Fashion tips for entrepreneurs

Sweat tops and jeans, 100k suits, Birkin bags, Rolex watches, etc. The ‘dress as you want to be addressed’ cliché sometimes conditions entrepreneurs to look a certain way. Technopreneurs, most likely, follow the steps of Apple’s Steve Jobs and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg with the most modest of appearances – from the mundane, grey t-shirt the Facebook founder is known for to the minimalistic black crew-neck top on blue jeans Jobs made popular.

But on the flipside, other entrepreneurs prefer the more glitzy, glamorous look.  However, some entrepreneurs could be pretty intimidating or downright austere with their dress sense. But you will almost always need a look that fits you in the middle of the two extremes, despite the overwhelming time spent on building the business of your dreams. Out here in Nigeria, one could safely say entrepreneurs are one of the best dressed. Perhaps, this is due to cultural influence – no one wants to do business with someone who is not presentable – but the truth is it sometimes taken over the top or way below average. Thus, this pieces lists some fashion tips to help entrepreneurs maintain a decent, mix and match wardrobe:

•Get some Jeans.

Jeans don’t bite. Even if you are not crazy about denim, you will agree that a decent pair of denim gives an aura of a relaxed, confident persona. The good part is that it doesn’t cost much to acquire a few pairs and it can be worn with t-shirts, shirts and jackets to give you a nice casual look.

•Add some colour

Colour your wardrobe. Dark colours are good, everyone knows that. However, you need to perk up your outlook and lighten up with more colours other than those grey, black, navy blues you currently have in your wardrobe. Some colours are known to communicate confidence and authority. Light blue on Mondays is always a good one. Purple is also great.

•Get a smart jacket

Get rid of things that make you look ten years older than you really are. Get a jacket or two that look smart and fit nicely. You don’t have to get something expensive. Just make sure the fabric is a good one and that it sits nicely on you.

•Collar check.

The collar and edges of your shirt should be nice, clean and crisp. Anything other than that gives you a sloppy and careless look. Remember, the idea is to look smart and savvy at the same time. Constant collar checks helps.

•Try new things.

Brogues, plimsolls, Mary Janes, sweatshirts, monochrome sneakers, heels, traditional attires etc. Mix up, spice up your foot wears. Wear a sweatshirt on your shirt once in a while to add a touch of difference. Accessorise appropriately, but don’t pile on the blings. Also, traditional attires on Fridays and weekends help spice up your looks. It also communicates your identity and culture.

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