It's always a pleasure to work with clients who understand the power of a well-curated wardrobe, and my recent styling session with a male startup founder was no exception. His wife's brief was clear: comfortable yet chic attire suitable for business meetings and a short work trip. This meant finding pieces that exuded professionalism without sacrificing ease of movement and personal style.
Forget stiff suits and restrictive fabrics; we focused on building a versatile collection that spoke to his innovative spirit and demanding schedule. Here's a glimpse into our 2 hour personal shopping session and some key takeaways for achieving that effortlessly elegant look.
1. How to Wear Linen at Business Meetings
Linen often gets a bad rap for its tendency to wrinkle, but when chosen and styled correctly, it can be a game-changer for comfortable yet sophisticated business attire, especially in warmer climates like Singapore. For my client, we opted for a tailored linen pantsuit in a soft brown. The key here was the quality of the linen – a heavier weave drapes better and wrinkles less dramatically.
To elevate the linen for a business setting, we focused on sharp tailoring. A well-structured blazer with defined shoulders and trousers with a clean, straight leg instantly smarten the fabric. The comfort factor comes from linen's breathability, keeping you cool and composed throughout a long day of meetings.
Styling Tip: Pair a linen pantsuit with a crisp white or light blue tailored shirt made from breathable cotton or a fine knit polo shirt in a complementary neutral tone. For footwear, think polished leather loafers or smart monk straps. A subtle leather belt and a sophisticated watch complete the look, conveying understated confidence. Remember to steam the suit before each wear to minimise wrinkles and maintain a sharp appearance.
2. Wear Other Colours Other Than Black, Navy or Grey
While black, navy, and grey are classic staples of a professional wardrobe, incorporating other carefully chosen colours can add personality and a touch of modern flair without compromising professionalism. For my client, we explored a palette of burgundy, nude, and brown.
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Burgundy: This rich, deep red exudes confidence and sophistication. A burgundy knit sweater paired with tailored trousers in a neutral shade like charcoal grey or beige offers a stylish alternative to traditional navy or black. A burgundy blazer can also add a statement touch to a more neutral outfit.
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Nude: In the context of menswear, nude tones like sand, taupe, and light beige offer a sophisticated and modern feel. A nude-coloured linen shirt or a fine-knit sweater can be effortlessly paired with white or light-coloured trousers for a fresh and polished look.
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Brown: From rich chocolate to warm camel, brown offers a grounded and approachable sense of style. A well-fitted brown leather jacket can elevate a casual Friday look, while brown suede loafers add a touch of elegance to tailored separates.
Styling Tip: When introducing colour, ensure the shades are muted and sophisticated rather than bright or overly bold. Pair coloured pieces with neutral staples to maintain a balanced and professional aesthetic. Pay attention to the undertones of the colours to ensure they complement your skin tone.
3. Evolving from Hoodies to Cardigans
The startup world often embraces a more casual dress code, and hoodies can be a comfortable go-to. However, for client-facing meetings or business travel, a more polished alternative is a knit cardigan. A well-chosen cardigan offers the same level of comfort but with a significant upgrade in sophistication.
We selected a few fine-gauge merino wool and cashmere cardigans in neutral colours like charcoal grey, navy, and a boyish baby hue. These can be easily layered over a t-shirt or a button-down shirt, providing warmth and a touch of refinement.
Styling Tip: Opt for cardigans with a clean, minimalist design and avoid bulky textures or overly casual details like large logos. Ensure the cardigan fits well – it should be snug but not tight across the shoulders and chest. Pair it with tailored trousers or chinos and smart casual shoes like loafers or Chelsea boots for a polished yet relaxed look.
4. Packing for a 3-Day Business Trip
For a short business trip, efficiency and versatility are key. We focused on creating a capsule wardrobe of interchangeable pieces that could be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This included:
- Two pairs of tailored trousers: One in a neutral colour like charcoal grey or navy, and another in a lighter shade like beige or stone.
- Three versatile shirts: A crisp white button-down, a light blue tailored shirt, and a fine-knit polo shirt.
- One well-fitting blazer: In a neutral colour that complements the trousers.
- One fine-gauge knit cardigan: For layering.
- A pair of comfortable yet smart loafers or monk straps.
- A stylish belt and a watch.
- A compact travel grooming kit.
Packing Tip: Choose fabrics that travel well and resist wrinkling. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and minimise creases. Pack items that can serve multiple purposes – for example, a blazer can be worn for meetings and also dressed down for a more casual evening look.
By focusing on comfortable yet chic pieces, a sophisticated colour palette, and a versatile capsule wardrobe, my client is now well-equipped to navigate his business engagements with confidence and style. This approach proves that you don't have to sacrifice comfort for professionalism; the key lies in making thoughtful choices and understanding how to style them effectively.
