In men’s clothing, fashion does not change significantly with seasons but proper business attire is about being professional and not about being fashionable. It’s about presenting yourself in a way that makes your clients feel comfortable and confident with you. Dressing for success is still the dressing code. The professional businessman should remember these few points when deciding what to wear to work.

Choose a conservative suit in black, navy or gray either solid or pinstripe. The quality of the material is of equal importance with the color and can make the difference between sleaze and suave.

A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves offers the most polished look. The more color and pattern you add, the more emphasis is on your clothing, rather than your professionalism.

Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. Avoid the cartoon characters on it and go for simple and subtle if you want to increase your credibility.

Socks should be calf-length or above. Make sure they match not only what your business attire, but also each other. A quick glance in good light before heading out the door can avoid embarrassment later in the day. Check for holes as well if you’ll be passing through airport security and removing your shoes.

Shoes should be conservative, clean and well-polished. Lace-up shoes are the better choice than slip-ons or flip flops. Don’t think for a minute that people don’t notice shoes. Many people will glance your feet before your face.

Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality counts.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. In a time when men sport gold necklaces, earrings and bracelets, the business professional should limit himself to a conservative watch, a wedding band and maybe his college ring.

The choice of accessories for what you are wearing is also very important: portfolio, briefcase and pen. When it comes to sealing the deal, a top of the line suit, a silk tie and a good pair of leather shoes can lose their affect when you pull out the ball point pen you picked up in the hotel meeting-room the day before.