The dress code for the corporate man has relied on the traditional business suit for many years. But, it has been quite some time now, that the modern man’s office wardrobe has been allowed more flexibility. Men’s corporate workwear has seen changes over the years, giving the professional man more freedom in how he dresses for the office.
Having more options available to you and your office workwear wardrobe, is liberating. But, if the idea of picking suitable attire for your office wardrobe without making a faux pas makes you sweat, read on! We’ve got you covered with stylish ideas to use with your corporate uniforms while still abiding with your office dress code policy.
5 Stylish Tips for the Modern Man’s Office Wardrobe
If your organisation has a dress code policy stipulating formal wear, they may supply you with corporate workwear. This saves you from stressing about what to wear to the office every day. But, if they’re more flexible in letting you pick your own attire, it could get a little sticky picking suitable corporate wear without getting too casual.
Use our list of five style tips for the modern man’s office wardrobe to help you build your own, unique corporate uniform that fits in with your company’s professional standards.
1. What Should Be in Your Business Office Wardrobe?
Let’s talk about what the professional business style for men entails. It should include the following items:
- A business suit for those deal-breaking meetings
- Smart button-up collared-shirts
- Smart pants
- A jacket or blazer and formal cardigans
- Smart footwear
- Accessories
- Smart casual workwear for less formal days in the office
When picking your office clothes, be sure to focus on good quality materials. This way your garment will always look good throughout your working day. And, it will last you longer too.
2. How Many Business Suits Should You Have?
For men working in the professional setting, it’s expected to have at least one business suit in the wardrobe. This is typically a two-piece made up of smart jacket and trousers. Matching with the right shirt becomes your responsibility but we’ll tackle that topic below. It’s recommended to select dark colours such as navy blue or black when picking a suit for your office wardrobe.
If you’re expected to wear a suit every day, you’ll need to have two to three different suits. Always spend a bit more money and get a cut that’s fashionable but tailored, so it fits you properly.
3. The Shirts and Pants Collection
You can never go wrong with the classical button-down collared shirt. Modern designs have tweaked the appearance of these shirts so they’re stylish without looking dull. Long-sleeved shirts with cuffs are best for the strictly formal office environment but if it’s allowed, you can add some short sleeves.
Keep a few white shirts in the wardrobe for meetings, but get creative with colours and patterns to add some personality to your appearance. Make sure you look good when the shirt is fully buttoned up and that the collar closes comfortably for those days you need to add a tie.
When not wearing business suits, you can wear formal pants with button-up collar shirts to the office. Pick dark colours such as navy or charcoal to keep the smart look. At all costs avoid wearing jeans, no matter how fashionable they are!
4. Add Panache With Smart Footwear
One way of adding panache without breaking your office dress code rules is stepping out in smart footwear. Men’s footwear has changed over the years with various styles becoming fashionable for office wear.
While a pair of Oxfords is always essential for your corporate workwear wardrobe, you can also include the following:
- Derbies: These are more casual in design but smart enough to wear on most days in the office. They’re more comfortable than the formal Oxford shoes with lacing giving your feet more freedom to flex.
- Brogues: These stylish shoes come with more detail, making you stand out while still abiding by the formal dress code requirements of your workplace.
5. The Extras: Jackets, Cardigans and Accessories
Clothing items such as jackets or blazers and cardigans need to be included in your wardrobe. Pick jackets or blazers with a good cut and fit, in dark colours so they complement your shirts and pants. You don’t need more than one or maximum two if you’ve also got a business suit in your workwear collection. Cardigans should be made with wool or merino to keep the formal look.
Accessories can include a modern-design briefcase, fashionable ties and jewellery such as watches. Avoid flashy necklaces and bracelets unless they’re covered by your shirt at all times. Less formal workwear can be included in your wardrobe for those days when casual wear is allowed. But, keep it smart casual to play it safe.
Final Thoughts
Men’s corporate workwear may be formal but designers have been able to use details to add a more stylish look without losing the professional appearance. Your options are broader, making it easier to stay looking smart while being comfortable at the same time. Use our tips to help you build your corporate workwear wardrobe and feel confident you’re looking professional at all times.