CEO Outfits for Men

CEO Style Quick Guide

• Shirt: Fitted Oxford or Merino crew, crisp collar, no gaping
• Blazer: Half-canvas, 240–300 GSM, 2.75–3.5" lapels
• Pants: Mid/high-rise, tapered, clean break
• Shoes: Suede Chelsea or leather derbies, no bulk
• Briefcase: full-grain leather briefcase (like these), color matches belt and shoes
• Watch: 36–42mm, <10mm thick, no smart distractions
• Accessories: Minimal, meaningful, no flash
• Colors: 70% neutral, 20% accent, 10% edge
• System: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 blazer, 2 shoes
• Fit First: Performance fabrics, tailored silhouette
• Dress to Act: Wear what helps you lead, not perform

Build It, Don’t Wing It - 4 Proven Outfits That Say “I Run This”

Because “CEO style” isn’t a vibe. It’s a system.

Below are four executive-ready looks that work across office environments, brand-building events, media appearances, and day-to-day hustle. 

Each one’s been built to reduce decision fatigue while maximizing clarity, confidence, and camera-readiness.

1. The “I’m Running This Meeting” Uniform

Minimalist confidence with maximum control

• Top: White fine-knit Merino wool crewneck (180-190 GSM)

• Layer: Charcoal unstructured blazer (280 GSM, half-canvas)

• Bottom: Navy slim wool trousers, mid-rise, 7 inch leg opening

• Shoes: Espresso suede Chelsea boots, Goodyear welt, 1 inch heel

• Watch: Stainless steel case, 40mm, matte black dial

• Optional: Slim leather briefcase in black, brown, or tan (like this one).

When to wear it: Client meetings, investor pitches, or day-one as CEO. This combo is silent authority. You’re not trying to prove anything - you already have. The blazer balances structure with ease, and the Merino knit breathes through nerves or back-to-back calls.

Think of this as your “suit, but smarter.” No tie needed. No suit bag either.

2. The “Creative-but-in-Charge” Ensemble

Refined edge for the founder in the public eye

• Top: Black band collar button-down in 100s poplin cotton
• Layer: Soft olive overshirt or chore coat in brushed twill (250 GSM)
• Bottom: Black selvedge denim, tapered fit, no distressing, 13 oz weight
• Shoes: Polished black derbies with commando sole
• Watch: Minimal dial, tan leather strap, 38mm case
• Detail: Single silver signet ring or titanium bracelet

When to wear it: Podcast guest spots, brand shoots, offsite leadership retreats. This outfit blends street-readiness with executive clarity. The black-on-black foundation feels intentional, not brooding - and the olive layer softens it just enough.

It’s tailored without being tight. Expressive without being loud. Authority, but relaxed.

3. The “Press Day” Armor

Designed for cameras, panels, and LinkedIn headlines

• Top: Crisp spread-collar Oxford shirt in bone or sky blue
• Layer: Deep navy half-canvas blazer with structured shoulder line
• Bottom: Slim-cut charcoal wool trousers with no pleats, cropped to quarter break
• Shoes: Espresso leather derbies, sleek toe, thin sole
• Watch: Blue-accent dial on steel bracelet, 42mm
• Bag: structured leather briefcase with a locking compartment (like this one)
• Pro tip: Collar stays. Pocket square optional, white or ivory, folded flat

When to wear it: Public speaking events, interviews with Business Insider, or headshots for your next press release. The navy-blue-meets-charcoal pairing performs incredibly well under studio lights and camera flashes. It’s dimensional, professional, and feels intentional on both stage and screen.

You won’t overheat. You won’t overthink. You’ll just look like you were built for the moment.

4. The “Workhorse Weekday” Look

All-day outfit for back-to-back obligations

• Top: Ecru or heather-grey crewneck tee (200 GSM)
• Layer: Longline wool-blend cardigan or knit blazer in chocolate or navy
• Bottom: Tapered cotton-stretch chinos in taupe or stone (275-285 GSM)
• Shoes: Low-profile leather sneakers in white or graphite
• Bag: Modern leather laptop bag in brown (like this one).
• Watch: Digital hybrid or smart analog, clean interface
• Add-ons: Leather belt with matte gunmetal hardware, slim backpack in dark neutral

When to wear it: Monday strategy reviews, Friday wrap-ups, coffee with your COO. This outfit flexes between roles - you could lead a team sync, walk a showroom floor, or sit down for last-minute content recording. It’s your CEO off-duty look that still signals you’re on.

No one’s wondering if you’ve got it together. They’re wondering how you made it look easy.

Essential Wardrobe Items of a CEO

Whether you’re already the CEO or aspire to be one someday, this guide will cover the must-haves in any corporate man’s wardrobe. Here are the 6 items you must have in your wardrobe to look, feel, and act like a CEO.

1. Tailored Suits (Blazer/Coat and Pants)

Ever notice how some people walk into a room and seem to pull the air with them? You glance up, and suddenly the conversation gets tighter. Sharper. That’s not charisma alone. That’s shoulder architecture, lapel width, and fabric drape working overtime.

Here’s the thing: a great blazer is like a Manhattan skyline - clean lines, iconic structure, no wasted details. Choose one that’s stiff or glossy, and it screams rental. Too relaxed? It reads like “I didn’t mean to wear this.”

Some examples:

Just like a bad suit will attract all eyes on you, a great suit will do the same but for all the right reasons. Walk into any room with confidence and strike the best business deals in style.

