Style anatomy: Arsalan Khan

Arsalan Khan shares some important corporate styling tips to remember

Associated with banks since the start of the millennium, Arsalan Khan mainly deals with the Priority Banking Segment at Standard Chartered Bank. He also works closely with multi-national companies locally and as well as in Egypt and South Africa. Today he shares some important corporate styling tips to remember

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Describe your work as the Head of Priority Banking?

As the Head of Priority Banking, I look after the business objectives, as there are certain financial deliverables, and in order to meet those, it is important to interact with customers and the staff that interacts with customers, so that we have a deeper understanding of what customers want. Furthermore we try to take banking a step ahead by striving to connect with clients on an emotional level.

How do you dress for the office?

I dress formally of course. I like blues and reds as I feel they are the best corporate colours to wear. As far as ties are concerned, I like to keep it colourful, but not too graphic. For the most part I dress quite conservatively.



Do you think your style effects your cliental? Why or why not?

Our clients are quite influential, high net-worth individuals, who have made their way and gotten that status. Those customers expect a certain level of professionalism from the people that they interact with — so dressing formally is absolutely necessary for them to trust you with their money. At the end of the day, it is their money that you manage so you have to come across appropriately.

According to you, how should one dress in the corporate world?

Keep it formal in order to be taken seriously. But you should dress to your comfort and as per your personal style. Opt for colours and cuts you are most comfortable in, that way you never go wrong.



What are some brands to follow when working in the corporate sector?

Internationally, I like Hugo Boss, Massimo Dutti, and Salvatore Ferragamo. In watches, I prefer Swiss watches due to their unmatchable reputation — Rolex is a great brand. Locally, Cotton & Cotton, Amir Adnan, Clifford and FHS by Hub are great brands too.

How has your office-style changed over the years?

I’ve been working for about 16 years now and I’ve always been conservative with my dressing. But I think overtime I’ve become a bit more formal (maybe more than I would like), because I feel you can run into clients anywhere, even while you’re shopping, or playing golf, so you must always be dressed to impress.

What do you consider the biggest fashion faux pas in the corporate world?

As a rule-of-thumb, I think trying to copy someone else is a big faux pas — even in the corporate world. You should follow your taste, and avoid wearing something that might not suit you, as you might end up getting it wrong.