by Matthew Christopher

Created on: June 02, 2008

To dress casual and still maintain that executive look, there are some items that seem like a given: nice khakis, a belt, Polo shirt, and perhaps a sweater vest. All of these classics express a casual but professional demeanor.

But this simple and classic wardrobe may have an unintended effect. It can give off a bit of a Mr. Rogers' vibe. While Rogers may have been a class act, it's hard to run a company with employees asking if it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

In order to really maintain the C-suite feeling, an executive needs to demand an air of respect from his or her employees an air that's sorely lacking from the usual casual day attire. But don't give up hope. You can be casual AND demand reverence by adding one simple and elegant accessory:

The bull whip.

Nothing says "I'm in charge here!" quite like the bull whip; not even other whips. The cow whips are too pedestrian. Horse whips, too elitist. Stock whips, though a close second, are simply too bulky and reminiscent of 1980's fashion. No, only the bull whip can bring just the right air to your clothing selection. And, as an executive, you have to bring your A-game even when you're casual. So don't be caught in the same rut as all those other B-list executives. You need to really make a statement!

But the bull whip is not just a fashionable bauble that will have your employees looking and thinking "Wow, my boss really has a flair for casual day fashion." No, indeed! The bull whip is also practical.

Is Mrs. Pennepinscher making subtle comments about your late entrance in this morning's finance meeting? Take the passive aggression up a notch by kicking your heels up on the desk and setting your bull whip in front of you. She'll get in line.

Peons spending too much time gabbing around the water cooler? A couple thunderous cracks of the whip and they'll scatter like rats.

Comment box filled with complaints about your cancellation of the holiday party? Answer those anonymous whines with a public lashing of the defenseless box your minions use to hide their identities.

Yes, you can try quirky ties and golf shirts to express your casual, ordinary-guy style. It might even lull employees into a trusting, I'd-have-a-beer-with-that-guy impressions of you. But don't forget that one accessory that makes a real statement. After all, pink slips can only inspire so much terror.

And if you don't have terror, what have you got?

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