The Haunting of Herb Tarlek

Greg Murray for Radio Ink MagazineIt was 25 years ago this week that “WKRP in Cincinnati” and Herb Tarlek made their debut. Thanks to Herb, we have learned not to do two things in our careers: don’t do a promotion that ends up with you saying, “I didn’t know turkeys couldn’t fly,” and never wear an orange polyester blazer with plaid pants. Since it was Herb Tarlek that warped our image for so long, the advice to follow is for the guys (since we realize, as do the ladies, need the most help). However, if you are a professional woman and want to take your business image to the next level, pick up, “Dress Smart Women” by Kim Johnson Gross.

Your specific market and clientele will always play a large role in the style that is best suited for you. But, there are some business wardrobe guidelines that we could all use on occasion. First, never buy anything at full price; it will always go on sale. If you dislike department stores or find specialty shops too pricey, great on-line and catalogue sources exist, including Paul Fredrick, Jos. A. Bank, and believe it or not…eBay (don’t get me bragging on the new “Hart Schaffner & Marx” suit I got online for eighty-seven dollars!). Also, a good tailor is your friend. Professional tailors make the most of your business wardrobe. Finally, play it safe and buy conservative suits and trousers that won’t be out of style next year. This means “worsted” wool suits and jackets in solid or pinstriped navy blue and charcoal gray, as well as pleated trousers in wool or gabardine. You can always use your dress shirts and ties to add some pop and personalize your own style.

SUITS & SPORTCOATS

-Buy the best you can afford; quality will always look better and last longer.
-“Worsted” wool does not wrinkle easily, can be worn year round and will last for years.
-Two button, three buttons, and even the occasional double-breasted are acceptable.
-You only need to dry clean a suit occasionally. Just don’t suffocate them in your closet.
-Sportscoats in gray, navy, brown, tan, olive and black provide a great deal of flexibility in matching shirts. The navy blazer is always good. Just loose the gold buttons for now.
-Keep seersucker and linen suits, as well as anything in light tan or beige in the closet over winter.

SHOES

-Invest in good well-made leather shoes (usually $150+).
-Take care of your shoes. Use cedar shoe trees and make certain shoes are always shined.
-Black shoes black belt; brown shoes brown belt.
-Black shoes can be worn with just about every suit. Dark brown and burgundy also compliment navy/charcoal suits and trousers very well.
-Penny loafers with a suit is always a bad thing.

PANTS/TROUSERS

-Flat fronts and no cuffs are in style today, but pleated and cuffed trousers are always safe.
-Check that trousers are lined to the knee for increased comfort and longevity.
-Leave corduroys and cotton pants for the occasional casual Friday.
SHIRTS

-100% cotton shirts…that’s all, including new “wrinkle resistant” choices.
-Solid white or blue dress shirts are easiest to work with, but strips and patterned shirts also look great with the right combination of tie and jacket. Save shades of light blue, peach and lavender for spring and summer.
-Collar options include button down (for sports jackets, not suits), point collar (good for an oval or round face), spread collar (very popular now), and tab collar (more formal).
-Short-sleeved dress shirts do not exist…repeat twice.

ACCESSORIZE

-Belt matches shoes; socks match pants.
-Braces (aka suspenders) are never clip on…same thing for the tie crazy man!
-Full-length topcoats are the norm. ¾ length is iffy and anything else is bad with a suit.
-Unless you’re in a sophisticated selling environment, leave the French cuffs, pocket squares, and contrasting white collars to the boss. They love the power!
-Showing a little leg is never good. Buy “mercerized” socks in at least mid-calf.

It really does not take a lot to raise your professional image and get you feeling even more confident. You don’t need to look like you just walked out of Esquire magazine and you do not have to spend a fortune. Just follow the guidelines above, always be comfortable with what you are wearing, and remember that simple is always the best choice.

Sales Imaging’s, Greg Murray is a Radio Ink Columnist, RAB Speaker, CRMC Diamond, and Microsoft Certified Specialist.

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