The Power Look for Men in 2008

Much has been written and said about womenkey to the power look for men. Italian and English
having a power look with expensive high heelshoes are best. The rule about laces is out unless
shoes regardless of what else is worn. Whatyou are a diplomat or an investment banker.
about men? Is there a 2007 power look for men?Otherwise, tie shoes or slip-ons are fine. They
Is did the male power look die with the crash ofmust be expensive, black or brown (a whole
1987 or with the dotcom bust?other article about this trend) and very traditional
There is a power look for men but it is muchin style. Any shoe that looks trendy, cheap or like
more subtle than a pair of expensive high heela walking or athletic shoe is a no-no. And any
shoes flaunted by the women who haveshoe must be highly polished - regardless of
shattered the glass ceiling.whether they are new or 30 years old (yes I
Hairhave some that old in case you are wondering - I
The very expensive haircut is crucial. For thosehave them cobbled).
who do not have enough hair to pull-off theSuit
expensive haircut - it all must go. No moreThe power suit is still it. No khaki and polo shirt -
comb-overs or even implants. The really powerfulunless you are on the links. No sport coat and
and the extremely rich just cut their own hair ordress trousers - unless you are at a cocktail
go to the same corner barbershop they haveparty or the yacht club. A suit. Preferably English.
gone to since they were kids.Preferably bespoke (if you do not know what
Shirtthat is then do a search on the term please). It
White shirt of a fine 100% cotton shirt. Straightshould be navy solid or striped or very dark grey.
collar. French cuffs with tiny - ideally antique - cuffIt should be of very expensive and fine wool. And
links (1920s not 1950s). Preferably tailored init should fit impeccably (that does not mean
England. Always laundered and starched. No "nooff-the-rack and adjust the cuffs and hem the
irons" or "stain proof" shirts please. At least onetrousers by the way). If you cannot afford this
fresh one daily - sometimes more often so itsuit - then go to a very expensive men's store
looks crisp.and examine the most expensive traditional suits
Tiethey sell. Try one on. Look at all the details. Short
Silk. The only acceptable material. Hermes and theof a bespoke suit - this is what you are looking to
other designers with fine silk, bright colors andduplicate regardless of where you choose to shop.
very small and complex patterns or figures. AlsoWhile the topics of belts, braces (you know -
acceptable is foulard in silk with small diamond orsuspenders), socks, pocket squares, watches,
circle patterns in navy or maroon. Purple, yellowspectacles, rings, pens and other accessories could
(its back) and pink are favored too. Sky blue hasgo on for pages - the point is that unless you get
become a cliché for politicians and theirthe basics right (and above are the basics) then all
underlings.the other things really don't matter because you
Stay away from green and brown. Black is forwill not have the power look.
funerals. Regardless of what the fashion booksFemale executives can have their expensive high
say - the knot is a function of personal style -heel shoes. You have your expensive haircut/shirt
and where you went to boarding school (or whichtie/suit/shoes. Now it is time to get down to
military branch you served in).business. If you think the computer programmer
Beltwho is worth more than most small countries has
Does not matter. You will not be taking off yourit made because he can wear an old rock band
suit coat. And you will only unbutton it when yout-shirt, baggy shorts and ratty sneakers - then
sit down. Period.you do not need to worry about the men's
Shoespower look. You need to evaluate your
If the higher the heel is the key to the powerprofessional goals.
look for women, then the thinner the sole is the