Dress Code

Save and Shop Your Way to Dapper Fashion

One of the hardest parts of having a strong interest in fashion is being able to afford the habit. Clothing can be exceptionally expensive, especially when you covet designer pieces. It may seem as if dressing well and being able to pay the rent are mutually exclusive to one another, but they don’t have to be. There are plenty of different ways to save money when shopping for ensemble elements, many of which often go overlooked by those who are new to embracing men’s fashion. With the following tips on your side, you’ll be able to save money while still looking great in 2013.

Hit the Sales Rack
Just about any boutique, whether it be large or small, will have a sales rack. The sales rack is often a hidden gem at the back of the clothing store full of high-quality items that are for sale to make room for new arrivals. Ensemble elements can be on sale for a variety of different reasons, ranging from simply being overstocked to items being discontinued. Best of all, these pieces tend to rotate on a regular basis, meaning you’ll always have a new and updated set of sale options to choose from.

Shop at a Thrift Store
Thrift store shopping may have a bad reputation among those who devote piles of money to new designer clothing, but there’s no need for this to be the case. High-end thrift stores typically sell designer pieces for much less than they might sell for at a regular boutique, which means you’ll be getting much more bang for your buck. Be sure to look over each item carefully when shopping at a thrift store to see if it has rips, tears or stains.

Stock Up on Basics
Basics are essential clothing items, and can make all the difference in the world when properly added to an ensemble. You can stock up on basics without spending a great deal of money if you shop at the right stores. Look for tees, thermals and other, similar items in a variety of different colors, all of which can serve as the perfect base for an attractive ensemble. Note that basics typically pertain to shirts, as you’ll want to spend the extra money on quality pants when possible. Some of the best deals can be found on basics and seasonal accessories.

Happy New Years!

Your Bows-N-Ties Team

Mens Fashion Resolutions for 2013

Every New Year brings a new set of resolutions. This year we have created a theme of resolutions for menswear fashion for novices. This ten part series looks at fashion oriented resolutions that will make any man better dressed and better suited for handsomeness ranging from tuxes to facial hair to footwear. The top ten resolutions for a menswear makeover in 2013 are:

Resolution 1: Accessorize
Your fashion possibilities are endless when you master the learning curve of accessorizing. Once you understand how to properly accessorize you can put new and creative spins on your favorite menswear pieces, and we are talking about much more than just men’s ties.

Resolution 2: Look at Trends
Trends are constantly evolving and some are outlandishly bad while others are impressively chic. We aren’t suggesting that you jump on every trend that presents itself but it is important to see what is trending and to incorporate some of things you like into your own personal style.

Resolution 3: Embrace Neckwear
Neckwear is a large encompassing term for bowties, ties, ascots and silk scarves. All of these things have the potential to add style and coolness to an aesthetic whether it’s casual, professional or a combination of both. If you don’t know already – you have to learn how to tie a tie in 2013.

Resolution 4: Experiment with Facial Hair
Facial hair has been gaining momentum over the last few years and more and more men are experimenting with mustaches and beards. This New Year, grow out some facial hair and see how you look. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Resolution 5: Focus on Footwear
Footwear is a staple component to any good ensemble and every fashion conscious man should take this fact to heart. In the New Year, promise yourself you’ll wear less sneakers, work out more and incorporate some polished menswear oxfords into the mix. For those, who are less willing to go with the dress shoe, opt for the leather boot.

Resolution 6: Go Formal
Don’t be afraid to dress things up when the special occasions arise. Wearing a tux is actually sort of spectacular and gives you a James Bond dose of panache and adventure. Make the resolution to understand formal wear in the New Year and at least wear a tux one time.

Resolution 7: Get Into Shape
No matter what, you have to resolve to get into better shape in 2013. Getting into shape is guaranteed to make you feel and look better. Make a promise to yourself to hit the gym and buy clothes that are tailored to fit the trim version of you.

