Business As Usual: Power Dressing The International Male

Believe it or not, the suit has returned to its rightful place as the work uniform of choice. Following the sentiment that in trying economic times people return to traditional dress, and when business gets tougher, so does the look.

What worked for Pierre Cardin in the 70s, and Armani in the late eighties, the endurance of the formal work uniform - suit with a dress shirt and tie - is a testament to its effectiveness. It isn't by chance that City bankers chose bold pinstripes - the bigger and wider the pinstripe, the more aggressive the statement looks. And, when the look is right, it could well open any door in the city. Get it wrong, and you might as well go home.

With the internationalisation of business and the increase in international travel pertinent power dressing issues are being raised. Will something that's appropriate for London's square mile get you laughed out off Wall Street in New York? American bankers, for example, are more conservative than their |English counterparts and rarely stray from dark navy or grey.

A few years ago dressing casually in the workplace portrayed confidence and courage. Today, people are more circumspect in how they dress for work, and the Michael Douglas character from Wall Street has inspired a whole new generation of sartorial muscle-flexing in London's City.

As the bespoke touch becomes increasingly important it is a far more subtle way of communicating status than flashing a bold designer label. However, if you're still determined to make a power statement a watch, especially an antique Cartier or Rolex, should make the right impression.

For true bespokeness head to Savile Row, London.