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Dressing For Success... Stop looking like a fool.

Topics relating to managing people and relationships

Vigilante

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It was sort of a pun. Here's the the thing you said the only time he saw you in a full suit and tie was at his funeral. How can he see you if he's dead?

You think I am going to entertain your morbid pun and attempt at humor regarding a discussion about my dead mentor?

I've only ignored one person in the history of this forum. I might have just made it two.
 
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AFMKelvin

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LOL i thought girls were mostly into this stuff since if a girl is dressed ugly no one will look at her. Now you’re all overthinking sh*t, if youre a man just have normal short hair, and dress as you want, exactly as you want , not how some smart a$$ on youtube will give you advice. And LOL at meeting with politicians, just another corrupt bunch that licks each other’s balls and just make money by shitting on people, and you have to impress them, really ? Anyone who is asking how to dress clearly wants to impress, but who cares about impressions

Man created fashion not women. Remember those kings that wore high heels and white makeup also the wig.

You can dress however you want and not give a F*ck. But guess what people will look at you and see that you don't give a F*ck. So why in the hell would they do business with you if you just don't give a F*ck. They know you'll only be thinking of yourself and not of them. Truth is when it comes to dressing the part we are doing it for other people. We want them to feel comfortable around us by looking good and having good hygiene.

Yeah the top politicians are not your model citizens but there's a reason why they get away with so much shit because they have control over strong societal institutions. Having just a tiny bit of access to this societal institutions can make a big difference in your life.

The majority of humans care about impressions. I was working with this one guy who clearly did not give a F*ck about impressing others. He smelled bad, bad hair, bad breath, untie shoes, dirty clothes etc. Well everyone else hated him and they made him quit. The bosses did not fire him but he became an outcast at work.
 

AFMKelvin

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You think I am going to entertain your morbid pun and attempt at humor regarding a discussion about my dead mentor?

I've only ignored one person in the history of this forum. I might have just made it two.

I apologize if it offended you.
 

Vigilante

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Ninjakid

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To me that look, including the hair mousse, says I'm faking it till I make it. But that's me and I'm not even sure where I picked up that assessment.
For the record, I'm not trying to fake anything. This is just the hairstyle I had at the time, but it's different now.

Let's take these comments in a different direction.

First - the suit fits great. It may not be the highest quality, but you did very important things. For example, most guys have suit coat sleeves to their thumb - you have about a half-inch of dress shirt peeking-out. Perfect.

The shirt isn't my color, but it's the right kind of shirt for the look (and there's no gold chain or anything under it!).

You definitely need a watch. Nothing fancy, but a respectable Seiko would be perfect (no big Fossil watches) or a used Omega/TAG, etc.

It's also clear you take care of your appearance. People may not get your hair style, but it IS a style you've worked to have on purpose and you're clean shaven.

Standards of dress vary widely across the US. I spend a lot of time in NY/Long Island and what you're wearing would be acceptable at any function. Less so in somewhere like DC or San Diego. All depends.

Anyway, I think you're very much headed in the right direction @Ninjakid

-PM

P.S. - Can't really tell, but never button the second suit button. Just the top will do.
I rarely dress like this tbh. I kinda just wear whatever I like.
 

Kak

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It was sort of a pun. Here's the the thing you said the only time he saw you in a full suit and tie was at his funeral. How can he see you if he's dead?
Are you F*cking serious? What is the matter with you?
 
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Kak

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Vest or no vest with the suit (4 button, mid cut V, 5 button high cut V, 3 button low cut V??) I personally like wearing a vest (mid cuts) with my suit.

I currently own 2 cashmere, custom fitted suits. My wife doesn’t like me wearing the vest, I love it

The vest can formalize a suit. Probably not in most business settings today. Things are more casual.

I like 2 button suits. They are classic.
 
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Kak

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I've only ignored one person in the history of this forum. I might have just made it two.

Sometimes all it takes for me is one comment and I know I never need to read another post from them.
 

MidwestLandlord

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GREAT thread @Kak

A&E's shoes/boots are awesome. But for guys that are hard on shoes, the cost can be kinda steep.

I've found Ecco brand boots/shoes to be great. About half the price of A&E's, great quality, and I think all of their selections have non-slip soles that still look like a flat soled boot/shoe (non-slip being important in the north where I live, but most non-slip soles look clunky...these don't)

I buy 2 identical pairs, wear each every other day. Shine them weekly in winter, monthly in summer. They last a good 6 years or so, then they get turned into lawn mowing boots (probably look stupid mowing in chukkas/wing tips/derby's/chelsea's, but who cares lol)

That works out to about $66 a year for 2 great pairs of boots.

I have about 30 pairs of shoes/boots lol
 

Ronak

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GREAT thread @Kak

A&E's shoes/boots are awesome. But for guys that are hard on shoes, the cost can be kinda steep.

I've found Ecco brand boots/shoes to be great. About half the price of A&E's, great quality, and I think all of their selections have non-slip soles that still look like a flat soled boot/shoe (non-slip being important in the north where I live, but most non-slip soles look clunky...these don't)

I buy 2 identical pairs, wear each every other day. Shine them weekly in winter, monthly in summer. They last a good 6 years or so, then they get turned into lawn mowing boots (probably look stupid mowing in chukkas/wing tips/derby's/chelsea's, but who cares lol)

That works out to about $66 a year for 2 great pairs of boots.