Now, get into the weeds:

• Canvas: Go half-canvas construction for breathability + shape retention.
• Weight: 240-300 GSM depending on climate - lower for West Coast, higher for Northeast or year-round travel.
• Lapel width: 2.75-3.5 inches. Wider for broader chests, narrower only if you’re built like Timothée Chalamet.
• Buttons: Horn or corozo, 12-14mm diameter. Plasticky buttons? Deal-breaker.

Avoid ill-fitting suits that are bad quality. When buying a suit, pay attention to its tailoring, materials, stitching, and details. Black, ash, brown, and navy suits are wardrobe staples that will have you looking classy in any situation.

Imagine walking into a Vogue Business mixer in SoHo or heading to a Women Who Lead panel at The Wing - your blazer’s doing the networking for you before you say a word.

2. Formal Shirts

A great suit should be accompanied by a great shirt, right?

If your shirt doesn’t fit, nothing else will save you. You could throw a good blazer on top, but if that button-down underneath is bunching, gaping, or clinging like cling wrap in a microwave, it’s game over. No one’s hearing your pitch when your placket is pulling like it’s trying to escape.

This is the base layer, the architectural foundation. It’s the clean white gallery wall behind the artwork - it lets everything else breathe.

Want specifics?

• Collar: snug enough for two fingers, no more, no less.
• Sleeves: should show exactly 0.5 inches of cuff under your jacket - bonus points if it’s double-button adjustable.
• Material: 100-120 GSM cotton poplin or pinpoint Oxford. Light enough for layering, structured enough to stand alone.
• Thread count? 80s to 100s two-ply. Don’t overdo it - this isn’t about luxury, it’s about longevity.

Still with me? Good. Now let’s talk hidden features. Taped seams. Heat-sealed plackets. Moisture-regulating fabric finishes. Not sexy to talk about, but critical when you’ve got a 12-hour day that starts with a coffee meeting and ends on a panel at SXSW.

3. Ties

Another must-have in any businessman’s fashion arsenal is a good quality tie.

Again, just like everything else, your necktie should fit in with your overall style – it needs to match the suit, the shirt, the belt and the shoes. All of these elements work together in creating the perfect CEO look.

Ties come in a great variety of styles but you should always pick one that makes you look and feel the most confident. Consider the material and the pattern – avoid colors that don’t go together or have clashing patterns.

Trends change in men’s fashion, too. Extra wide ties are not as widely seen in the business world now as they were two or three decades ago. Depending on your overall style and fit, slimmer ties are more fashionable now.

And while ties may be available in the craziest of patterns, you should remember that you’re completing a business look that requires a particular etiquette when it comes to adding in exuberant details.

4. Dress Shoes + Socks

Most people have heard the saying that you can judge a man by his shoes and there is some truth to that. Considering the fact that shoes are not exactly on eye level, they are definitely eye-catching. Especially in the business world.

This has been mentioned before and it certainly applies to shoes as well – no single element in the CEO’s wardrobe defines the whole outfit. Every element should be high quality and well-made on its own. That is true for shoes as well.

CEO’s footwear should showcase both quality and style. While it may be tempting to get a ‘one size fits all’ solution for all of your outfits, every style needs to be considered individually. While there are, of course, shoes that can be worn with a range of outfits, you should own at least several pairs that each can be matched with different suits.

When choosing shoes for your business attire, consider their quality and craftsmanship. Choose something that is made from genuine leather as it will look better and also serve you for longer with the right maintenance. Stitching also is important as you don’t want your shoes to quickly come apart.

Always consider shoe choice with socks as well. Socks may be subtle but they can also add the right accent. With formal business attire you should wear single-colored socks that don’t draw a lot of attention. With business casual you can get a little more creative while still maintaining professional look.

5. Classic Belts

The purpose of a belt is not just that of practical functionality. It is also a powerful accessory in any men’s wardrobe. It adds an elegant accent and helps you create a uniform and complete look.

Even if you don’t feel like you need a belt for making your trousers fit, consider this – if your suit has loops for belt, you should wear a belt. Select a belt that looks best with your overall outfit. Formal attire requires a formal belt which has a classic belt buckle and ideally the belt will be made from high-quality genuine leather.

Every man should own at least a few different belts ensuring that they are ready for any occasion. For everyday wear, you can opt for a reversible belt – these belts can have different colors on each side and will normally be classic black and brown.

Well-made leather belts showcase great durability and attention to detail so choose accordingly (see our range here).

6. Classic Briefcases

Briefcases equal business. It is as simple as that. It’s a timeless accessory that is all about practicality – after all, it carries not only all of your valuables but also business essentials. Modern briefcases maintain their classic and timeless appeal but are definitely elevated to suit modern requirements and style aesthetics.

A great leather briefcase is the ultimate investment you can make in yourself and your business. It exudes professionalism and charisma. It can empower and it can influence. And all in all, it makes you look put together.

Choose a premium leather briefcase if you want something stylish, well-made, durable, and practical. Made from the best materials available by experienced craftsmen, premium leather briefcases prioritize quality, functionality, and style. You want something that fits all of your essentials in a well-organized way while also keeping everything safe and secure. Each detail needs to be top notch.

Our Von Baer premium leather briefcases are made with utmost attention to detail in mind. They are tailored to meet the needs of modern business professionals, allowing them to easily and securely fit all business essentials.

Related: Comparing Business Briefcases

Conclusion

Classic business attire is both timeless and contemporary. Some things never change, but some details need to be updated to go with the modern times. Whenever you choose to add something new to your look or rearrange some elements, always consider two main aspects: how well-made the piece is on its own and how it complements your overall style.

Confidence is the best thing you can wear, so choose items that make you feel the most confident.

For a similar guide on how to dress like a lawyer, click here.