It is interesting to me that since I changed my website and this blog to re-introduce myself as a gay man into boots, leather, dress shoes and suits that I have receive more email in the last two weeks than I have received in a long time. I appreciate the complimentary feedback.

With permission of someone who asked me a question, I am answering it here.

“I see you’re into men’s business suits. You look great. I am a young guy, just graduated from college, and started a new job where the boss asked me to wear a ‘power suit’ when I meet company leaders visiting next week. I didn’t want to tell him that I don’t really know what a ‘power suit’ is. Will you show me yours?

Sure thing!

According to what I see on search engine results, consistent with my own thinking, a “power suit” is…

… a particular suit style for men that strides the line of conventional boldness. They exude poised confidence, dominate board rooms, and turn heads wherever they may be.

Now what composes a power suit?

1. A conservative-styled suit, usually in navy or dark blue with regular lapels and side or back vents. The suit should be tailored to fit you properly. The suit pants should be hemmed to come down to the top of your shoes (most call that hemline a “half-break.”) The jacket should fit you well in the shoulders. The sleeve length should be at your wrist line such that the sleeves of a dress shirt show about 1/2-inch.

2. A fitted white shirt with French cuffs and cufflinks make an excellent choice. The sleeve length should be long enough to show from the sleeves of the suit jacket, but not be over your wrists. Some men choose a light blue shirt which is also acceptable. I wear both, and choose a white dress shirt more often than a blue one.

3. There are many choices when it comes to neckties. To me, a power suit commands a solid red silk tie. Some men may choose a solid navy tie, which is also a great choice, especially to avoid making a political statement. (Some of my favorite neckties are shown here.)

4. The shoes: a well-shined quality pair of black oxfords will complete the look. Cap toes or wingtips — your choice (personally, I prefer wingtips.) Don’t get crazy here and wear “dress sneakers.” While some shoe makers are promoting dress sneakers a lot now, and you are a young man, don’t fall for it. Classic all-leather black dress oxfords with black dress socks works every time.

Here is my personal version of a Power Suit (click here) — except the hat!

Yeah, I’ve got a cowboy hat on for these photos. I wouldn’t wear it for a real occasion such as meeting head honchos from “corporate.” But since I am older and have male-pattern baldness, I choose to wear a cowboy hat for all of my suit photos shown on my website. A bald Rick is scary!
And what’s the difference in the photo below? Not the suit. Not the solid navy tie. It’s the boots! Absolutely it is okay to wear black dress cowboy boots with a power suit!Yeah, I wear power suits when called for, such as when I am testifying before elected officials tonight!

Life is short: suit up and make a powerful statement.