The Punk Rock Executive (For Men)

 Most executives dress in one of two ways:

Corporate Costume Mode: navy suit, boring shoes, forgettable presence

Checked-Out Casual Mode: baggy polos, running shoes, zero intention

Neither inspires confidence.

Neither communicates identity.

Neither feels real.

But when you walk into a room with intentional style: crisp boots, tailored jeans, clean blazer, subtle edge, people know:

✔ you care

✔ you take responsibility

✔ you’re grounded in who you are

✔ and you’re not here to play corporate theater

That matters.

People don’t want a robot in a suit.

They want a leader who is human but dialed-in.

That’s the Punk Rock Executive.

Punk Rock Was My Training Ground 

I didn’t arrive here from the country club circuit.

I grew up in the street punk scene.

I was part of a group called the "Maine Drunk Punx." (Which sounds so cringe now)

• Think:
• plaid bondage pants
• spiked battle vest covered in patches
• mohawks and liberty spikes
• piercings
• duct-taped boots
• sweaty shows in basements and dive bars

The look wasn’t just fashion.

It was our identity.

It said:

“I refuse to pretend.”

And here’s the crazy part:

That mindset made me a better leader.

Because punk teaches you:

🔥 Be real

🔥 Think for yourself

🔥 Earn respect, don’t demand it

🔥 Community matters

🔥 You don’t have to fit in to belong

Now?

I don’t walk into meetings in a spiked vest and a Varukers shirt.

But the core DNA is still there.

The look evolved:

ripped bondage pants → tailored black jeans

patched denim vest → charcoal blazer

combat boots → polished leather boots

Same heart.

Better execution.

That’s the Punk Rock Executive.

Why This Matters in Leadership

This isn’t vanity.

It’s culture.

When you show up with intention, your team sees:

Self-respect

Confidence

Consistency

Presence

If you look sloppy…

people assume your standards are, too.

If you look grounded and professional

people lean in.

Not because of the clothes.

But because of the message your presence sends.

The Look: How To Dress Like a Punk Rock Executive

Core Uniform

Dark jeans

Leather boots or clean leather sneakers

Burgundy, black, charcoal, or white tee

Black or charcoal blazer

Minimalist watch

Subtle metal or cross necklace (if that’s you)

Simple.

Intentional.

Masculine.

Confident.

Not loud.

Not bland.

Just you: sharpened.

Fit Rules (Especially for Bigger Builds)

Fit beats brand every time.

Straight or athletic cut pants

Structured jackets

Avoid skinny

Avoid sloppy

Heavier fabrics drape better

Layers = presence

You want calm authority, not chaos.

Hairstyles 

Edge helps, but keep it intentional.

• textured messy top
• undercut
• fade + beard
• clean classic cut with detail

Beard or clean-shaven:

✔ intentional

❌ accidental

That’s the rule.

Wardrobe on a Budget

You don’t need luxury brands.

Start here:

1 black or Charcoal blazer

2–3 dark tees

2 pairs of dark jeans

1 pair of leather boots

1 belt

1 simple watch

Buy fewer things, better quality.

Rotate and repeat.

Presence lives in consistency.

Accessories

• small chain
• silver necklace
• leather band
• matte ring

Nothing flashy.

Earned > decorative.

Scent

Most guys ignore this and it shows. Or smells. Either or.

Scent is subtle leadership energy.

It should say:

“I take care of myself,”

not

“I bathed in a duty-free terminal.”

What to Look For

Go for warm, woodsy, leathery, earthy tones:

• cedar
• sandalwood
• tobacco
• leather
• vanilla
• amber

These feel grounded. Masculine. Calm.

Budget-Friendly Cologne Picks:

Without naming brands:

Look for “eau de parfum,” not “body spray.”

It lasts longer. Smells better. Feels intentional.

You can find great options:

• online deals
• outlet stores
• mid-range brands
• fragrance discounters
• amazon

One or two bottles.

Rotate. Done.

Beard Balm & Oil

Bonus move:

• sandalwood
• cedar
• bourbon vanilla
• tobacco leaf

Just enough scent to add character — not overwhelm the room.

Application Rule

Spray:

once to chest

once to back of neck

Stop there.

If people can smell you before they see you?

You’re doing too much.

Hygiene: Simple. Respectful. Non-Negotiable.

This isn’t glamour.

It’s leadership.

Because how you maintain yourself reflects how you maintain your responsibilities.

Baseline Checklist

✔ shower daily

✔ trim beard / neck / eyebrows

✔ clean nails

✔ moisturize (face + hands)

✔ brush & floss

✔ deodorant

✔ lint-roll dark clothes

✔ steam or iron

You don’t need a 27-step skincare routine.

Just care.

And yes, this matters more in leadership.

Because:

people sit near you

people observe you

people model after you

Your presence should feel:

clean

steady

approachable

calm

Not chaotic.

Not accidental.

The Punk Mindset: Still the Core

This is not cosplay.

It’s not image-crafting.

It’s alignment.

It says:

“I’m still me.

I just sharpened the edges and raised the standard.”

Your team doesn’t need perfection.

They need authentic, responsible leadership.

And when who you ARE matches how you SHOW UP?

That’s powerful.

Final Thought

Being the Punk Rock Executive isn’t about the blazer.

It’s about identity + discipline.

It’s about saying:

I didn’t sell out.

I grew up.

And I brought my voice with me.

And that’s the kind of leader people trust.

Because you’re not performing.

You’re just showing up fully.