By Gillian Ralph
It’s Apprentice time on TV again and that means more trouser suits, power ties and lethal heels than a crisis meeting at RBS. It also gives us plenty of opportunity to see just how we ourselves can best dress to impress.
Obviously the lads and lasses of The Apprentice will be aware of the cameras and will be doing their damndest not to look at all dishevelled as they’re bundled into limos at whatever ungodly hour Alan Sugar orders. They might look good in makeup any time of day, but that doesn’t mean the contestants always dress well.
Garish shirts, seam bustlingly tight skirts, hooker boots and neckties which would have looked dated on Sir Alan Sugar in his 80s heyday have all made appearances in recent years.
Alongside the disasters and the dull there will, as ever, be some real fashionistas on display; ladies who know their shape, know what looks good and more importantly know how to make it look good on them. The trouser suit will likely be their weapon of choice and why not? When worn well it’s as versatile and attractive as even the best casual clothing.
So if you’ve got a new job, internship or interview and plan to power dress to impress try mixing it up with your trouser suit. Small additions can really help you stand out. A colourful tank top over a shirt can compensate for a lack of tie while also breaking up the monotony of the traditional trouser suit look.
Skinny belts, braces and colourful cufflinks can also improve your outfit and push the trouser suit beyond the realm of functional into the world of the fashionable.
Just because a trouser suit is for business doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it any differently from any other item in your wardrobe. Think about accessories, colour tones and most importantly the cut. If you do take the plunge and grab an expensive trouser suit at the very least take it to a tailor’s to have it fine tuned. A £30 alteration might seem steep but there’s nothing worse than ill fitting clothing, especially when you’re wearing it to impress. It might not be the difference between being hired or fired, but you’ll look better and fell better if you have it fine tuned.
