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- 29/04/2022
Clothes make the man. This is a truism, but there is also a lot of truth in it. In an interview with Citywire Germany, style consultant Stefanie Diller explains what is allowed in a business-casual look, how to dress for video conferences and why colorful socks don't suit everyone.
Ms. Diller, is there an ideal business outfit?
Not really. The spectrum is very large. Business clothing itself is a term that is becoming more and more watered down today. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing, on the contrary: fashion is like a buffet where everyone chooses what suits them best. There are many possibilities in the business casual sector.
When it comes to the business-casual look, where do you draw the line to casual wear?
Casual clothing is great and looks great, but don't overdo it. Men should definitely wear a jacket and shirt. I'm thinking, for example, of casual jackets with patch pockets; Cotton in summer, often tweed in winter. Small plaids are also fine. This goes very well with chinos, i.e. cotton trousers with slanted pockets on the side, or jeans. In general, suit trousers are not necessary for business casual.
ADVERTISEMENTSCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENTDoes that also apply to the classic business look?
In that case, as a man, I would still wear a suit. You can't go wrong with a well fitting navy or charcoal suit. Add a light, beautiful shirt and the classic business look is complete.
Necktie?
In the financial sector, too, more and more companies are breaking their dress code with this feature, especially in the banking sector. The trend has spilled over from the USA to many traditional German companies. But there are also companies where it is still considered good manners. Bankers or asset managers who want to be on the safe side when visiting customers would do well to continue to wear a tie.
How about the shoes?
Shoes are the linchpin because they steer the whole outfit in a certain direction. Simple, black lace-up shoes always work, while Budapest shoes with perforations and a good leather sole give the whole outfit an elegant character. As long as they are not dirty, worn out and worn-out models, sneakers are also perfectly fine. Plain white sneakers work best. Incidentally, this also applies to women.
What should women generally pay attention to?
Women have many more options than men. From skirts, dresses and pants to overalls and sweaters to blouses and cardigans, plus accessories that men can't wear - there's something for everyone!
So spoiled for choice.
That's how you put it. In principle, a similar system applies to men. Women can also wear various blazers. I'm thinking, for example, of shorter boxy jackets without lapels in the Chanel style, which harmonize very well with blouse shirts without a collar. Depending on how casual or chic the outfit should be, women can also wear business trousers and combine them with a chic sweater or a beautiful cardigan with a silk blouse. This can look very elegant with pumps.
How important are colors?
Colors always play an important role, for women and men alike. In general, I recommend muted shades such as dark or light blue, grey, brown or white nuances in the business area. Loud tones should be used in moderation.
Do these rules also apply to video conferences?
On the contrary: I would stay away from very dark colors! When looking for the ideal zoom outfit, you should definitely bear in mind that the camera enhances contrasts. So if I'm wearing a black jacket, for example, it can look like a bunch of black – not as pretty. White is also difficult, especially when the background is very light.
What do you recommend instead?
Blue garments work best. The color flatters the skin and makes it appear less pale, so the tone can be a little stronger. Women should also make sure that the neckline is not too big. I once had a woman in the video conference who wore a top with relatively narrow straps, over which her hair fell. It looked like she was sitting there naked.
Are there also style crimes in the analogue field?
The combination of brown shoes and black belt doesn't work at all! What I also see more often, especially in younger men between 25 and 35, are shirts that are too tight. Not everything has to be tight, especially if you already have a slight tummy. It also becomes difficult with large patterned checked shirts. They belong in leisure time. The same applies to colored socks that are combined with run-of-the-mill suits: please leave them at home!
Aren't colorful socks all the rage?
The trend comes from Italy and Great Britain and has its origins in the banking sector. In both countries, many financiers are very stylish, take care of their bodies and prefer fashionable, very tight-fitting suits with cropped trousers. When these men wear fun or flashy socks, it fits the overall picture. But if I wear a conventional, awkwardly tailored suit and combine it with red or green socks, I don't think it looks that great.
One less opportunity to give business outfits a touch of individuality.
Men really don't have that much choice in this regard. Aside from matching belts, shoes and pocket squares, there is little room for personalizing office attire. If you want to give your outfit that certain something as a man, you have to fall back on interesting color combinations and details. This includes, for example, shirts that are lined differently at the collar or have colored button plackets. Cuffs with an inner pattern can also add a bit of variety. In the end, it's all about the overall picture of the outfit.
What about jewelry like oversized wristwatches?
A matter of taste. Personally, I don't like watches that are too bulky. But a classic watch with a silver or leather strap is always possible.
Stefanie Diller is the owner of the Dilleryourself style and image consultancy, with which she has already dressed well over 1000 customers. She regularly organizes workshops to help participants achieve the best possible public image. She studied fashion design, worked as a VIP service representative at Gala magazine and was employed in textile purchasing at the Otto Group. Her work has taken her around the world to Hong Kong. She has been working in Hamburg for over 15 years and writes a blog on dilleryourself.de.
This article originally appeared in the 65th issue of Citywire Germany Magazine.