I have about 30 pairs of shoes/boots lol


You can pick up a pair of Allen Edmonds under $200, they've got clearance sales all the time, including right now on their website, I saw some even in the $100 range.
 
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Danny reds

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It has come to my attention that few people give this enough thought.

A common theme of my posts is thinking big and leadership. Both of these REQUIRE interaction with other people. Sure you can build some onepreneur super outsourced company and make good money... But the VAST majority of the extremely wealthy got that way by making strategic deals, establishing influence and leading others.

Which brings me to LOOKING THE PART. It's popular, and often considered a badge of honor, in entrepreneurial circles to not own a suit, to almost intentionally dress like sh*t and not give a f*ck. To that, I ask, why? To what end?

I have learned how to dress properly when interacting with influential politicians and high-level C suite executives of very large companies. I have learned how to dress properly when I have to approach the lower offices with hourly workers. From formal meetings to business lunches, I have done it all. To say looking professional in every single interaction pertaining to your business is important would be an understatement.

Now, I'm no expert, but I am observant and have years of experience meeting people in person. There is no excuse not to look your best and present like someone who can back up the talk. It also doesn't have to be expensive.

Ask me anything.

Man i love this!!! Definitely bookmarking this :thumbsup:
 

Kak

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You can pick up a pair of Allen Edmonds under $200, they've got clearance sales all the time, including right now on their website, I saw some even in the $100 range.

Rep+ I have like 8 pairs and I didn't figure this out until the 7th. I've resoled 2 pairs. They truly are a buy it once and have them forever item.
 

GPM

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Anything magical that you do with your dress shoes if your feet sweat in them? I find dress shoes to lack in the breathability department, and when I am wearing a pair it is generally for the whole day.

Swamp foot is not cool.
 
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Longinus

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Anything magical that you do with your dress shoes if your feet sweat in them? I find dress shoes to lack in the breathability department, and when I am wearing a pair it is generally for the whole day.

Swamp foot is not cool.

Talc powder.

rIHVx.gif
 

SquatchMan

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Anything magical that you do with your dress shoes if your feet sweat in them? I find dress shoes to lack in the breathability department, and when I am wearing a pair it is generally for the whole day.

Swamp foot is not cool.

I douse all my shoes in Gold Bond before putting them on.

The one downside is that my ex-gf thought I had ashy feet the first time she saw me without shoes and it's a mess if you have carpet, but I got tired of having smelly feet.

You can also take them off if appropriate (sitting at desk). One of the things I like about living in Asia is that no one looks at me strange when I take off my shoes indoors.
 

Kak

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Anything magical that you do with your dress shoes if your feet sweat in them? I find dress shoes to lack in the breathability department, and when I am wearing a pair it is generally for the whole day.

Swamp foot is not cool.

Cedar shoe trees. They keep them nice and dry them out. Easy enough!
 
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Lucid Tech

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Not impress, or to attract attention... Just look the part.

So politicians are corrupt... So... They control a sh*t load of money.

People that want to actually make money. You can't go through life bitching about conformists, talking about it the way things ”ought” to be, and expect to make anything of yourself. Like it or not, the world we live in is the way it is. If you show up to a business meeting with me and you look like you just rolled out of bed in the morning, the deal isn't happening.

Being the best, most professional version of yourself is in YOUR best interest.

Yeah @Kak why are you wasting your time meeting with evil politicians who control million and billion dollar budgets? That seems like a lot of work.

If you're trying to get rich, have you heard of a Roth IRA?

--------------------------

In practical news, one thing that has worked for me is to dress one step above your customer/partner, but not more than one step.

If you're meeting with blue collar buyers in jeans and polos, a full suit and tie feels out of place. Better off with dress pants and dress shirt (no tie, no jacket) here.

When I was in consulting, most employees at client sites were in dress pants and dress shirt. Here, suit pants and suit jacket work better.

If they're in dress pants and a dress jacket, then suit and tie fits here.

One step above, but no more.
 

Kak

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Talc powder.

rIHVx.gif

Maybe for Nikes, but not for a nice dress shoe. I tried it once.
Yeah @Kak why are you wasting your time meeting with evil politicians who control million and billion dollar budgets? That seems like a lot of work.

If you're trying to get rich, have you heard of a Roth IRA?

--------------------------

In practical news, one thing that has worked for me is to dress one step above your customer/partner, but not more than one step.

If you're meeting with blue collar buyers in jeans and polos, a full suit and tie feels out of place. Better off with dress pants and dress shirt (no tie, no jacket) here.

When I was in consulting, most employees at client sites were in dress pants and dress shirt. Here, suit pants and suit jacket work better.

If they're in dress pants and a dress jacket, then suit and tie fits here.

One step above, but no more.

I can agree with this.

I tend to wear the jacket as often as possible though even if that means dressing down around it. Like a polo shirt under it. Or jeans like I mentioned earlier. Boots. Things like that.

