Some people might want to know how to become a CEO and others how to behave like a CEO. But the team at SmartCasual aren’t interested in all of that, we want to find out how to dress like a CEO.
So we sat down with the top dog, the skipper, the man at the helm of Minerva House, our very own Dan Clays - CEO of OMD UK - to help us get to the bottom of this question.
1. Dan, you're obviously a very busy man with a lot of different occasions to dress for, but what would you say are the three essential pieces every man should have in his wardrobe for office life?
It is essential that you are able to dress up as well as down and for that a Navy Ludlow suit will tick most boxes - from an agency pitch to client dinner. Worn mostly with a white shirt, or if blue shirt, think about accessorising with a dark tie.
On those occasions where a CMO isn't going to pay a visit (and note, always have the above available should that happen), I will relax things a little with a tee, and to retain a sense of smart, the All Saints soul crew t shirt works well.
And finally, whilst a good belt and watch are essential, it is the sock that can add a dimension that says "this man thought a little bit more than the rest when he got dressed today". And for the best in town, look no further than the range on offer at Happy Socks.
2. What are your go to shops or brands to complete your Monday - Friday wardrobe?
Paul Smith, J Crew, Reiss, Nigel Hall and Mr Porter.
3. You're meeting a potential new client over lunch. How would you dress to impress?
Think about what the prospective client will be wearing so that it feels like you are similarly minded, and always dress with respect for the occasion. If this is important to you, dress in a way that reflects that. 9 times out 10, it would be a cleanly pressed suit, white shirt as noted above, and always always make sure the shoes are polished to the same level as shine as you would send your son on his first day for school.
4. Probably a silly question, but have you ever experienced any major wardrobe malfunctions during your media career?
At an OMD event once, I decided to give a zip top jumper a new lease of life. It was a gross misjudgement and crime to smart casual. When I came off stage, my PA at the time just said "what ARE you wearing?". It was in the window of the Trinity Hospice Charity shop in Balham by the weekend.
5. It's a Friday morning and media Thursday has well and truly taken its toll. What do you go for, can a CEO ever get away with a t-shirt?
Yes. We are striving to be the most creative media agency in the UK and if that doesn't mean t-shirts on 42 years old are allowed I would be worried. Someone did say to me in Cannes this year why was I wearing a t-shirt at an evening event. I pointed out that we were at a beach party.
6. You must travel a lot in your job role, do you have any tips to stay looking sharp despite rushing from boardroom to boardroom?
When travelling, take a copy of GQ with you. Not only is it great to read on your travels, but it also doubles up as an aid for shirt folding and can help avoid creases on your shirt before an important meeting.
On a media trip, if you worry about what you are wearing, I guarantee there will be many that won't have done, so you’ll probably be fine.
Around the office, ask a close friend to tell you if they ever look at you and think they've seen wounds better dressed.
7. Finally, what does Smart Casual mean to you?
Harry and Tom. But not bare ankles.
