Twenty years ago, the term ‘workwear’ was simple to understand – it meant that a smart suit, neutral tie, and pair of well-shined shoes was mandatory. Today, however, the term ‘workwear’ has become much more flexible, with many offices relaxing in terms of what is seen as being appropriate to wear to work.
Although the days where a suit and tie was all that was allowed into the office are dead, that doesn’t mean that you can turn up in skinny jeans and your favorite slogan tee. Nailing workwear is hard today than it’s ever been, which is why we’ve put together this useful guide, packed full of handy tips and advice for dressing to look sharp and stylish.
It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed
When it comes to workwear, it’s always best to be overdressed rather than underdressed. A suit and tie may not be compulsory, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear one. If you’re keen to make a good impression, aim to turn to work overdressed rather than underdressed. Pick a smart, stylish suit and wear that, then monitor what everyone else is wearing to get an idea of what’s appropriate. If you’re going to wear a suit, make sure that it’s a well-cut suit that’s tailored in all the right places.
Accessories are key
The accessories that you team with your outfit are crucial, because if you pick the wrong items, it can have a big impact on your look. The key is to ensure that you select accessories that are as smart as your outfit, and so, fit well with your look. A watch is a must – the style doesn’t matter, just as long as it’s smart and professional-looking. Avoid sports watches, instead, opt for watches with a metal or leather strap – you want a design that looks smart. A bifold wallet in either black or brown leather, along with a similarly designed briefcase can also work well when teamed with a suit or smart outfit. The right shoes are also crucial – either Oxfords or Brogues will do, just as long as they look smart and go with the color of your suit or outfit of choice.
A jacket is a must
No matter what outfit you’ve opted to wear, be it a shirt and trousers or smart trousers and a smart-casual t-shirt, a blazer jacket is always a must. For a slightly more casual look, pairing a smart blazer jacket with trousers and a casual shirt or smart t-shirt or polo can work well. There’s something about wearing a jacket that adds a touch of extra class to almost any outfit, as long as you pick a tailored cut, that is.
The truth is that getting workwear right isn’t always easy, especially now that the lines are blurred when it comes to what is and isn’t appropriate for wearing to the office. Hopefully, however, the tips above will help to make dressing for work that little bit more straightforward and less stressful.