Resolution 8: Organize Your Closet
Some of us are better at organizing and staying organized then others. This year, resolve to organize your closet so that you can find what you need to create a winning ensemble in record time. How you organize it is up to you but make sure you can find what you need. A cleaner closet means a better dressed you.

Resolution 9: Play with Pattern
Break away from fashion habits and introduce new patterns to your wardrobe in 2013. Learn how to mix a micro-gingham dress shirt with a striped tie without clashing and how to accessorize a pin striped suit in the New Year. Once you start playing with pattern, you won’t be able to stop.

Resolution 10: Shop and Save
Everyone assumes that there is a ridiculous price tag associated to dressing well. 2013 is the year to dispel that rumor. You can be fashionable by shopping smart and saving money. Start scanning the sales racks and you’ll be amazed at what you find. Another option is shopping thrift stores, vintage shops and Ebay for unique pieces. Get creative and we promise, you’ll look savvy at an affordable price.



Happy New Years!

Your Bows-N-Ties Team

Business Attire in England & UK

For American businessmen who travel internationally for work, it’s almost inevitable that one will eventually end up in Great Britain at some point. Business meetings between Americans and the English tend to be regular occurrences, which makes it all the more important for Americans to learn how to dress correctly for a meeting in GB. Fortunately, the differences between American and English business dress tend to be relatively slight; more so than most people think, at least. Bear in mind, however, that the British take business dress quite seriously, and choosing the wrong pieces will do nothing to help your case if you’re in the area for a meeting. By taking the following aspects of British business dress into consideration, you can rest easy knowing that you have a strong handle on dressing for a British business meeting. This article is part of our 10-part series titled “Business Dress Around the Globe“.

Avoid Striped Neckties
Choosing the right necktie for a business meeting is something that every guy needs to take into consideration in order to ensure that they’re dressing their best. In Great Britain, striped neckties should always be avoided. This is because the “regimental” neckties that are often found in Britain tend to feature very specific striped patterns, each of which represents a certain institution. As a result, wearing a striped necktie can very often cause a disconnect when in the area, and may even lead to being offensive. While stripes are relatively off-limits, other patterns can be quite effective; polka dots, for example. Former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, for instance often times wears a purple and white polka dot necktie, and you can do the same! You can also get quite a bit out of a simple solid-colored tie, which will connote professionalism without looking as if you’re trying too hard to do so.

Leave Loafers at Home
Everyone likes wearing loafers on occasion. That said, they tend not to be worn very often in business scenarios in Great Britain. Rather, businessmen in the area tend to wear laced-up leather shoes, which are not only attractive, but versatile enough to be worn in a variety of different situations. The shoes you choose should certainly be attractive, but there’s no need to purchase expensive Italian leather shoes the way many people feel they must. Simply choose a pair of shoes that will match nicely with a variety of different ensembles; both black and brown are versatile enough to do so. Avoid dress shoes that feature colors that might clash with the rest of your business ensemble.

Stick With a Conservative Suit
While Great Britain’s business dress code certainly isn’t as conservative as that found in certain other parts of the world, this is not to say that you should ever dress in a manner that might be considered informal. Compared to American businesses, British offices dress formal and conservative, making Business Casual a foreign concept. Choosing a conservative suit is of the utmost importance, and can truly mean the difference between an appearance that works for you and one that does not. For best results, choose those which fit you in a way that will compliment your figure, avoiding those which are overly tight. Stick with colors that are rich and professional, which will help to put you in a good light. The best suit colors are midnight blue and charcoal. Solids are best but subtle pin-stripes or elegant birds-eye pattern is also an acceptable variation.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Business Around the Globe: Office Fashion in Italy

It should come as no surprise to anyone who considers themselves to be even remotely fashion-forward, that Italians put a great deal of emphasis on business dress. Putting on one’s best attire for meetings and other important professional events is of the utmost priority in Italy, and should never be overlooked. This often makes Americans who travel to the country for business a bit apprehensive about what they choose to wear, although there doesn’t have to be any true reason for concern. So long as you have a strong handle on how Italians tend to look when conducting business, you can fit in nicely on your next business trip. The following are just a few important characteristics of Italian business dress to internalize before you set out to do business in the country again in the future, all of which will help you to connote professionalism and respect for Italian tradition. This is article is part of our Series Titled: Business Dress Around the Globe.

