Business Express is an online portal that covers the latest developments in the world of business and finance. From startups and entrepreneurship to mergers and acquisitions, Business Express provides reporting on the stories that matter most to business leaders and decision-makers.The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.
iStock 12788584092 - Business Express
Young business people are discussing together a new startup project. A glowing light bulb as a new idea.

Boardroom Fashion: The Evolution of the Apprentice Uniform


Watching the finale episode ofThe Apprentice 2022 and seeing stylish Harpreet Kaur being crowned as the winner invoked our inner fashion critic.

In business, fashion sense can make or break a deal. In The Apprentice, this mindset is taken to the extreme with the show’s boardroom style sparking fashion debates among fans. Since the show first aired in 2005, what we call the Apprentice uniform has been shaped to reflect the show’s philosophy.

But what exactly is the Apprentice uniformand how has it transformed through the years?

Throwback to 2005: 50 shades of grey

A quick look at the cover photo of The Apprentice’s first season in 2005 might make your head turn. Strictly white shirts for men peeking through classic tailored suits ofonly the darkest colours, and a mix of power suits and pencil skirts in dull nuances for women. This is what represented the next generation of business tycoons in Britain.

The colour theme is obvious: 50 shades of grey. 

How did the Apprentice uniform come about?

Some argue that boardroom fashion as depicted in the show has changed very little since 2005. Although that might be a red flag for the fashion police, there may be a reason why this style choice has endured.

Business is powerand one way to channel that power is through the clothes you wear. As American author H. Jackson Brown Jr., who used to work as a creative director of an advertising agency, says, “wear audacious underwear under the most solemn business attire”. 

It comes as no surprise that the first business attire to be popularised before the turn of the century was a uniform oversized coat until the suit was invented in the 1920s. The 1980s saw the rise of the power suit, as showcased in the iconic movie The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). It has since been toned down or spiced up depending on whether you’re aiming for a casual or jazzy look.

But it seems that both the cast and the presenters of The Apprentice are fervent advocates of the ‘80s business style, as their fashion choices are a true reflection of that decade even today. Men tend to wear dark blue, black, or grey suits with pinstripes matched with oversized ties. Women echo the style of one of the most influential women in world history – Margaret Thatcher. Suit jackets placidly cover pencil skirts and tailored trousersare paired with alarmingly high heels. Alternatively, the Roland Mouret-style bodycon dress is regularly sported by candidates in a range of primary colours.

Of course, there have been some variations to the Apprentice uniform in recent years. Colourful socks have become trendy amongst men, and women tend to experiment with peplum dresses, bold jewellery, intricate necklines, and stylish women’s heeled sandals.

Overall, however, the fashion remains the same. And no, there are no stylists at work behind all this. The contestants rock up with a suitcase full of their own clothes and it seems that they’ve all got the memo about the dress code. But how does this happen?

The Apprentice uniform not only exudes power and confidence which is at the core of business-doing, but it also represents conformity. Lord Sugar is known for his conservative beliefs and has called out candidates many times for their flamboyant fashion style. Not only thatbut using classic boardroom attire positions all the candidates for the big prize on the same plane, making sure to highlight their business ideas rather than their looks.

2022 best style moments

This year, the 16 candidates yet again conformed to the Apprentice uniform. Men were seen reinforcing the classic suit in dark colours; however, a colourful tie can help them stand out. Women also sported some unique garments, such as tailored dresses in bold colours and intricate necklines.

In the last episode, the two female finalists Harpreet Kaur and Kathryn Louise Burn wore classic bodycon dresses with sophisticated slit necklines. Harpreet, the winner, fashioned victorious white, which symbolises new beginnings and is representative of the fresh kick-start of her career alongside Lord Sugar. Kathryn, on the other hand, was dressed in blue, representing dignity and authority. Their thoughtfully selected outfits perfectly matched the vibe of the show and emanated feminine integrity.

Harpreet commented on her win: “I absolutely loved that it was an all-female final because I love empowering women, I hope that I can inspire many women that you need to follow your dreams, go and smash your goals, go and get them.”

Don't miss out on any breaking news or insightful opinions!
Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay updated on the go!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Global Banking & Finance Review. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email.

 

Will we see some fashion brevity in this seasonorwill brilliant business ideas come dressed in the Apprentice uniform we’re used to? The show will tell.

“You’re fired”: the iconic scarf and oversized coat exit outfit

A little quirk has been noted in the show since it first aired. On the “walk of shame”, when contestants are fired and are taking their taxi ride home, every single ex-candidate is wearing the same attire: a buttoned-up oversized coat and a scarf.

Some speculate that it’s a staple of the show, while others think it’s a farewell gift. The reality is that it’s all staged. The exit scene is filmed alongside the entrance scene before the candidates have even met the team. In order to create a sense of continuity, the contestants are asked to wear oversized coats and a scarf to hide their clothes underneath.

 

This season, we saw a parade of innovative ideas and astute business acumen. As always, the contestents didn’t shy away from some drama, and of course, proudly catwalked their business attire. Will the next season bring about the Apprentice uniform again?

 

Sources

https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/industry/news/325-lifestyle/8720-the-fashion-of-the-apprentice/

https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/dress-code-business-attire/

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-apprentice-is-it-the-end-of-boardroom-barbie-vxz06nmwp

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-apprentice-candidates-2022-line-up-b1986456.html

https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/the-apprentice-final-bbc-one-review-who-won-harperrt-kaur-kathryn-louise-burn-1538641?msclkid=fb645e36ac2511ecbfa12461a3fdf533

https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/4767583/the-apprentice-candidates-fired-coats-scarves/

https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/apprentice-scarf-candidates-fired-filming-14472376

 

Recent Post: