What to wear as senior consultant? Advice needed

[sushi7474]

Hi all,

I work as partner for a startup consultancy providing services to banks and finacial services firms. As of now, our clients were highly satisfied with our services. I deal with senior management (sales and reporting functions) but also with regular staff (to get the work done )

My standard dress code is suit, shirt, tie, leather-soled shoes to emphasize the professional image and blend with the rather formal environment at the clients. I have noticed that in some cases I am better dressed then the client representatives (even CXOs).

Is it OK? Would you, as clients, feel offended, if the supplier (even if considered as "partner of choice") wears quality suits and quality watch (i.e. IWC Fliegerchronograph)?

Thank you for all comments.
Roman

 

[lee_44106]

Originally Posted by sushi7474

Hi all,

I work as partner for a startup consultancy providing services to banks and finacial services firms. As of now, our clients were highly satisfied with our services. I deal with senior management (sales and reporting functions) but also with regular staff (to get the work done )

My standard dress code is suit, shirt, tie, leather-soled shoes to emphasize the professional image and blend with the rather formal environment at the clients. I have noticed that in some cases I am better dressed then the client representatives (even CXOs).

Is it OK? Would you, as clients, feel offended, if the supplier (even if considered as "partner of choice") wears quality suits and quality watch (i.e. IWC Fliegerchronograph)?



Obviously then your current mode of dress is adequate. So relax and don't think too much.

 

[bmulford]

I've likely used your services or those of your competitors. To that extent, if you're not already doing so - navy or charcoal fitted suits, light blue or white shirts, plain or regimental ties, with polished cap toe shoes.

Focus on fit and quality, not flash. You'll stand out without being provocative.

Your watch should be a dress piece, not a sports watch. IWC portofino perhaps, but a Vacheron will convey the best message; long standing success, old money, and classist distinction.

 

[univibe88]

That IWC is a great watch and anyone foolish enough to be offended by a well dressed man wouldn't know what it is anyway. Wear it with pride.

 

[SirSuturesALot]

Are navy pinstripe/chalk stripe suits considered flashy?

 

[GuidoWongolini]

Originally Posted by sushi7474

Hi all,

I work as partner for a startup consultancy providing services to banks and finacial services firms. As of now, our clients were highly satisfied with our services. I deal with senior management (sales and reporting functions) but also with regular staff (to get the work done )

My standard dress code is suit, shirt, tie, leather-soled shoes to emphasize the professional image and blend with the rather formal environment at the clients. I have noticed that in some cases I am better dressed then the client representatives (even CXOs).

Is it OK? Would you, as clients, feel offended, if the supplier (even if considered as "partner of choice") wears quality suits and quality watch (i.e. IWC Fliegerchronograph)?

Thank you for all comments.
Roman
- though my firm is not a start up, we sound like we do a similar role.
- so I dont see why you would think your watch would be out of place, as long as you don't try & push it & I assume it is sized correctly instead of hanging loosely on your wrist?
- FWIW I wear a IWC TG & have been know to where large watches like the IWC BP or even a Panerai 233

 

[A.K.A.]

I can almost guarantee you that almost no one notices that your clothes are of much better quality. They probably notice that you are well dressed/properly tailored and fitted.

Beyond that, I bet most men don't know an IWC from a Citizen. Most men only know Rolex or Breitling as expensive watches.

I wouldn't give it another thought.

 

[SVS]

I might dress a little less formally. However, there is no reason to ever be embarrassed being well dressed.

 

[alliswell]

Your job - and mine - require the utmost in conservative business dress. You need to dress competently in order to demonstrate your competence, yet not expensively. You do not need to give your clients the idea that you spend too much money lest they think that they're paying you too much.

 

[countdemoney]

The best course is to mirror your client. If that's full business dress, than that's what you should do. If it's sportcoat and no tie at the client, that's what you do.

 

[sushi7474]

Thank you guys,

I think I will retain my current style and most probably will stay away from "designer kicks"

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by sushi7474

Is it OK? Would you, as clients, feel offended, if the supplier (even if considered as "partner of choice") wears quality suits and quality watch (i.e. IWC Fliegerchronograph)?

I would think of it like this: The clients who are worse dressed than you will probably not notice the difference between what you are wearing and they are wearing, and if they do they are likely not to care. On the other hand, the ones that do dress nicely might notice, but I doubt they will be angry at you for dressing nicer than them. I'd rather suspect they would give you extra credit for dressing nice.

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by countdemoney

The best course is to mirror your client. If that's full business dress, than that's what you should do. If it's sportcoat and no tie at the client, that's what you do.

It's a good rule (also common among sales people), but sometimes a bit tricky to follow when meeting the client for the first time.