Go for a Perfectly-Cut Designer Suit
As one might expect, the Italians put quite a bit of emphasis on designer clothing. After all, there are so many design houses in Italy that it can be practically head-spinning, and businessmen take advantage of this by shopping for reputable name-brand suits whenever possible. Choose those which are relatively dark in color, and go with a slim cut that will help to match your figure and create a sleek, streamlined appearance. Expensive ties made from finest silk are the norm. Typically the Italian businessman prefers larger, triangular tie knots (double Windsor and Pratt knot), tied with a perfect dimple, and paired with a wide spread collared dress shirt. Also, never wear your socks short, as knee-length dress socks are considered the norm for Italian business dress.

Well-Polished Shoes
A lot of people who pay attention to Italian fashion know just how important shoes are in the culture, and this applies quite heavily to business dress. Indeed, businessmen in Italy are expected to wear well-polished, well cared-for shoes at all times. Wearing scuffed shoes to a meeting would be grounds for a chat with the boss, as it not only connotes unprofessionalism but goes against everything that fashion-forward Italians stand for. As a result, many professionals in Italy tend to have at least a few pairs of shoes set aside strictly for business meetings and other high-profile events, which ensures that they always have a well-polished pair of shoes on hand. Typically the Italian man prefers more delicate leather footwear ranging from fine bluchers to trendy monk-strap, over heavier oxfords that are commonly seen on London’s streets. When travelling to the country, strive to set aside a pair of shoes to wear only while in the office, leaving your casual shoes for walking around town.

Avoid Short-Sleeved Shirts
Unlike in America, short-sleeved shirts are almost never considered to be appropriate for wearing in Italian offices. The business-casual look that has become popular in America detracts quite a bit from the formality that Italy is known for, and thus has little to no place in the country. Short-sleeved shirts should be reserved only for casual wear around town, and should not be combined with chinos the way that one might dress for a regular day at the office in America. Rather, stick with a long-sleeved dress shirt whenever possible in order to show your respect for the culture.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Business in Thailand: A Guide to Thai Business Dress Code & Etiquette

Thailand is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and just about everyone who has visited the country at one point or another can attest to this. It’s not uncommon for Westerners to end up going to business meetings in Thailand, especially as the country has become more entangled in the global economy than ever before within such a short period of time. Therefore, we thought it to be important to included the Thai culture in our series titled Business Dress Around the Globe. For those who have never been to Thailand, knowing how to dress for an important meeting in the country can be easier said than done. That said, understanding Thai business dress doesn’t have to be difficult, so long as you take the time to learn as much about the culture and business etiquette as possible. The following are just a few tips to help you streamline your business ensemble the next time you find yourself in Thailand.

The Western Business Suit
Contrary to popular belief, the Western business suit is extremely popular in Thailand, and is considered to be the most versatile piece for wearing during important meetings in Thailand. The fact is, however, Thailand is well-known for the extreme heat that is omnipresent in the country, and those who are there on business often find wearing a full suit to be extremely uncomfortable. Bearing this in mind, it’s most common for businessmen to carry their jackets instead of wearing them when walking outside. More often than not, they’ll put their suit jackets back on when they get inside to air conditioning. Westerners, then, should not be concerned about having to wear an uncomfortable suit in the extreme heat. Suit pants, on the other hand, are an absolute must. Because of the heat natural fibers, which are more “breathable” should be chosen of cheaper synthetics or synthetic blends.

