what color/pattern best denotes "successful" businessman?

[Q Money]

If there you were to do a presentation before a bunch of CEOs to convince them you had what it takes to do business with them, what suit would you wear to this presentation? The only outfit that comes to my mind is a bit overdone but "safe" and that's the three piece pinstriped navy suit. A classic bankers' outfit if there ever was one.

What other patterns/colors do you guys suggest? I will be making presentations to some investors and I just want to make sure my appearance instills unshakable confidence.

How about shirt color suggestions?

(BTW, still awaiting the arrival of my 2 custom suits from mytailor.com)

 

[Brian Sheridan]

Everyone looks good in blue for a shirt. Since the 1980's are back, may I suggest the two-toned shirt with the white collar and cuffs ala Gordon Gekko in WALL STREET.

 

[CharlestonBows]

Success is not so much in the colors as it is in the fit. If you're clothes fit, then they work for you, not against you.

While I'm a known fan of navy striped suits and crisp white shirts, you should try and coordinate with your complexion and colors.

Flusser (who, oddly enough, did the wardrobe for Gekko in Wall Street) has a good chapter on this in "Dressing the Man".

 

[Paisley]

Probably dark gray. Of course, it also depends on your business. They won't expect an artist or a tradesman to dress like them.

 

[DerMann]

Possibly my most favourite suit ever:

http://kingston66.com/the-suits/the-financier.html

Worn by the likes of Bertie Wooster, so you know you can feel confidant in it.

 

[The Wingnut]

That was the image that came to mind for me. Light gray check three-piece.

 

[tonypaj]

If there you were to do a presentation before a bunch of CEOs to convince them you had what it takes to do business with them, what suit would you wear to this presentation? The only outfit that comes to my mind is a bit overdone but "safe" and that's the three piece pinstriped navy suit. A classic bankers' outfit if there ever was one.

What other patterns/colors do you guys suggest? I will be making presentations to some investors and I just want to make sure my appearance instills unshakable confidence.

How about shirt color suggestions?

(BTW, still awaiting the arrival of my 2 custom suits from mytailor.com)

It all depends on the audience. How well do you know them? What do you know about them? Are you convinced that you know your stuff better than them?

Personally I would try not to be more flashy than the audience (a la Financier, which looks great but might be overkill), charcoal grey, well cut, well fitting suit made of god materials, conservative shirt, simple cufflinks, conservative tie. Black shoes... Overall just the very basics, but, as stated in other posts, the best fitting and best materials you can find.

 

[Orgetorix]

A double-breasted suit with a double-breasted vest writes the book on overkill. Even a 3-piece or a DB suit sans vest is, sadly, overkill in today's world. I think you need to go with a conservative 2-piece single-breasted suit. Make it one in a nice fabric and get it fitted perfectly, and you'll convey "success".

 

[Feraud]

If there you were to do a presentation before a bunch of CEOs to convince them you had what it takes to do business with them, what suit would you wear to this presentation? The only outfit that comes to my mind is a bit overdone but "safe" and that's the three piece pinstriped navy suit. A classic bankers' outfit if there ever was one.

What other patterns/colors do you guys suggest? I will be making presentations to some investors and I just want to make sure my appearance instills unshakable confidence.

How about shirt color suggestions?

(BTW, still awaiting the arrival of my 2 custom suits from mytailor.com)

I would keep the suit to a 2 piece and conservative to a fault.

More importantly your business presentation had better be extremely sound and make an impression. Too many people have great ideas but no understanding on how to make it work. Clothes make the man but a business plan makes the money.

 

[markfleser]

I don't think the suit itself is as important as how you wear it and what shirt/tie combination you wear with it. any shmuck can put on a 1000 dollar suit, if it's not tailored right or you wear an ugly shirt with it, it's going to look bad no matter what.

When you get a suit get it from someplace reputable i.e. a dedicated men's store or a tailor that also sells suits, etc. no JC Penny or Sears please, and get it tailored, they will most likely give you the hem for free but you'll have to pay for anything additional. My choice would be either a dark grey or blue with pinstripes. Whatever you do, don't cheap out on the suit there is a certain degree of quality that goes with price. The more expensive suits are typically going to have higher quality fabrics and better looking patterns.

