The Chaps View - Presentation and Respect

Originally posted on LinkedIn - August 6, 2025

A bit of a different article today for a change. All about presentation.

I am sure many have heard the term 'clothes make (maketh) the man'. It's so true and quite possibly a lost art. A thought piece on the importance of 'making the effort' and showing respect for your audience and peers.

I was the youngest of 4 children, and we grew up on a council estate in Llandovery with very little money. What I will never forget and has been instilled in me since I could walk is to be tidy. To make sure, whenever possible, if you're working and out there meeting people and in the community, to be presentable.

This was certainly impacted by COVID. The whole world went not just casual but sub-casual! Dressing to impress went from a three-piece suit to a tracksuit in short order. It's difficult to talk about this without bordering on pomposity. Dress sense is also subjective, and I am talking about this through a male lens and a male lens alone. Yet, I often wonder when the values slipped and casual became the norm over a more traditionally formal approach.

Back in 1996, I started work after Uni at NPI in Cardiff (subsequently part of the Pearl Assurance conglomerate). The order of the day was smart trousers, tie, polished shoes, an ironed shirt, and short hair! Admittedly, all of that was a challenge for a recent graduate with no money to speak of. Haircuts were not cheap in the city, and I sported an involuntary bouffant rather than the short hair I sport today.

The reality was that the smart clothes cost just as much as the casual gear (I have friends who buy trainers that cost my entire wardrobe.. and I mean the wooden wardrobe and the clothes in it).

Bottom line, the time to get ready each morning was marginally the same whether formal or casual, and this remains the case to this day.

The difference was in mindset.

Dressing for business meant you meant business. Formality and respect.

The role at NPI wasn't client-facing. Entirely telephony and snail mail! Yet, putting the shirt and tie on in the morning changed my mindset as I started my workday. I know this is different for everyone. Ultimately, it's what we're all used to and what the expectations are within your role. It's interesting how the dial has turned over the years.

I thoroughly enjoy and follow the work of Ashley Jones who is the creator of The Chaps Guide. To quote Ash from his YouTube page - "Being 'Chap' is quite simply about being a stylish and effortlessly elegant gentleman - so join me on my lifelong journey to be more CHAP as I endeavour to get through my life with grace and dignity. It's not about fashion though; this channel is about looking and feeling good for men of all ages and how to get the most out of your budget.". I think that Ash has hit upon something profound and valuable in this day and age. Some trends are evergreen.

I highly recommend this channel for all the gentlemen out there, and to consider joining his Patreon scheme:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDIIu5OlLLEou2-8HIKkTjw

As I am in the job market. I would never attend an interview without a tie and polished shoes. Ultimately, the value of the person being interviewed, of course, is the value they bring to the meeting and experience. Yet, I do think that there is a trick being missed by taking care and attention in self-presentation. Even online meetings, whilst no one would expect to see a 1950's BBC announcer in a Tux, it shows the respect you have for the call participant by wearing a collared shirt. This is something I always share when I am mentoring. Always appear on camera, dress as you would to show respect, and always be attentive to the discussion.

In summary, it's all about how you carry yourself. My brother is a photographer, and he knows when wedding guests served in the military by how they stand, present, and carry themselves, and this is without them saying a word. We learned this from our late father who served in the RAF. Once those standards are embedded, they never go away. Please check out my brother's excellent work too via Adrian Davies photography.

We are ultimately all different. Yet, I do wonder if an edge is being missed by some. It comes down to what we are most comfortable with. Then again, being 'uncomfortable' is a change agent and is often the fuel required to deliver that very change.

Certainly a good conversation, I would be interested in your thoughts on this.

#PresentationMatters #DressForSuccess #ProfessionalPresence #WorkplaceCulture #ModernGentleman #MentorshipMatters #InterviewReady #LeadershipMindset #RespectInTheWorkplace #MakethTheMan #ChapsGuide #FirstImpressionsCount