Accessorizing Your Business Attire - Part II

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 02:11

W Lifestyle magazine

Accessorizing Your Business Attire - Part II

Posted : 2015-03-25 11:46

Updated : 2015-03-25 15:16

A scene from "Kingsman: The Secret Service" ©20th Century Fox Korea

By Todd Sample

One of the signs of a successful business wardrobe is that the separate parts which make up the entire ensemble, especially the accessories, are in tune with the overall look. For example, a thick wool tie shouldn't be worn with a summer seersucker suit, while slipping on a pair of casual loafers to wear with a suit should also be avoided.

While riding on the subway the other day, I was pleasantly surprised to see a well dressed young man who had obviously paid close attention to the details of his outfit from the suit, shirt, and tie he had chosen to the polka dot socks he was wearing on his feet.

If I could have made just one suggestion to him, however, I would have recommended that he leave the shoulder bag he was carrying at home, as it was the kind of oddly colored bag one receives for free when attending a seminar or conference, complete with the name of the conference on the side in big letters.

Other than being practical for carrying brochures and pamphlets received during the event itself, these vinyl bags with an adjustable shoulder strap shouldn't be considered a stylish accessory option when dressing for business.

If you must carry a bag to make a proper impression, it is best to steer clear of shoulder bags and especially backpacks. Instead, opt for a briefcase, a style choice which won't leave you looking like you belong in the classroom and not the boardroom. Furthermore, with a briefcase, there is no need to worry about the bag creating wrinkles in your suit or coat which will draw unwanted attention once you take off your coat.

I recommend that you choose a thin bag with no brand labels if possible, made from hard leather, as a briefcase made from soft leather exudes an image that is more professor than CEO.

For a little extra pizzazz, you may opt for a thin metal briefcase of the variety that spies in movies handcuff to their wrists while carrying or even a leather clutch just large enough to hold a magazine and a laptop computer. The metal briefcase is certain to add a bit of mystique to your look, while a leather clutch can inject a touch of European flair while maintaining a professional edge.

Moving beyond briefcases, anyone who has seen the recently released film "Kingsman: The Secret Service" can recognize the power of having the right umbrella. Unfortunately, umbrellas are another style accessory which many men overlook when putting together their daily outfit. Available in an endless variety of colors, sizes and handle styles, the right choice in umbrella can truly distinguish a man from his peers.

Some may argue that due to the likelihood that an umbrella will be lost, there's no reason to pay much money for or heed to the look of this accessory. Of course, it isn't necessary to spend a large sum of money on something used only when the weather is foul. However, there are numerous umbrellas available on the market with eye-catching carved handles and a wooden shaft for less than $100. When wanting to dress to the nines on a rainy day, ten times out of ten stylish gents will select a classically cool umbrella over an oversized golf umbrella adorned with a sports brand logo or a cheap plastic one.

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