by Michelle Christina

Created on: July 18, 2008

Here's a tip for the fellas on dressing for success. Reconsider what "success" means today, and what it means to you.

Most of us still envision two suited men shaking hands over an oak desk on a full-wall window back-drop, sky scrapers towering in the distance; one of them is the boss and the other just got a raise. But is that what modern men really aspire to? Is the word "success" just a vague concept of company mergers and pens with your initials on them? If so, just buy a well fitting crisp suit and pick an interesting tie. No one's looking at your socks anyway.

Take a step back and apply "dress for success" to your specific, immediate goals. Set generic business appeal to the side. Your clothes should speak of your personality, your ambitions, and the level of respect you command from others.

You need personal style. You need to know what looks good on you. Review photos of yourself, review your favorite brands, review menswear styles you find appealing. You'll have to do some digging to find a suitable look that jives with your life and your tastes: cuts that flatter your body type, colors that flatter your complexion.

Why is narrowing down your tastes so important?

The mistake too many make is clothes shopping without a mental list of what looks best on them, and what complies with their aesthetic. It's like walking into the grocery store with no idea what your diet calls for. You see something you crave at the moment, and you buy it. You waste money, things sit in the closet that don't match anything, or serve no occasion. Worse yet, you do end up wearing it, and the garment clashes with the impressions you're trying to make.

Your goals - what are they?

"Success" in the modern world is more about the pursuit of happiness than it has ever been. Are you looking to run your own business from home and sell hand-painted wooden nutcrackers? Do you intend to launch your own record label, starting with the local band that frequents your favorite bar? Or maybe buy an entire apartment building and rent only to students from your Alma Mater? Whatever it is, your goal has an invisible manual for success-oriented dressing.

What kinds of people will you encounter? How far-reaching will your image be? Will you do business with foreign countries that are far more stylish? Where will you do your networking? What societal elements or groups do you need to relate to in order to make your product move?

Know yourself - know your goals & your product. That's the first step.

Two guys

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