The Power of The Suit & Tie

When Justin Timberlake sings, people tend to listen. His critically acclaimed hit single, “Suit & Tie” which released in the early part of this year, was an ode to the almost super human nature of wearing the ensemble many see as the ultimate symbol of power (and sexy). The song centered on his desire to seduce his lady, while being sure to give credence to the power of his, “Suit & Tie.” Again, few things represent, “ready for business” more than a Suit and Tie, whatever “business” that may consist of. It’s the quintessential attire for the serious and invested. Personal style can largely differ from man to man (and woman), with age, education, and profession all playing a significant role in the presentation of men worldwide. Yet it is the suit and tie that most would agree serves the great unifier. Even today’s rapper is wise to the power of a well-tailored suit and tie. It’s almost as common to see your TI’s and Jeezy’s in 3 piece slim cut business suits, as readily as you’d see them in a white tee, camo shorts and J’s.

Suit and ties serve a number of purposes. They can help to bolster our confidence, enhance our style and look, and most importantly, it says to people, “I mean business.” Whether you’re conducting million dollar deals on a regular basis, you’re trying to make a stellar first impression on a date, or you’re finally ready for the next stage in your career and want to show your employer you’re ready for the big leagues, the suit and tie is a pivotal part of the equation. As with anything else, there will always be a faction of people who refuse to get with the times or the policies of perceived social (business) etiquette. There are plenty of men who think wearing a suit, God forbid a tie, is somehow a relinquishing of his individuality or worse, his freedom. The anti-conformist is generally how they look at themselves. Those of us who are avid suit wearers know it’s quite the opposite. The relaxed urban look may be acceptable on a Saturday afternoon at a backyard BBQ, but it is becoming less acceptable when the sunsets and the evening emerges as a platform of opportunity. A suit and tie reflect that a person is serious about whatever it is they’re involved with, big or small and should be taken just a little bit more seriously. Sure, the character and substance of a man is ultimately most important, but it is the outward presentation that often entices people to take the time to delve deeper.

All men should own a suit and tie. Starting with a solid color (preferably blue or black) for starters is most advisable. From Blue-collar worker to the Wall Street executive, having a (well tailored) suit and tie means you’re prepared for opportunity if and when it arises. For those whose jobs and lifestyles do not require them (at present) it is still necessary to make the investment. Perhaps there’s an opportunity that arises last minute and it requires professional attire (i.e. interview, etc.), if you only have a pair of slacks and a dress shirt from high school, chances are you’ll miss out. Famed French chemist Louis Pasteur said it best, “chance favors the prepared mind.” Preparedness is essential in business and in life. So heed the advice and invest. You don’t have to spend several thousand dollars on a Tom Ford custom, but you can go to your local department or specialty stores (Jos A. Bank, Bloomingdales) and come out looking like a mogul in the making for only a few hundred dollars. When opportunity knocks, you’ll be able to say confidently, “I’ve got my suit & tie, so come on in.”

Article submitted by Andre’ George (@TheAndreGeorge on Twitter). 

Photo Credit: Glamour