Long-Sleeved Shirts
Given the fact that the weather in Thailand can be incredibly hot, many Westerners who travel there on business believe that they might be able to get away with short-sleeved dress shirts. Even though it is indeed quite hot in Thailand, long-sleeved shirts are always worn. You can make things easier on yourself, however, by wearing light colors and ensuring that the shirts you wear are constructed out of 100% cotton; this will keep sweating at bay. It may also be wise to forgo the t-shirt that is often worn underneath dress shirts in America, as this will help to make your ensemble more breathable and cut down on any discomfort that you might experience.

The All-Important Tie
If you remember only one thing about business dress in Thailand, it should be the importance of wearing a tie. Without a tie on your side, your chances of fitting in with others in the country will be quite low. Businessmen in Thailand almost always wear ties, as doing so adds a touch of professionalism to one’s ensemble and can make a huge difference regarding the end results of someone’s look. Ties in Thailand tend to be subtle; loud ties are best left at home. Purple ties should be avoided as purple is Thailand’s color for mourning.

Other Things to Consider
The Thai pay a lot of attention to appearance. Make sure your pants, shirts, and jackets are free of wrinkles and stains. Shoes should be polished daily, fingernails manicured regularly, and facial hair should be avoided. Also, avoid showing tattoos as well as piercings.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Business Dress in Hawaii & South Pacific Islands

Dressing for a business meeting that is being held on one of the islands of the south Pacific is something that a lot of Western businessmen don’t expect to have to do. The fact is, the need to embrace this code of dress is larger than many people realize, as attending meetings in the south Pacific isn’t exactly a rarity for businessmen who travel on a regular basis. South Pacific business dress doesn’t have to be difficult to implement into your look, and learning more about it can help you to look your best on a regular basis. So long as you consider the following tips and information regarding south Pacific business dress, you’ll be well on your way towards fitting in when it finally comes time to travel there. Because so-called “Island” Business dress is so different from conventional business attire, we decided to include it in our series titled: Mens Business Dress Around the Globe

Take Business Casual to Heart
In many parts of the world, business casual dress is simply unacceptable. This couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to the south Pacific islands, however, as business casual is a way of life in this part of the world. Given the extreme heat that is so characteristic of islands such as Hawaii, the full suit often takes a backseat to a more casual set of attire. Those who are used to wearing a full business suit to meetings can rest easy knowing that attending a truly important business exchange (think court appearance) almost always includes wearing a Western business suit; it’s the more day-to-day doings that are best approached by wearing business casual attire. The more comfortable you can get with this concept, the better you’ll fit in when attending business meetings in the south Pacific islands. Our tip: Leave your suit at home and use the extra room in your luggage for snorkel, swim shorts, and sandals.

Aloha Shirts
Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no getting around the fact that Aloha shirts are extremely popular in the south Pacific islands. Wearing an aloha shirt to a meeting is not always in poor taste, especially if the meeting is casual in nature. Just be sure that you wear these shirts with the right pieces, khaki chinos are almost always the preferred style of pants to pair with aloha shirts, although there are plenty of other options to choose from as well. If the office you are arranging your meeting in is exceptionally casual, you may even be able to go with a nice pair of dark-washed designer jeans. When choosing aloha shirts, go with those which feature fairly subtle patterns, as there’s truly no need to overdo your look.

Prefer a Suit?
While chinos, shorts, and Hawaii shirt make up the typical business wardrobe, those that like to wear a suit still have some options. Instead of the formal charcoal suit, we suggest a warm weather business get-up. Excellent choices are linen suits as well as suits made from cotton – both slightly more casual fabrics that are, thanks to their breath-ability, perfect for warm weather.