My professional dressing for all but formal meetings is based on sport coats. They polish up your appearance and can be worn without being too many notches above any situation.
 

DavidTT

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I think for business or politics it's pretty simple; 3 suits, 1 grey, 1 navy blue and 1 black or black with pinstripes. Wear them for business and alternate between them.

You honestly can do just fine with 1 suit and multiple shirt and ties. Having something too fancy sometimes look like you're trying too hard or into fashion or something. And you usually don't wear any pocket squares either for business. It's more for special occasions.
 
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Kak

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I think for business or politics it's pretty simple; 3 suits, 1 grey, 1 navy blue and 1 black or black with pinstripes. Wear them for business and alternate between them.

You honestly can do just fine with 1 suit and multiple shirt and ties. Having something too fancy sometimes look like you're trying too hard or into fashion or something. And you usually don't wear any pocket squares either for business. It's more for special occasions.

Pocket squares are very rare for me. Black suits have also fallen out of need. Like we have discussed earlier in this thread, they end up making you look like a waiter or limo driver.

Agreed about "fancy" nothing flashy ever. You don't want to draw attention to your clothes EVER. You want clothes to basically be part of you and your leadership. To support your goals Just part of the bigger picture.
 

sparechange

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i just did 2 sales direct to client in downtown business district, wearing jeans and a tshirt. wearing a suit makes you a massive douche bag imo. or you need to beg investors for $.

poor people usually dress up to look professional, but to me they just look like slaves, its hilarious to see these people jam packed side to side on a train (or better yet a bus!) riding public transit looking all fancy.

being from vancouver ive been surrounded by wealth all the time and its always the lower class that dress up and the insanely rich that look average. just my thoughts

no thanks. i prefer looking like a fool.
 

Kak

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i just did 2 sales direct to client in downtown business district, wearing jeans and a tshirt. wearing a suit makes you a massive douche bag imo. or you need to beg investors for $.

poor people usually dress up to look professional, but to me they just look like slaves, its hilarious to see these people jam packed side to side on a train (or better yet a bus!) riding public transit looking all fancy.

being from vancouver ive been surrounded by wealth all the time and its always the lower class that dress up and the insanely rich that look average. just my thoughts

no thanks. i prefer looking like a fool.
I think there is more too that fool thing than just your look.
 
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Kak

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sparechange

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lol
 

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GPM

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i just did 2 sales direct to client in downtown business district, wearing jeans and a tshirt. wearing a suit makes you a massive douche bag imo. or you need to beg investors for $.

poor people usually dress up to look professional, but to me they just look like slaves, its hilarious to see these people jam packed side to side on a train (or better yet a bus!) riding public transit looking all fancy.

being from vancouver ive been surrounded by wealth all the time and its always the lower class that dress up and the insanely rich that look average. just my thoughts

no thanks. i prefer looking like a fool.

I take it you are in Calgary based on your comment. If you notice, these people taking public transit are not dressed nice. They wear the bare minimum in regard to dress shirt, pants and shoes. While in that environment I always wore slightly nicer dress shirts that fit me properly, that made me stand out in a good way. 90% of the people dress in raggy "dress" clothes.

The ones who only wear what is required and no more are the ones you are talking about. The employees are not who we should be after. We need to be talking to decision makes and those with influence.
 
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CDNY

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I understand the concept of this thread and agree with the importance of dressing properly for each situation, BUT where are the pictures of some of your outfits @Kak?

I’m not trying to out you, but it seems silly to take style advice on a forum where barely anyone here even knows what you look/dress like.
 

Duane

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I understand the concept of this thread and agree with the importance of dressing properly for each situation, BUT where are the pictures of some of your outfits @Kak?

I’m not trying to out you, but it seems silly to take style advice on a forum where barely anyone here even knows what you look/dress like.

You can tell people know what they're talking about by reading the feedback they give and seeing how the community responds.

I am very big on dressing to impress and have indulged semi-heavily in the fashion industry. I think it's some great advice he is giving and he doesn't necessarily need to post pictures of himself to prove to you he knows what he's talking about.



On a side note:

The way you feel when you dress nicely can be an enormous confidence and energy boost.

I shower every morning and almost always wear nice clothes when I go out because I not only feel better, but I'm also more productive and to be honest, people talk and treat you differently depending on how you dress and act.

If I don't shower and dress up, I just feel unmotivated and lazy. What I mean by dressing up is just looking nice and like I give a damn about my appearance, that doesn't have to mean being in a suit and tie though.

Wearing a nice pair of jeans and my favorite shirt at the computer I feel better and am more productive than being in a tank top and sweatpants.

It radiates into my work and my phone calls when talking to clients.
 
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GPM

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I understand the concept of this thread and agree with the importance of dressing properly for each situation, BUT where are the pictures of some of your outfits @Kak?

I’m not trying to out you, but it seems silly to take style advice on a forum where barely anyone here even knows what you look/dress like.

Really? Have you read anything that he has posted? It is not gibberish.

Your opinion changes nothing about his reality. If you think it is BS just don't listen and move on. Or try listening to what he (and others with Legendary status) have to say. You might learn something.
 

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