As the old aphorism goes, “Clothes do not make the man.” But a finely tailored Armani suit can turn a humdrum exec into a red carpet-worthy fashion plate. Of course, we’d like to believe that our products speak for themselves. But human nature (or is it GQ magazine?) dictates that a status quo-defying hemline, meticulously folded pocket square or trendsetting jacket can easily grab the attention of a customer or client.
Here are six high-profile execs that dress for success:
Jay Penske, CEO, PMC
He made Vanity Fair’s complete 2010 Best-Dressed List and for good reason: Penske, founder and CEO of PMC, a digital media and publishing company, manages to look suave whether building empires, dating Hollywood starlets or stepping out of a race car pit.
Cathie Black, Former President, Hearst Magazines
Whether heading one of the world’s largest magazine empires or taking over as chancellor of the New York City school system, Cathie Black has the same approach to style as she does to management: no nonsense. Straight-shooting power suits, trendsetting statement necklaces and basic black rule the day.
Michael Lee-Chin, Executive chairman, AIC Ltd.
Jamaican-Canadian Michael Lee-Chin makes classic look cool. Executive chairman of mutual fund company AIC Limited, and the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica, Lee-Chin captures an elegance befitting his status as one of the richest people in Canada.
Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor
Notoriety just seems to follow Charles Phillips. In 2010 he set tongues wagging by resigning as president of Oracle. Industry observers scratched their collective heads when he accepted the position as CEO of ERP software provider Infor. And then there was the time his ex-mistress YaVaughnie Wilkins spent $250,000 on billboards that went up in New York’s Times Square trumpeting her 8+ year-long affair with Philips. Yet Phillips’ style never falters thanks to earth tone-color combinations, Windsor knots and custom suits.
Andrea Jung, CEO, Avon
In a sea of beige and navy business suits, Andrea Jung knows how to stand out from the crowd. Named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal, the CEO of Avon can often be found sporting her signature pearls, Manolo Blahnik stilettos and a bright red dress with lipstick to match.
Mellody Hobson, President, Ariel Investments
As chic as she is powerful, Mellody Hobson gives smart girls everywhere hope that brainy can be beautiful, especially in a designer gown. Hobson is the president of Ariel Investments, a Chicago investment firm and one of the largest African American-owned money management and mutual fund companies in the U.S. Whether draped over the arm of boyfriend George Lucas or shopping along Chicago’s Gold Coast, Hobson always looks glamorous.
(Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage)