Formal Business Dress in Hawaii
While business casual is exceptionally popular in this part of the world, there are some occasions where business-formal will be a necessity. In such a case, you’ll do best by wearing a well-fitted suit with flat-fronted dress pants, Oxfords and a crisp, white dress shirt. Aloha shirts and other casual pieces have no place in this type of ensemble, and should be avoided at all costs. For best results, you should work with a tailor in order to put together a suit that will perfectly fit your figure. During the day time light colored suits (tan and light gray) are acceptable and offer cool comfort.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com

Guide to Business Dress and Etiquette in France

France is considered by many to be one of the most fashion-forward countries in the world, and has been for many years. Indeed, the design houses in Paris continue to put out benchmark menswear on a regular basis, some of which makes it over to America in short order and helps to further influence the country’s style. Business dress in France may not differ much to those of other countries around the world, but there’s no getting around the fact that it fits in nicely with the country’s fashion aesthetic. French businessmen are expected to look their best in just about any professional scenario that they find themselves in, which helps to connote confidence and professionalism. The following are just a few things that help to better characterize the way businessmen dress in France, all of which those who are traveling to or planning to live in the country should take into consideration.

Conservative Suits
One of the most important things to understand about business dress in France is that it tends to be quite understated, with sleek, subtle style taking the forefront. Businessmen in France tend to wear conservative suits that feature a moderately-slim cut, and are meant more to frame the man then to add excessive amounts of flair to his appearance. More often than not, business suits in this country are relatively dark in color, with stark-white dress shirts being worn underneath. The result is a look that most people would consider to be highly professional, yet not necessarily something that is meant to turn heads. As one might expect, the business-casual look that has become so popular in America provides a stark contrast to the conservative dress that is the norm for business professionals in France, those who travel to the country should always keep this in mind.

Jackets Stay On
Perhaps the most difficult thing for Americans to understand about French businessmen is that jackets almost always stay on inside the office. In America, jackets are often taken off once one enters the office, and sometimes even before relatively important meetings. In France, however, this is considered to be a sign of an utter lack of professionalism, and is to be avoided at all costs. Not only do jackets tend to stay on, but French businessmen will rarely loosen their ties the way Americans so often do; an important thing to note for those who conduct business in this country on even an occasional basis. The goal in France is to dress in a way that connotes confidence, and in-formalities simply aren’t going to do the trick most of the time.

Avoid Bright Colors
When choosing professional business attire to be worn in France, bright colors should be avoided. Unlike in other countries (Spain, for example), colorful business attire simply has no place in France, and wearing it will almost always cause you to stand out for the wrong reasons. Patterns can be quite effective when properly worn, however; pinstripes tend to be nearly as popular as solids in the country. Just be sure you’re leaving suits that feature bright colors in the closet, as they have no place in French offices.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Chinese Business Dress and Business Etiquette

Anyone who attends business meetings on a regular basis owes it to themselves to learn as much as possible about the different dress codes that one will likely stumble upon while traveling the world. Because of different business traditions around the globe we created a 10part series titled “Men’s Business Dress Around the Globe“. Indeed, business dress tends to differ from country to country, making it essential for those who tend to travel internationally to know exactly what they’re getting themselves into when traveling to a foreign country. This is especially true for those who plan on traveling to China at some point for business, as business dress in China tends to come with its own specific set of guidelines. By considering all of the following tips, you should have no issues putting together an ensemble that will make you not only fit in with others in China, but will connote professionalism to a large extent.

Keep Suit Colors Subtle
The importance in choosing the right colors for business meetings in China cannot be underestimated. Keeping suit colors on the subtle side is important, and should always be top of mind for those who are planning to attend a meeting in the country. Navy blue is popular, for example, as are other neutrals like charcoal and dark grey. Wearing a pastel pink shirt, on the other hand, will do nothing to help your case, and is likely to make you look as if you don’t fit in; you may even end up offending people. The more basic the colors you choose, the better off you’re likely to look when attending business meetings in China. This is not to say that your appearance needs to be “drab” in any way, however; subtlety can be an effective way to elevate an ensemble to the next level.

