" He may be rich. But he is not successful. "

We’ve all seen it: the myth that success means never trying—hoodie half-on, joggers at the boardroom, “I’m too important to care.” Somewhere along the way, “quiet luxury” got confused with apathy. But apathy isn’t style; it’s just… apathy.

A few months ago I met two founders on the same day. One arrived in rumpled sweats, eyes glued to his phone, offering a limp hello. The other walked in wearing a clean, well-cut jacket over a tee, dark trousers, good shoes. Nothing loud. No logos. Just intention. Guess which one the room listened to first?

There’s a misconception that truly rich people dress like they rolled out of bed. Sure—some do. And plenty don’t. Wealth doesn’t have a uniform. The truth is simpler: everyone is different. But purposely dressing down to look successful is performance art in the wrong direction. You’re not fooling anyone—you’re telling people you don’t value the moment.

Dressing well isn’t cosplay; it’s courtesy. It says, “I respect myself, the work, and you.” The details aren’t about screaming status—they’re about presence: a jacket that fits the shoulders, a sleeve that grazes the wrist, leather that patinas with you, fabrics that breathe and move the way you do. Effort reads as confidence. Neglect reads as… neglect.

If you love jeans and a tee, wear them beautifully. If you live in suits, let them be relaxed when the day calls for it. Style isn’t about being formal; it’s about being intentional. What we put on our bodies frames the story we’re telling—at the pitch table, at dinner with family, at a first meeting that could change your life.

Dressing down to look important is played out. Dressing with intention never will be. — Fortitude, Vol. IV