How to Dress for Business Meeting Success With a GQ Insider

The road to becoming a GQ Insider is not an easy task; in fact, the only way to get into the elite-level community of GQ-minded gentlemen is by invite only. This is how Patrick Van Negri’s affinity for style and fashion caught the attention of the globally recognized brand. Patrick soon became an insider from the recognition he received with social media, boasting of similar values, and the shared culture between the company and Patrick solidified the collaboration they have created to this day. Today, we’ll break down the exact approach a GQ Insider would take when dressing for a business meeting. 

The Importance of Dressing for Success 

Whether we like it or not, the first impression matters. Having a sense of style can open doors for so many opportunities that most people would never even think about. How you dress matters – it’s a reflection of who you are, and the effects of prioritizing a quality sense of fashion can also be seen in the way you carry yourself. 

When most men think of fashion in their heads, they are instantly overdoing it or not doing it at all. In the words of this GQ Insider, “My style in many ways is a reflection of my business. I prefer creating long-lasting value that will attract opportunity rather than chase attention.” 

Now, Patrick has long made it a priority to blend his business acuity with what he wears. By doing so, he can put together core fashion concepts in such a natural way rather than being over the top. These strategic fashion tips not only help you gain the confidence you need to stay at peak performance in the office, but they put you in a small group of men who can draw admiration and respect from the poise that follows proper Men’s Business attire. 

A Guide to Dressing for Business Meeting Success With a GQ Insider  

When it comes to looking your absolute best, no matter what it’s for, the very first thing you should take into consideration is fit. If a shirt or pants don’t fit according to your body structure, an entire outfit can be thrown off. Patrick’s first piece of advice would be to find a brand that makes clothing that compliments your structure, and if it still doesn’t fit the right way, don’t be afraid to invest in a good tailor or seamstress. 

The second most important piece of advice would be to invest in the good fabric; fabric plays a huge role in giving your body the comfort to breathe and stay dry and fresh. Synthetic fabrics or poorly made fabrics tend to create a moist environment and cause you to sweat and feel discomfort. That sweating could then go and project nervousness or fear, so the best thing to do is stick to a quality fabric. A few suitable fabrics to always keep an eye out for would be cotton, wool, cashmere, silk, or even linen for warmer climates. Now, I gathered a few actionable tips with Patrick to give you go-to advice to looking your best in the office atmosphere. 

Tops and Blazers

1. You can never go wrong with a clean white shirt, a must, and a staple foundation for most men. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with some classic colors and tones, but avoid funky colors. They are an easy way not to be taken seriously. 
2. A Blazer can serve as a guide to what a man is doing, such as black being for nightlife, galas, and funerals, white for special occasions, and the classic navy/blue blazer as a versatile all-in-one. A few shades Patrick recommends would be grey, brown, and every tone in between, this will give you a wide range to play with. If you want to stand out with your blazer, a few of the most striking patterns that never go out of style would be pinstripes and checkered. 
3. When it comes to Lapels, you can never go wrong with a larger lapel for a two-button blazer/suit; however, if you feel confident, mix a double-breasted with wide-peak lapel.

Bottoms

1. When orchestrating a carefully coordinated outfit, pants or bottoms should follow the tops (mainly blazers) making it a suit. A good rule of thumb when it comes to this would be the same fabric, fit, and color. 
2. Depending on the occasion, if you’re in a coastal city and you happen to have a big event or meeting somewhere near the water, this could be your exception to change the color of the bottoms. Perhaps try a white base with a Navy Blazer – don’t go overboard with the crazy colors. 
3. Last rule for bottoms: jeans are a no-go if you’re looking to maximize your look before an important business meeting. 

Shoes 

1. You can never go wrong with a brown pair of shoes; it matches almost any color, and if you follow the advice above, you’re destined to crush that meeting with a sharp look.  
2. A few types of shoes that will always compliment an outfit would be loafers, derbies, oxfords, and monk straps. 
3. When looking for these shoes, be sure to find shoes made from suede or leather. This will ensure longevity in the shoe and make cleaning a breeze. 

Accessories

1. Keep it simple, but make it significant. 
2. Ties and Pocket squares can always add finishing touches that will truly compliment any outfit. The key with these is their evergreen characteristics giving you plenty of options to up your look. 
3. Of course, we couldn’t leave out the timepiece, a statement in itself. Patrick believes a quality timepiece will open doors for networking and even shine a light of authority onto you. 

Now that we have covered some simple advice to instantly up your game and be the best-dressed man in your next business meeting, now it’s time to include a few ways you can use your new sense of style to amplify your confidence before any nerve-wracking event. 

Confidence on Command

You’ve mastered the look, the very first impression, the eyeball test – now, the real key to crushing your next business meeting will rely on you. In layman’s terms, instead of just talking the talk, you have to be able to walk the talk. So if you want to create confidence on command before any setting you step in, it’s essential you know your stuff. Having a clear understanding can speak volumes for you in a business meeting. 

Finally, go in knowing you have nothing to lose. By understanding the worst possible scenario is only a simple ‘no,’ you open yourself up to everything it could be. Confidence is projected in your ability to persuade and crush your meeting, so by leaving it all on the table, you truly give yourself the best chance at getting the results you want. Remember, once you start behind the ball, you will never get in front. First impressions last, so make it worthwhile.