The Commerce Times

Dress to impress with Harry Rosen

When it comes to menswear, nobody knows how to make a good impression better than Harry Rosen.

That’s why on October 8, Rosen spoke to students at the Ted Roger’s School of Management about how to “Dress to Impress.” He spoke of how success is not solely determined by your qualifications, but also your personal image, especially in an interview.

“Can an individual build a brand?” Rosen asked. “If you’re a smart dresser… you are a brand.”

“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”

He was joined by his associate, Robert Kennedy, who holds the title of “Made to Measure Manager” at the Bloor Street Harry Rosen store. Kennedy gave the run-down on all the things students and first-time shoppers should keep in mind when buying a suit.

“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression,” said, Kennedy whose advice extended to subjects beyond fashion. He went on to say that in an interview setting, you need to keep four things in mind: looking and feeling comfortable, personal hygiene and grooming, what you say and how you say it, and looking like you’re there to do business.

Building a wardrobe for the business world can be difficult for men just out of university because, as Rosen acknowledged, a suit is an investment. Most male students have never bought a suit for themselves and it can be disastrous without some guidance. After advising that their first purchase should be a dark-colored basic suit, Kennedy went through the list of wardrobe essentials.

Shoes should be shiny, he said, and cologne should be light. Remember, fashion from head to toe.

Harry Rosen was established 55 years ago, and since then, Rosen has learned a few things about men in suits.

“I guess you could argue that the suit gives you confidence, but it’s not the thing that makes the man,” Rosen said later in his office across the street from his Bloor Street store, “It’s the glue that holds him together.”

At 78 years old, he still has advice for young men shopping for their first suit.

“I always tell young people who want to know what they should do about buying their first suits, when they’re looking for a job after university, or whatever stage they decide to go into the workforce: It’s not exactly important how much they spend. I’d like them to spend and buy quality, but I don’t think they should break the bank; it isn’t that important.”