This project, featuring stylists from ISETAN MEN'S , proposes ideal business styles for fresh graduates changing out of their recruitment suits. This time, taking into account the accelerating spread of business casual, we propose business styles by industry. As usual, our models are two students who have received job offers from Mitsukoshi Isetan this spring. We hope you will use this as a reference while considering how far your own business style can go.

What are the basics of business style for a new employee?

Students who will be entering the workforce in April are probably thinking about getting a business suit befitting a fresh graduate as they prepare for their new life. But are you aware that business styles have been changing rapidly recently? Not only young companies such as IT companies and startups, but even major manufacturers and banks are increasingly allowing or encouraging casual attire in their workplaces.

Even companies with strict dress codes are now encouraging tie-less business attire, so new employees shouldn't be forced to wear ties. However, it's precisely new employees who should learn how to wear a tie, which is fundamental to business attire. The reason is that clothing reflects one's position as a working professional.

"I hope that when fresh graduates wear ties, it will be seen as a declaration of their commitment as new members of society," says Akihiko Sekikawa, an image consultant at ISETAN MEN'S .

Sekikawa is a stylist who can guide customers throughout the entire building, from the basement to the 8th floor. He is a specialist who can guide customers not only with clothing, shoes, bags, and even casual weekend wear, but also with the latest fashion trends, from recruitment suits to suits for fresh graduates and prestige suits for executive businessmen.

This time, to make it easier to compare desirable business styles by industry, we've had models coordinated in a navy color scheme. We'll also suggest various styles, from jacket and trousers to casual business attire, to help you decide how to dress for companies with strict dress codes.

First, let's take a look at the recruitment styles of the two models who will be appearing as our models this time.

Check out the recruitment suits worn by two prospective employees of Mitsukoshi Isetan who are about to start their jobs.

Haru Yamamoto was a member of a strong soccer club during his student days, and is an athlete who even won the national championship in his third year. He aspires to work at Mitsukoshi Isetan because he is "interested in customer service." However, he admits to having little knowledge about business suits.

"I think cleanliness is essential for a business style. I've heard that wearing a well-fitting suit is necessary for a clean look. But I don't really know what specific sizes I should be paying attention to..." (Yamamoto)

On this day, he wore the same dark navy suit he had worn during his job hunting. This standard suit, an original design from a certain men's clothing chain, has a slim silhouette that looks youthful. The structure of the shoulders and the length of the jacket are sufficient for business attire, but when Sekikawa checked it, he pointed out the length of the sleeves.

"The sleeves of your jacket are a little too short. As a result, the shirt peeking out from under the jacket is longer than ideal. The shirt size isn't right either. It's important to measure your sleeve length—the length from the center of your back, across your shoulder, to your wrist—and choose a shirt that fits you properly." (Sekikawa)

She also mentioned being concerned about the length of her pants so that her socks peek out from the bottom.

"The basic rule for business suits is that the hem of your trousers should touch your shoes. A hem that shows your socks is a fashion-conscious style, so it's better to try that after you've gained more experience as a businessman," (Sekikawa)

Rikuya Tsumajima is a cultural student with a deep knowledge of art and fashion. He also has experience working part-time at a select shop during his student days, so he likely has a good sense of fashion.

"While oversized silhouettes are trending in street style and high fashion, I think it's important to choose a business suit that fits properly in the shoulders and has sleeves that aren't too long. I plan to use this suit for personal use once I start working, and buy a new suit for going to the office. I'm looking forward to today's session as it will give me some ideas for that," (Tsumajima)

The black suit is an original design from a casual select shop. It's not a business suit, but a set-up style, so the jacket has a shorter length and a compact form so it can be worn separately. The sleeves have two decorative buttons, and the details also contribute to the casual feel. The trousers have a relaxed fit around the waist and a tapered silhouette below the knee, creating a trendy look.

"Even if they look like a tailored jacket and trousers made from the same fabric, the design and tailoring can distinguish them from dressy or casual styles. Ms. Tsumajima's suit is casual. It's fine for dressing up and going out in your private life, but depending on the industry, it might not be acceptable as a business suit," (Sekikawa)

And Sekikawa also criticized my choice of shirt size.

"The loose neckline means you've chosen the wrong size for a dress shirt. While the width and sleeve length can be altered, the neckline cannot, so make sure you get properly measured and choose the right neck size. Also, regarding your tie, it's currently in a 'tied' state. You should use the word 'tighten' when referring to ties, so make sure you tighten it so there's no gap between the knot and the shirt. And, unlike Mr. Yamamoto, your jacket sleeves are too long, and the shirt sleeves aren't visible, which also needs improvement." (Sekikawa)

Ms. Tsumajima was confident in her fashion sense, but while she was knowledgeable about casual wear, she seemed to lack experience with dresses.

"I used to think that slightly shorter pant hems, where your socks peek out, were the trendy look right now, but after hearing Yamamoto's advice, I realized that trends don't necessarily equal the standard for business style. I'll keep that in mind when I buy a new suit." (Tsumajima)

Even as business styles change, it's important to know the rules of dress.

Having them wear the suits they wore during their job interviews allowed me to understand their knowledge of suits and their perspectives on business style, but it's important to remember that a job interview suit and a business suit are two different things. After joining a company, you must develop the right mindset for business attire.

"Business styles are changing rapidly these days. While uniform suits like in the past are no longer necessary, a style that embodies the mindset of a new employee is essential right after joining a company. It's fine to start with a basic, fundamental style befitting a fresh graduate, and gradually level up, just like the process of learning the job. Even at ISETAN MEN'S , new employees assigned to the second floor (Men's Creators), which handles the latest designer brands, wear suits and ties for the first six months."

Now, let's have the two of them try on business attire appropriate for their respective industries.

A must-read for new graduates: 4 tips on choosing and wearing suits by industry.