wordrobe to workplace

You have just graduated college and are now entering the job market. But there’s a conundrum on the horizon — turns out you need some fine clothes to land a fine job, but you need a fine job to buy some fine clothes. Well, I can help solve this problem. Read on to learn about some wardrobe essentials that are as classy as they are inexpensive.

general tips

Your wardrobe will depend on your workplace’s dress code. Some places are casual, some are quite formal. Ask around, do some research and check out what your potential coworkers are wearing.

Get your suits tailored and seek out pants and shirts in a standard fit (not too tight and definitely not loose). Baggy clothes are for boys, not men.

Work with your body type, and make the effort to flatter your positive traits and

disguise your flaws.

Avoid shirts with logos (no button-downs with garish Abercrombie insignias!). Go for dark solids and the occasional splash of color (magenta, purple or even pink are favorable).

Groom regularly. Get a haircut every four or five weeks and shave daily (including the area around your neck). It also never hurts to master the fine art of ironing; a pressed shirt has won many men many jobs.

Shop smart. Buy business shirts, pants and shoes at big-chain department stores (even Target has some great items). As long as the clothes look clean and sharp, you’re home free. Your coworkers will not notice the brands you’re wearing, but they will certainly notice

how you’re wearing them.

office essentials

Suits

Buy at least two single-breasted, two-piece suits. The two-button look is a longtime business standard, but the three-button look has been making several comebacks.

While a black suit always works, a navy blue one is stylistically a better option, as it’ll help you subtly stand out from the professional crowd. Similarly, a dark gray suit (with or without pinstripes) provides a number of shirt-and-tie combos.

As noted above, these are business suits, not suits for going on dates or to formal functions. Don’t be afraid to shop at stores like Men’s Wearhouse, or even to buy second-hand suits. And don’t forget that you can (and often should) get your suits tailored.

Shirts/Sweaters

A basic white business/dress shirt (breast pocket optional) and a light blue dress shirt will keep all your bases covered.

To complement these staples, you should also pick up a brown, gray, blue, or beige sweater. For less casual offices environs, these pullovers look great over ties and dress shirts.

Pants

Separate dress pants will give you more potential combinations with different colored dress shirts, ties and blazers. Dark gray, black or brown dress pants and a pair of khakis (no cargo pockets, please) will keep you covered.

To the untrained eye, most dress pants look the same. Khakis can be a bit less forgiving, however, so find a pair that you’re comfortable with. Pleats aren’t for everyone, nor are cuffs, so be sure to try on your pants before purchasing. You should even try on your pants with the shoes you plan on wearing them with, to see how they hang (especially if they need hemming).

The blazers, shoes, belts, and workbag you’ll need to look like a real pro

Blazers

If you’ve already picked up a couple of suits, you probably only need one blazer.

As always, stick to browns, grays, blacks, and navys. Avoid fabrics like corduroy and velvet, as well as tweed patterns. While such jackets are cool and trendy, they can be a tad too informal for the traditional office — only wear them if you work in a less formal industry.

Brown blazers go nicely with khakis, brown shoes and white shirts; gray and navy blazers go best with dark slacks, dark shoes and a gray, blue or white shirt.

Shoes

One pair should do the job. Avoid slip-ons and

embrace laces; the latter are a safer bet sartorially.

Black shoes go best with dark suits and dark pants.

Brown shoes match earth-toned blazers and khakis.

Take the necessary care to keep your shoes shiny and replace your laces regularly.

professional accessories

Socks & Undershirts

Always wear white undershirts with your dress shirts.

V-neck tees are okay for guys without ample chest hair. Tank tops are a classic choice, but they don’t provide much warmth in colder weather. Stick to the traditional crewneck undershirt to be safe.

Pattern-less black or brown socks go with black or brown shoes, obviously. Patterned socks are a bit trickier, and should probably only be worn with brown shoes (although there always exceptions to the rule).

Belts

Belts should generally match your shoes, so it’s best to have one black belt and one brown belt. Avoid cloth belts, studded belts and any belts with oversized buckles — they are fashionable choices, but are better suited to weekends and nights out. And remember: The wider and duller the belt’s leather, the more casual it is.

Ties

When it comes to business ties, less is more. Pick up three or four 100% silk ties with patterns or solid schemes that match or offset at least one color or shade in your suit, blazer, pants, and shirt, as well as your natural complexion (for example, pale men shouldn’t be wearing orange). Finally, a wool necktie in a solid color goes well with the blazer-and-khaki look.

Workbag or Briefcase

The old briefcases your father lugged to work every morning have generally gone the way of the Filofax — most men carry some kind of laptop bag now. Whether your bag is made from leather, nylon, or has a hard shell, make sure it looks professional and is comfortable for lugging around. Over the shoulder messenger-style bags are a cool and sophisticated option as well.

Some trendy options include the computer-friendly case by Samsonite, a suede laptop protector by eBags or even a more old-school leather expandable computer-friendly attach by U.S. Luggage.

dress for success

Ditch those T-shirts and ratty jeans that got you through college, and embrace a more professional look that’s always in style and within your budget. However young you may be, if you look the part of a clear-thinking, clean-cut professional, you’ll command respect and attention from your coworkers and superiors with the right business wardrobe.

Resources:
Gentleman’s Guide to Grooming and Style, by Bernhard Roetzel

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