Styling for Success, Part 2: The Suit

This article continues from Part 1 in our “Styling for Success” series, which covered the basics of men’s fashion.

In this installment, we’ll at the most expensive component of most men’s wardrobes – the suit. Depending on your firm and your location, you may be required to wear a suit daily – or you might only need it when you’re meeting with clients. But since it covers over 80% of your body, it’s worth the effort to ‘suit up’ well.

Our focus will be work suits for Analysts and Associates in the financial services / investment banking industry, and that means classic business suits that will help you look the part at work. We’ll focus on how to choose the appropriate cut, detail, fabric, and fit, as well as how to care for your clothes to ensure that your new suit lasts past your second all-nighter.

Shopping Notes

Investment Banking Wardrobe for Women

No, I have not gone crazy and written an article on women’s fashion. Instead, this is a guest post by The Fashion Financier. A former bulge bracket investment banking analyst, she has now entered the world of private equity and writes about finance, fashion, and even appropriate Facebook stalking etiquette at The Fashion Financier.

While there’s plenty of information on how to dress for success in investment banking if you’re male, a women’s guide is not so easy to find.

For women, the rules for looking presentable, stylish and professional are less strict than those of their male cohorts. Just remember: although you work in a world of men, you don’t have to dress or look like one.

Basic Rules and How to Avoid Being Sent Home Because of Your Inappropriate Outfit

Styling for Success, Part 1: The Basics

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m not a fashion expert (just ask anyone who has met me here in Asia).

Despite that, I’ve covered some basics on men’s fashion – but I receive many questions that an expert could answer much better than me.

Sure, your performance and interview skills matter the most in terms of breaking into the industry – but when the economy takes a turn for the worst, you need any advantage you can get. And proper dress goes a long way toward doing that.

Over the next few months, I’ll be partnering with Brass Bones Custom Tailored Shirts to create a guide to styling for success. We’ll focus on the suit and then go into shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories – but first, let’s make sure we get the basics right.