Designer-turned-entrepreneur refining my style for high-value brand consulting work
Hi Guys
I’m a 27-year-old branding professional from Brazil, 5’6.5" (169 cm), 165 lbs (75 kg). My style has always been casual with streetwear influences — band tees, hoodies, bombers, and jeans or black chinos that “just fit.” But I’m going through a shift in my career and want my style to reflect that.
I recently transitioned from working as a designer/art director in agencies to running my own brand strategy studio. Now I meet with executives at large companies, and I need to look like someone whose work is worth a serious investment.
I changed a little of my style to a more traditional look but basically, if I still look like a teenager, why would they pay me like a consultant?
What I’m Looking For
I want a wardrobe that:
- Reflects maturity and business sense, but still feels creative and current
- Signals a higher-value space without being flashy
- Works for casual meetings, public appearances, or even just walking down the street
I feel comfortable in shirts, trousers, blazers and shoes, but I don’t want to be dressed up all the time. I’m aiming for something modern, intentional, and versatile.
Climate Context
We have distinct seasons here, very hot summers and cold winters (not snow cold) so I can wear any type of clothes at some time of the year,
I’d love guidance on:
- General style directions (smart casual, creative professional, etc.)
- Key pieces to build around
- Any visual references or brands (I’ll adapt to local options)
- If you know any instagrammer or person i could look for the style reference.
Photos attached show my current vibe.
Thanks MFAB — I really appreciate how helpful and thoughtful this community is.
36 Replies
You should spend time pulling together inspo of how you want to dress. Folks can throw out brand names and stuff but this sort of thing is purely a choose your own adventure.
Everyone approaches clothes differently, so anyone here trying to figure out what you mean by a style that "reflects matrity and business sense" is almost futile.
I work in software, so business sense might be signaled by a cheap hoodie with branding from some hype tech company. I have a feeling that's not what you want for your line of work.
You can browse #inspiration #waywt here to get some ideas of what folks wear and what inspires them
The other things I'd ask (for you to consider mainly) is what don't you like or is lacking in your current style? You dress perfectly well imo but you asking here indicates you're looking for something or perhaps unsatisfied
Thanks Beans. Im doing it already! I just dont feel real confident at choosing something and wanted some external opinions. 😊
alternately just whatever they’re selling at nomanwalksalone.com if you have the budget and want to look a little more put together
it’s a lot easier for people to give you advice on where to shop and what to buy based on things you like and examples of what you’re trying to move towards vs “i don’t know if what i’m doing is good and i want to make a good impression in all seasons and settings”
I see
Everything in the current Yohji Yamamoto collection.
also sorry i keep fucking it up but no man walks alone is the store i meant
everything beams and kyn have said is accurate
like of these fits would any of them work to talk to a person in your field you’re trying to sell your work to? we have no idea
I see
the suit in pic 2 looks fine
I think so
i'll ask - what kind of industry do you work in? how do people typically dress for meetings or daily work? is there any issue with the current stuff you wear
The thing is the suit is too much
but the jeans jacket is too low
too casual i think
everything else either feels a little dated and/or “these are clothes i own” not necessarily like someone who is being intentional with their wardrobe and outfit
In the pic where im with a guy, he is a leader brand designer in my field, his look is something that work to be in a meeting and showing he is up for that but also looks cool
ok give us more examples like that
And this is it, I never was intentional
that’s just like a knit crew neck and pleated slim mid rise trousers
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if you did the knit crew neck, pleated mid or high rise trousers and loafers or something you’d be in business
nice
dumping stuff from my inspo album that might hit
regarding looking like a teenager i refer to kyn's points on intentionality and also https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1384200853262565527
I can only speak from an American perspective but I think mannerisms and attitude are more important that exactly what you wear
If you don’t care about your personal style and just want a business uniform a pair of boring non denim pants (chinos, suit trousers, so on) and a collared long sleeve shirt. During winter throw on a blazer if you like. This will be fine 99% of the time.
Kyns inspo above is a great way of looking good while also having your own personal style. I think in this space, this is really what we’re better at helping with but it needs more input from your end. What accessories do you like, what inspo photos do you like? Do you want dark wear influence or still want to incorporate band tees? Things like that. The more general a request is the harder it is to give specific advice
perfect guys
I'll research a little more
and come back with more pictures
you guys are awesome
❤️❤️❤️❤️
in the continued absence of a budget or additional direction:
stores:
no man walks alone
nordstrom
bergdorf goodman
ssense
notre
haven
neighbour
self edge
chcm
colbo
brands:
scott fraser collection
allen edmonds
alden
lemaire
dries van noten
polo ralph lauren
beams+
cos
auralee
our legacy
mfpen
sunflower
j crew
suitsupply
madewell
banana republic
brooks brothers
uniqlo
adding to potential inspo
will also note that you can simultaneously be more "mature" or business minded and also wear stuff like graphic tees or streetwear, especially in a creative field.
it may take some effort figuring out how and confidence in doing so regardless of judgment, but it's possible
I got some stuff here guys.
Visiting client/ Content
casual/daily:
Even though I had looked at a lot of references and thought I wanted something that expressed creativity, I’m starting to realize that I might not have the confidence (yet) to pull off more expressive looks. Maybe I was trying to go a bit too bold for where I’m at right now.
@zeometer @kyn @Garet @chopper @awburkey What do you guys think?
clothing is a way to express who we are and by that measure my opinion matters less than what you feel about yourself
without knowing anything else about you, your industry, or how people generally dress that seems like a good assortment of pictures.
i would look at some of the common themes (neutral colors without a lot of layers or pattern, caps, bags, etc) and see what you already have vs what you may really want to buy. kyn provided a good list of brands to serve as a foundation; in the absence of a budget this is a good list https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1385674789741658205/1385680499405488249
i encourage you to stick around the discord 👍 partly to get inspiration directly but also to see or ask about why and how people wore certain clothes, because that's what leads to being more intentional and more confident in wearing anything
that’s crazy, i linked the fourth pic above
I looked trough the stores and advices you sent me thats why 😄