More on Color
As already discussed above, suit colors should be on the conservative side such as charcoal, gray, and midnight blue. White is a color that should be avoided since it is the color worn for mourning in Chinese culture. Red on the other hand is Chinese most popular color and is synonymous for prosperity, power, and authority. Thus wearing a ruby red tie is a good choice!

Step Out of the Past
In years past, Chinese business attire usually included a very specific type of suit. The “Mao” suit, as it was called, was military-like in appearance, including two pockets on each side of the chest and a rugged, functional design. While this piece was omnipresent for a long period of time in the country, China’s take on business dress has changed dramatically since. In modern times, it’s most common to see the traditional business suit in China instead of anything that might be considered similar to the Mao suit. As a result, those who are familiar with this aspect of Chinese dress should remember to leave this dress code tradition behind when preparing for a business meeting.

Embrace Patterned Ties
It’s not uncommon to see solid-colored ties in China; most people who work in the country on a regular basis can attest to this. That said, solids take the backseat to a large extent amongst businessmen in China, as patterned ties are almost always preferable. Polka dots, wide stripes and geometric patterns are all very popular in the country, and can help to take a standard business suit to new levels. For best results, strive to avoid any patterns that might be considered “loud,” as wearing these types of pieces can come off as offensive. Big picture ties (AKA “novelty ties”) are a big NO-NO.

Basic Business Etiquette
Understanding Chinese business etiquette is important, and anyone conducting business in China should study these traditions. While other cultures have a relaxed attitude towards time (such as Middle Eastern business etiquette), the Chinese value punctuality. Show up on time and avoid surprises. In fact, it is Chinese custom to outline discussion topics beforehand.

Names are very important to the Chinese. Make sure you learn how to address a person in your first meeting. Usually surnames come first. Also, make sure to bring plenty of business cards as you will need them. Similar to Japanese business tradition, the Chinese take their time to read and study your business card, and you should do the same. Receive a business card with both hands and take your time to read and study the card before placing it in your wallet or card holder. Want to earn extra points? Then have a business card made that has one side in English and the other in Chinese.

Last but not least, keeping face is very important to Chinese culture. Never put someone on the spot and always offer “a way out”. Also, avoid direct “NOs” instead say something like “I am not sure it is possible for us to do this”.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Business Dress and Etiquette in the Middle East

For many Americans, the Middle East is extremely misunderstood. A lot of people who have never been to this part of the world tend to think of it as having an air of mystery to it that is difficult to figure out, which is almost always somewhat overblown. While Middle Eastern culture certainly differs from that which is omnipresent in America, this is not to say that one should expect to have any difficulty dressing for a business meeting when visiting the area. So long as you gain a basic understanding of how businessmen in the Middle East tend to dress, you should have very few issues when setting out to attend a business meeting there. The following are just a few characteristics to keep in mind if you have plans to conduct business in the middle east – this guide is part of our Business Dress Code Around the Globe series.

The Business Suit is Crucial
The first thing that one must realize about business dress in the Middle East is that wearing a classic, well tailored business suit is of the utmost importance. While business suits are certainly typical in America, it’s important to understand that those which are best for wearing in the Middle East tend to be on the conservative side. Suits should be cut in a way so that they are balanced, as those which are too tight or overly “boxy” in nature will do nothing but cause a disconnect. You’ll also want to ensure that the tie you choose is proportionate to the rest of the suit; avoiding overly thin or wide ties is essential. So long as you feel as if your suit is balanced, you’re likely to be on the right track.

Neckties – Yes or No???
For the most part the answer is YES! In most developed Middle Eastern cities businessmen DO wear ties. However, it is worth noting that fundamental Muslims don’t wear neckties as this clothing piece symbolizes Western society.

