Looks Can Be Reassuring
Sound Advice
Invest in a power suit to set yourself apart from the merely average
“More than ever, you have to project a professional image,” says Bob Long of Edmonton. Involved in high-end sales, Long manages the affairs of a privately held trust company in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. He needs to have the confidence of his clients. And in a tightened economy, first impressions are paramount. Gone are the days when you could show up to an important meeting in chinos and a T-shirt. “You have to be at the top of your game,” he says. “That means investing in high-quality clothing. I spend money on good-quality suits.” Long shops mainly at Henry Singer. “It’s possible to look around and find nice shirts or ties for less, but cheap suits look cheap.”
“A suit is an investment,” agrees custom tailor Sam Abouhassan of Edmonton. “I saw a line in the press recently that said ‘Combat the recession with a power suit,’” he says. “That’s what people are doing.” A beautiful suit shows that the wearer is on top, or at least on his way there. Historically, the worse the economic times, the better the menfolk dress. Abouhassan points to the Great Depression, a time in which business attire included three-piece suits, coats and hats. “And the three-piece suit is making a comeback,” he says. “Even younger guys, who you don’t normally see in a vest, are wearing one.”
“Buy one very high-quality suit rather than two less expensive suits,” Abouhassan advises. “Accessories can keep your look current.” Suit colours, too, are swinging back to the conservative end of the spectrum, with dark blues, and greys that have a touch of taupe to them. The silhouette of a suit has shifted with the economy. Slimmer is in – think Ignatieff, not Harper.
That’s My Bag, Baby
For men, a classic dark briefcase will stay in style. Women have to spend more time selecting a bag. Lisa Popplewell, personal shopper at Holt Renfrew in Calgary, says a quality shopper-style leather bag can last a woman a decade. “It’s like a tote but softer and with longer straps,” says Popplewell. The shopper bag can do duty as a briefcase, laptop carrier, carry-on and more. It moves from workday to weekend with ease. And the colour? “Black,” Popplewell says. “Always black.” She recommends avoiding the dump syndrome by keeping specific items in smaller, zippered cases, to make finding your BlackBerry easier and switching from briefcase to beach bag simpler.
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| Pelt and Hide The signature New York pharmacy brand Kiehl’s, now owned by L’Oreal, is sold through Holt Renfrew in Calgary and Edmonton. A travel set of skin care products: ~S48 | Off the Cuff The French cuff is back for men’s shirts. Along with it: cufflinks. They’re bigger, bolder and more colourful than your dad’s. For attractive links with no precious metals at a good men’s store: ~S95 | Perfect Packing A roomy shopper-style leather bag eliminates the need for multiple, single-purpose carriers. Prices range. For the lower end, check out Tory Burch or Cole Haan versions of this must-have: ~S600 |
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