Official dressing in men’s fashion has undergone a considerable change in the last few decades from basic styles to fashionable street styling concepts. Classic suits being worn on a daily basis are fading away and only work for a job interview or client meeting. A crisp white shirt matched with a black well-fitting trouser can give you that desired professional look, but corporate dressing means dressing appropriately in line with the organization’s culture. Here are some tips for dressing for an official look for men.
1. Wear the right trouser and shirt
Don’t wear short sleeves to work. Short sleeves don’t look professional, so you should opt for long ones. Ensure your sleeves touch the base of your hand, and don’t roll them up at work. Avoid baggy trousers and shirts but ensure they are not too tight. You should be able to button your shirts properly without any gaps.
2. Don’t over accessorize
Accessories such as a red bow tie or pocket squares bring personality to classic clothing, but you should be careful about how you use them. It’s best to harmonize them with what you are wearing by choosing a different color or two or even juxtaposing them entirely. When it comes to matching shirts and ties, wear your pocket square or bow tie in a darker color than your jacket.
3. Go for neutral colors
Avoid wearing party shirts to work and instead look for subtle colors such as blue, black, gray, white, or khaki, which are guaranteed to hit in a corporate setting. While plain shirts are also always fashionable, you should go for shirts with stripes or those that are fully checked or micro-checked. Colors such as red, orange, and yellow are usually not preferred to be worn at a workplace.
4. Invest in a quality watch
A watch is like a piece of art so choose it because you love it, not because you think it could make money. Although watches are personal, you also have to be practical. Classy, functional, rugged models go with everything and can take hard knocks of everyday wear. However, your watch has to fit you and should feel comfortable and be of the right size and depth relative to your waist. 40mm is considered the most suitable size.
5. Spend wisely on shoes
The color, pattern, and sole of your shoes don’t have to be fussy. Anything fussy might look good today but will appear strange very quickly. Invest in quality shoes such as the gold standard, which can last up to 15 years or more.
Go for classic styles such as loafers, classic brogues, or a plain, dark, five-eyelet Derby. However, don’t forget to find quality dress socks too. Keep your shoe shiner handy, and don’t wear your favorite sports shoes or sneakers to work.
6. Avoid wear wearing too many bracelets or chunky necklaces
Don’t add any other rings except your wedding ring. Remember, there is a big difference between your college and professional life. If you have a mustache, ensure it’s neatly trimmed, and don’t go to work with beards unless there is an emergency.
Endnote
Self-expression is good up to a point, but when you join a workplace, you are expected to conform to its culture. Observe what others are wearing and mimic it with your own style. In addition, ask your HR manager or other appropriate leaders about their office dress code.
