You've finally made partner at your firm and after eight tiring years and many late nights, you've made plans for a Sunday brunch induction with the other partners and their respective spouses. For the most part, it's likely your style has flown under the radar and mixed with the other monotonous blacks and dark blues of the corporate world, but when it comes to business casual, you're at a loss. You still spend the weekends in t-shirts and jeans and you have absolutely no idea what to do. This may seem like a completely different world for a newly hired executive, but the truth is, you've just advanced into another league.

In business, image is everything and you'll certainly want to be sure you look your best when making first impressions and networking socially among the close friends and families of important corporate figures. So, how do you pull off a business casual look, but still retain the appearance of a confident executive?

With frat boys donning pink Polo shirts, you might feel like you're back in freshman year if you fall back on classic, preppy collared shirts. Fortunately, however, you can make the distinction between college boy and CEO by making a few alterations. First, be sure that whichever shirt you wear, collared or button down, you follow one simple rule: iron it! Taking the extra time to make sure that your shirts are pressed will be the first step to presenting yourself as a clean-cut, put together executive, who makes sound decisions.

Of course, the same advice goes for your slacks. You can never go wrong with a well-ironed pair of khakis. Few people recognize how much of a difference ironing makes, even with denim. Ironing out any wrinkles frees the clothing from clinging to your body creating unfavorable lumps or shadows.

Overall, men who want to still look like a high-powered exec while in their casual attire should be sure that they are closely shaved and well-groomed. Remember that executives are very powerful and influential people who make critical decisions that affect hundreds, if not thousands of people on a daily basis. You want to be sure that no matter where you are, people recognize that you take the time and effort to care for yourself and your appearance. Seeing that you can maintain yourself AND your significant tasks will also prove to potential clients or associates that you can be trusted. So prepare yourself, and dress for success.

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Men's fashion: How to dress business casual and still look like an executive?
We want to hear your view. Write now!