uptight. Meanwhile, a full Windsor knot is often used by country leaders since it showcases authority.
Aside from these two, there are literally a dozen other knots you can choose from, so make sure to research about which one is best for the occasion. What you need to remember is that no one knot is suitable for all occasions and/or body types.
Always Wear Socks
Socks don’t usually make an appearance unless you sit down with your legs crossed. Even so, it is imperative that you keep wearing them if you want to exude an air of authority. This is because your target audience— which is most likely composed of board members and company executives— might prefer a conservative ensemble over one with airy, exposed ankles that are best matched with cotton pants during balmy summer months.
Buy Your Shirt with Your Suit and Tie
Avoid inner shirts with cinched cuffs and loose arms, those with too much fabric under the armpits, and those with curling fabric along the waist area since they don’t go well with suits. Instead, you can try buying your inner shirt the same time you purchase your ties and suit. This will ensure that the piece you purchase matches the rest of your ensemble.
Styling Beyond the Outfit
Keeping up with the latest fashion trends while maintaining an air of authority need not be difficult if you know the guidelines in styling for success.
This way, you can breeze through each workday and not worry about how you look making a presentation to the board, or hosting an impromptu steak dinner for the CEO.
That aside, other ways to enhance your executive presence beyond your outfit is to exude confidence through good posture, maintaining eye contact when talking to others, and speaking words with precision and care like a true leader.
AUTHOR BIO
AlphaSuit is the brainchild of Master Haberdasher, Sean McKee. Over a span of more than two decades, Sean has provided custom suits to some of the most successful leaders in America. With AlphaSuit, he now brings this same premium service to you, but at 60-70% less than the traditional price.
