For the contemporary businessman, business attire has become more than a sober and strict dress code. It is a lifestyle and a pleasure that, once assumed, bears the label of elegance and balance at every moment.
Wearing a business suit is an extension of the winning attitude in the dynamic business environment. From closing successful partnerships, conferences and networking, to entrepreneurial events or board meetings, everything relies on an impeccable and respectable impression .
Three important standards when choosing a formal business outfit
In the business and entrepreneurial environment, image matters… and sells . That's why it's important that men's business attire respects a certain etiquette, certain standards of good taste. These also support your personal brand as a leader of a successful team or company. Therefore, you deserve a contemporary business outfit that reflects your style, qualities, authority in the field and confidence. And it can be perfect from head to toe, from the unique shirt collar to the made-to-measure business shoes .
If you want to update your wardrobe, but don't know where to start, follow these three "golden" rules and you will wear the most stylish business outfits, as required by the professional dress code.
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Made to measure is the standard your image deserves
For meetings with clients or business partners, presentations or occasions where all eyes will be on you, the made-to-measure business formal outfit is a notable standard to be respected in this ecosystem. It is a modern concept, which combines tradition with innovation and perfects a business outfit that commands respect and admiration. If you are wondering what made to measure is, it refers to ready-made clothing pieces, which you adjust according to your sizes and preferences - just as they are tailored in the Tudor Tailor workshops.
Business suit It should fit nicely on the body, so it should be tailored to your measurements for an elegant yet refreshing touch, and be in conservative colors. You have available shades of gray, navy or black which, together with personalized masculine accessories, will make your image memorable in the minds of business partners.
Although more affordable, standard patterns don't impress in a formal and elegant business environment. Opt confidently for made-to-measure suits, which give you full control over the details that bear your personal touch and are well worth the investment. In our workshops, you make all the decisions: from lapels and buttons, the monogram on the inside of the sleeves, pockets and lining, to the thread used, to confirm your harmony of colors, proportions and style elements.
Schedule a visit in Tudor Tailor showrooms, and one of our advisors will help you tailor your desired suit
When it comes to men's shirts , they can also be tailored to your vision, choosing the color, cuff type or collar. In a formal business environment, classic white is always a safe choice, but shades of blue or pink (occasionally) can also work interestingly. You can opt for made-to-measure business shirts personalized with your initials, if you want to leave a professional impression and wear a unique model.
A key piece in business attire: the shirt with Italian collar and cuffs for cufflinks guarantees you a perfect appearance.
Without the right footwear, a stylish image is not complete. And for a modern image, versatility is key. To finish off a notable businessman look with an innovative vision , but also to enjoy comfort, made-to-measure business shoes make your choice easier. The most suitable are the classic Oxford shoes, Derby shoes and full brogues, but Monk Strap and Double Monk give a much more formal and elegant touch. On the other hand, the nonconformism of an entrepreneur can also be reflected in a pair of high-quality Chelsea boots.
You can choose the model, leather type, color, and even the sole of the shoe to make sure it reflects professionalism and the original touch with which to make a remarkable impression.
2. Prioritize the quality of fabrics, reflected in weight and fineness
Quality fabrics feel precious to the touch… and are immediately recognizable, especially in the formal business area, and choosing quality is a golden rule , but also an inspired investment both for your presentable and respected image by others and to feel good. The fabrics from which business suits and shirts are made must look flawless: to be sharp, smart and to fall elegantly on the body, without being overwhelming. Being an important investment, formal business outfits must also be comfortable and look impeccable after several wears.
For these reasons, it is recommended to focus on luxury fabrics for men's suits and shirts that you can identify by brand, but also by weight. These criteria decide the quality, resistance and fineness of the clothing pieces you wear. Weight is important to know when to wear a business outfit. A lighter material (225 grams) is suitable in the warm season, and a heavier one in the winter (425 grams), but you also have middle options, materials that you can wear all year round (340 grams).
Ultrafine fabrics reflect the premium quality of a suit, and they are recognized by the name “Super” accompanied by a specific number. The higher the number, the finer and purer the material is, it feels precious to the touch and provides class.
At Tudor Tailor you can find business suits made from ultrafine Super 150 and Super 170 fabrics , precisely so that you can enjoy quality in everything you wear. These are extremely suitable for any season, also providing breathability while wearing. You can choose from many premium fabrics, made according to British or Italian standards, by manufacturers from areas with tradition and innovation, appreciated in luxury men's fashion. In our workshops, you can enjoy excellence in business suits and shirts from internationally recognized fabrics, such as Scabal, Zegna, Holland & Sherry, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Loro Piana, Cerruti, Monti and others.
3. Accessorize simply but with refinement
There are accessories that make a business outfit look great: fine cufflinks, a statement tie, a pocket square, and maybe an elegant scarf when you're on the go. And they're the ones that give you that personal touch that business suits need, for an extra touch of class and personal style.
A natural silk tie is a safe and effective choice for men's business suits. Fortunately, when choosing a tie for an elegant business outfit, you enjoy more chromatic freedom and versatility than in the case of shirts or suits. You can go for a classic and simple model, in an interesting brown or purple color, or an unusual paisley pattern, with stripes or discreet polka dots that will make you stand out and be admired. In the case of patterned ties, accessorize with a plain handkerchief.