As for a nice looking shirt to go with your suit, I get a ton of compliments with this, one. Also, get a nice tie (I think the best place I've found for great looking ties at a decent price is Burlington Coat Factory) and tie it in a windsor knot.

 

[miss_elise]

a charcoal grey suit properly fitted...

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Classic blue blazer, gray slacks, white shirt, black shoes, maroon tie. If you dress looking like a banker to a bunch of CEO's & bankers, they're going to think you're way over the top.

 

[MrBern]

heres a littl article that might help u.
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/trends_150/177_fashion_men.html

I tend to buy charcoal grey.
But I love a dark brown.
Blue pinstripe is fine, but everyone seems to default to blue.

The accessories are even more important. Watch, pen, pocketsquare, ring, shoes & tie. Dont get too loud, unless youre dealing in Entertainment & Arts.
And dont forget the haircut.

 

[CharlestonBows]

a charcoal grey suit properly fitted...

:eusa_clap

 

[Jerekson]

You want to look successful?

Black suit with black shoes, a blue shirt with black tie.

And spike your hair.



I despise modern looks. Go for the charcoal grey suit, like said. A white shirt, with a burgundy tie. In my opinion, that would look great.
Brown shoes, too.

 

[Senator Jack]

A double-breasted suit with a double-breasted vest writes the book on overkill.

God, if lived in such a boring, conservative, safe, do-it-by-the-numbers world, I surely would have blown my brains out already.

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

[Mr. Rover]

If you want to simply frame yourself, a medium gray fitted single breasted suit, a white shirt with french cuffs, and a black knit tie would be simple and understated, but still be sophisticated. Make sure you polish your black shoes before the meeting.
If you want to stick to your pinstripe blue suit, I would keep it simple with a solid blue in a darker shade or with subtle dots or stripes. You want your clothes to be a backdrop and not grab too much attention.
On the flipside, if your clothes fit poorly, they will attract attention, too.

JCrew Gray Suit

Don't want to get chased out of the boardroom...

 

[Q Money]

Thank you for the suggestions!

I'm going to digest everything.

I did have a bespoked SB medium gray suit ordered and will be ordering a few more dress shirts to match now.

I'll add a SB pinstripe navy blue suit in a modern (light) textured wool fabric (I live in CA) so I can wear it during summers when necessary.

I must add that my two biggest wastes of money during my sartorial explorations were:
1. Buying a Dolce & Gabanna suit while in Italy off the rack
2. Buying an Armani black label suit

The look and fit of these suits simply don't compare to the fit and look of the suit I received from mytailor.com

 

[tonypaj]

God, if lived in such a boring, conservative, safe, do-it-by-the-numbers world, I surely would have blown my brains out already.

Regards,

Senator Jack

Unfortunately some of us have to live in a world where numbers really have to add up, both at the office and privately. I personally have to tone down my way of dressing daily, and even then I'm borderline as far as my colleagues and business partners go.

I wish that I also could be financially independent, I would simply worry about my imaginary insecurities rather than the real ones. Not that the level of the worries would change dramatically, though...

 

[Senator Jack]

Unfortunately some of us have to live in a world where numbers really have to add up, both at the office and privately. I personally have to tone down my way of dressing daily, and even then I'm borderline as far as my colleagues and business partners go.

I made my living in IT for 25 years, hustling around Wall St fixing systems sometimes in sharkskin, sometimes punked out in black jeans and leather jacket (and this was in the 80s). Yeah, I got the odd looks but once I got them up and running, they never wanted anyone else to show up when the system was down. There's this myth of having to be 'toned down' being perpetuated for some unknown reason, but take it from someone who's been there, businessmen will question your style once and if you prove your skills, they'll never ask again.

A db jacket with a db waistcoat overkill? Please no one tell Bootsy Collins.

Regards,

Jack