A perfectly coordinated business outfit is a well-laid foundation for successful negotiations. The key is the business suit and a correctly chosen shirt to go with it. Cut, material and colour all come into play. A white shirt is, of course, the starting point, but it can be dull. Business dress, after all, can be interesting too. It simply takes following a few basic rules.
Never the other way round. It is a general rule: the less expensive item of clothing or accessory is matched to the more costly one. First look at the suit you want to wear to the meeting, and only then select a shirt to match.
Long or short sleeves?
A suit is always paired with long sleeves. This holds for the business suit and shirt too – a rule that should not be broken even on the hottest days. In such weather, simply choose a shirt in light, airy materials, but still with long sleeves.
White is fine – but even the business world has more colour
Although the business suit belongs to the more formal pieces in your wardrobe, your choice of shirt need not be limited to white alone. Quite the opposite. At repeated meetings you could come across as dull, or it might give the impression that you only own one shirt – neither of which will help you in negotiations.
Besides the white already mentioned, a business shirt can also come in pale blue, cream, salmon or another light shade. You can likewise choose shirts with a discreet pattern. Modern business shirts feature sophisticated designs. Currently in vogue, for example, is a combination of woven jersey motifs and a subtle print.
It is probably clear that a tie creates a more formal impression. As for colour, there are no strict limits – just use common sense. If you opt for a stripe or a pattern, keep it discreet. Cartoon motifs and witty slogans belong at a party, not on a business suit and shirt.
If the business shirt has a small pattern, choose a more understated tie. Too many strong designs at once never looks good.
Pay attention also to how the tie is tied and to its length – it should end at the belt buckle.
Turning up to a meeting without a tie is no faux pas either. On the contrary, it can make you seem slightly more relaxed and approachable. Try to picture the situation, the nature of the meeting and the other participants in advance. If you think going open-necked is fine, go for it. Just remember that, according to etiquette, only one undone button is acceptable.
The key is to be honest with yourself. If you have a slim, athletic build, go for a slim-fit shirt that will fit you well. Otherwise, reach for a less tailored cut. A business shirt may have a breast pocket – that is quite acceptable here.
Choose the shirt material according to the season. For summer, light, breathable shirts are ideal; for autumn and winter you can reach for heavier fabrics with a greater weight. You can opt for 100 % cotton or modern blends, such as the popular combination of cotton and linen.
A non-negotiable requirement is that the business shirt is in flawless condition. It is unacceptable to arrive at a meeting in a crumpled, sweat-soaked shirt or one with stains. First impressions often decide how the whole meeting will go, and a well-groomed appearance earns you extra points from the very start.
A good tailor’s shop is happy to help you put a business outfit together. At Blažek stores we will recommend the ideal combinations of business suit and business shirt and advise you on accessories and footwear as well. You will also find inspiration in our current lookbook.
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