A special elegance is given by the cufflinks for the shirt in silver or stainless steel, suitable for formal events. This discreet accessory represents a statement of elegance and style that a businessman can only benefit from at business meetings, corporate meetings or important presentations.
Ideally, cufflinks balance a more sober outfit and harmoniously complete it for a gentlemanly image, especially if they match the other accessories worn. Tudor Tailor advisors can advise you on the right pair for the type of outfit you are wearing.
Pocket handkerchief it should not be missing either. Choose a model made of soft fabrics, such as silk or cotton, on which you can even embroider your initials. The simplest and most elegant model, suitable for business attire, is the one wrapped in a straight line. Ideally, choose a white handkerchief. If you prefer a bolder style, you can also style the outfit with more unconventional models, in tasteful colors and patterns.
Basic suits in the business wardrobe
To support the stylish image you deserve, we offer you some excellent business attire for men to draw inspiration from. You have a variety of classic and modern styles at your disposal, made of ultra-fine materials and in impressive colors and patterns, which you can customize according to the business environment in which you operate, your stylistic preferences and the image you want to convey.
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Business attire for the classic business environment
The main idea is: look stylish and simple . These words translate into dark colors like navy or charcoal gray, shirts in discreet colors, leather shoes and tasteful, personalized accessories.
This suit is cut from a light navy blue fabric, with subtle cherry checks, precisely to add personality and good taste to a more traditional business outfit. It is a smart alternative to the classic plain navy blue suit . The premium SCABAL fabric from which the suit is made has a weight of 280g and is Super 130, which gives resistance and breathability and does not wrinkle. It is also an all-season business outfit. The lapel pin gives preciousness to the appearance, which will be immediately recognized and admired by connoisseurs.
The accessories define the elegance and fine attention to detail, which make the look discreetly remarkable. The classic white of the shirt highlights the suit model, but the blue stripes make a very successful contrast with the fine burgundy tie. And the patterned silk handkerchief balances the entire look with good taste. Monk Strap shoes in brown, suitable for navy suits, are business formal to respect the dress code from head to toe.
This plain navy suit is cut from premium Vitale Barberis Canonico fabric and is accessorized simply and effectively with a plain tie of the same shade, a classic white shirt and a straight-folded president handkerchief . Elegant and comfortable, the custom-made men's Oxford shoes are suitable for both business attire and formal events.
We are waiting for you in the showroom, where you can determine, together with our advisors, all the details that define the right business footwear for you!
Not only dark suits are allowed in the entrepreneurial and business ecosystem. This reinterpretation of the classic gray business suit is also a good choice.
Cut from a grey flannel with red Holland & Sherry checks, this suit is an inspired investment for the fall-winter season. The fabric weight is 340g, so it does not wrinkle and is resistant. The business shoes suitable for the outfit are the brown Monk Strap ones, precisely for a more formal touch and suitable for a traditional environment. Being neutral colors, the balance is established by the blue shirt and the successful contrast with the cherry red striped tie and handkerchief in a similar shade.
It is a suitable choice for all seasons, being cut from a turquoise fabric from the Nobility 150'S AAAA® collection by Cerruti, ultra-fine and precious to the touch. The balance of this subtle preciousness of the business outfit is given by statement accessories in warm and bold shades.
3. The ideal business attire for the sophisticated corporate environment
This type of suit is iconic for the business environment, working in prestigious institutions, and respectable formal events.
It is made of navy blue flannel, one of the most classic fabrics for business suits, which is worth having in your wardrobe if you work in a more sophisticated and very elegant environment. The shirt should be white and simple, as should the handkerchief, folded appropriately for a very formal environment. A tie in neutral shades and with a discreet pattern matches perfectly with the stripes of the suit made of Holland & Sherry fabric. Such a business outfit for men deserves to be worn with elegant Oxford shoes.
For the spring-summer season, you can choose to wear a business suit made of Holland & Sherry ultrafine fabric with a weight of 225g, light and cool. The suit model is unique and gives a sharp look for a confident and assertive businessman. The classic navy blue shade is beautifully highlighted by the purple checks and is an impeccable summer outfit, suitable for business meetings.
Accessorizing with a white shirt and plain tie is appropriate in a formal dress code, but what brings the outfit out of anonymity are the patterned silk handkerchief and loafers. Although they are accepted as men's shoes for a suit, in a sophisticated and demanding environment, opt for more elegant business footwear.
Tips for a prepared businessman. What mistakes to avoid in business attire?
And with these safe options and examples of stylish outfit ideas, various unsuccessful or mismatched combinations may arise or you may have questions about the right clothing. To ensure that your look is elegant, businesslike and powerful, we offer you a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose plain socks, either the same color as your pants or navy blue. The skin of your feet is never exposed.
2. Don't button up all the buttons on your suit - leave the last button undone.
3. Suits are never worn with short-sleeved shirts
4. Don't wear suede shoes if the environment is traditional and elegant.
5. The bow tie can only be worn on special, festive occasions and events.
6. The business shirt should be plain or with a discreet pattern (stripes, most of the time)
7. The cuff should reach the base of the palm, and the jacket sleeve should be 1-1.5 cm shorter.
8. Don't forget about shoe maintenance. In formal business attire, their shine must be maintained.