Executive Styling 101: How To Nail The Boss Look Every Time

I recently saw Chika Ike’s Vanguard Allure cover channeling the Boss vibe and immediately felt like something doesn’t fit. TBH, I was not impressed. The armless white jacket, corset and beret combo didn’t quite make the cut for me as all I could see on that cover was an artist rocking the trendy beret, definitely not a Boss lady. So that got me wondering… What makes a boss look? How can Fashion enthusiasts nail the boss look every time? What’s the formula?

These questions took me on a journey through my saved Instagram boss looks. Looks that have previously screamed BOSS at me when I initially came across them. By looking for what they had in common, I was able to come up with a few tips that I believe can help fashionistas nail the Boss look every time T. Check them out below:

The black and white look is perhaps the most classic fashion combo that exists. Not only because of the formal vibe that it exudes but also the absence of colours which often at best, tilts towards a playful look and at worst looks visually offensive (Colour riot Ooops!).

Another fascinating appeal about monochrome is its ability to easily pass the cuts & style test as it rarely attracts attention to its individual detailing, whereas an all white or coloured outfit will easily attract style scrutiny. The style elements of monochrome are almost always invisible.

Also the white and black mix uniquely brings that spice and freshness that is often missing in an all-black ensemble especially because the monochrome look is able to transcend the sad, gloomy look that might otherwise have been established by an all-black look while channelling the Boss look.

Similar to Monochrome, a simple black blazer covers a multitude of fashion wrongs. You can easily pair it with a colourful camisole, skirt or even denim. A blazer is that single fashion piece that has the ability to move an otherwise basic look to a boss look in an instant. As such it is that piece you need to consider as an investment. Instead of going for a cheap or less quality blazer, it is better to invest in a high quality brand. This doesn’t necessarily mean going for the luxurious high end brand,  it can be a moderately priced brand, the most important factor is quality. My emphasis here is on black blazer not because you can’t achieve the boss look with other blazer colours but because black blazer’s boss vibe is second to none.

Ever heard the words ‘Red Power’? Make no mistake, Red is a powerful colour. You really don’t need to go overboard with red, a touch of it is all you need to make the impression as you don’t want to come across as flirty or unserious. So whether its a red lipstick, camisole, jacket or pumps, the key is to pick one red fashion piece and at most 2 (this includes your lipstick) and see how you effortlessly nail the Boss look 

If you have to go for colours, my advice is to stick to darker shades. This is because dark colours tend to look more official. So, instead of sunny yellow, mustard is a better idea (Be sure it suits your skin tone) instead of sky blue, Navy blue is officially a better idea. Burgundy, wine, royal purple, dark green are also great colours that can help project the boss look. If you have to work with bright colours, try pairing with dark shades for a good  balance.

There’s a saying that you can buy clothes, but you can’t but class. From your carriage, to your smile,  everything counts. This is one instance you definitely need to walk the talk. Your pose and body language must radiate class & elegance. Even if it’s a photo shoot, you still need to project class in your postures. You might want to take a clue from the styles of Genevieve and Omotola. Banky and Ebuka for guys ( They have PHDs in this ‘class’ business)

P.S

Whatever you do try and avoid the all-black or all-white look  (more so for the latter). This is because an all-white comes across as soft, enchanting, fairy tale, royal and not so much of Boss. While the all-black look makes a better option, you don’t want to come across as sad, unapproachable, gloomy either. So your best bet is to at least throw in a touch of colour,  even a red lipstick can make all the difference.

Now let’s go and nail the boss look!