Avoid Flashy Colors
If you can internalize one thing about business dress in the Middle East, it’s that conservatism is of the utmost importance. As a result, flashy colors should be avoided at all costs when dressing for a business meeting in the area. In America, it’s not uncommon for pastels to occasionally be worn during business meetings, whether they be in the form of ties or dress shirts. A pastel tie will do you no favors in the Middle East, and may even be taken as being offensive. As tempting as a light beige linen suit may be for business on a hot day in the desert, wearing white, beige, or tan suits is not common practice and should be avoided. Instead, suits should be rich in color (black, charcoal, or midnight blue), connoting professionalism as much as possible. If you are unsure as to whether or not a particular color will serve to be a good fit, you’ll do best by avoiding it.

Don’t Go Business Casual
Business casual dress certainly has a time and a place, and can be quite effective when worn correctly. That said, the conservatism that is characteristic of the Middle East typically means that business casual dress should be left at home, as sticking with suits will be far more effective. While you can take your jacket off once you enter the office, you should still avoid any attire that might make you look any less professional than you are; save business casual for your flight home.

Basic Business Etiquette
The Middle East is predominately Muslim which strongly influences business practices. Keep scheduled prayer times in mind, for instance, when scheduling meetings. Also, Friday is considered a Holy Day meaning that a regular work week goes from Sunday through Thursday. Another thing to consider is punctuality. The Middle East has a very relaxed attitude towards time, meaning that showing up 20, 30, or even 40 min “late” is not uncommon. Foreigners however are expected to show up on time!

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Business Attire Around the Globe: Spain

Following our guide to Business Dress in Japan, which is part of our Business Attire Around the Globe Series, we make it across the big pond to Europe. In this article we take a closer look at the wardrobes of Spanish businessmen and business etiquette unique to this culture.

Anyone who works in the professional sector and travels on a regular basis is likely aware of the fact that business dress can vary from country to country. While the general principles of business dress may be somewhat similar throughout the world, there are a variety of things that one needs to take into consideration if they’re going to be travelling for work. In Spain, for example, business dress is taken very seriously; far more seriously than it is in America. Indeed, those who work in the professional sector in Spain are expected to dress to impress on a daily basis, and dress codes tend to take a fairly formal lean. The following are a few characteristics of men’s business dress in Spain, all of which are important to understand if you intend to visit the country for work.

Colorful Suits
Most fashion-forward men can attest to the fact that one’s look often coincides with the weather that surrounds them on a daily basis, and this rings especially true for those who live in Spain. Spaniards are known not only for wearing exceptionally well-tailored suits to business meetings and professional events, but stand out because of the colors that are so often utilized. In Japan, for example, business suits are almost always dark in color, with lighter variations considered to be quite informal. In Spain on the other hand, even relatively formal suits tend to be somewhat light and colorful; think indigo, for example. These colorful suits can be worn either with stark white dress shirts or those which incorporate even more color into an ensemble, so long as care is taken in not allowing the different pieces to clash. The result is a look that truly suits the sunny weather that Spain is so well known for.

Gold Accessories
Working towards streamlining one’s approach to business dress is all about learning how to properly utilize accessories, which doesn’t seem to be difficult for those who live in Spain. Spaniards take accessories rather seriously, although they keep them to somewhat of a minimum. Gold is far and beyond the most popular material for accessories in Spain, with Gold watches and rings taking the forefront and worn by just about anyone with a penchant for adding a formal touch to their appearance. Gold accessories look exceptionally attractive up against the colored suits that are so popular in Spain, and can truly help to make one’s appearance “pop” when worn correctly. For best results, however, you should avoid wearing too much gold at once, which can quickly turn into sensory overload.

Cropped Hair
Hair has a lot to do with one’s look when it comes to business dress, and Spaniards tend to take hair rather seriously. Those who work in the business sector almost always keep their hair cropped short, as long hair is considered to be a sign of a lack of professionalism. Styling cream is often used in order to slick the hair back, although this is completely optional. If you intend to travel to Spain on business, keeping your hair short will help to ensure that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

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