Foto di Austin Distel su Unsplash
The modern workplace may still adopt a smart fashion style. You need to turn up in a nice suit, rather than a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. It’s all about creating a great impression for your company’s brand, yet many men still don’t understand how to dress correctly for this specific fashion code.
Today’s blog post will change that! Read on to learn how to dress like a boss and nail the smart fashion dress code with these essential tips.
Get Properly Measured For A Suit
Tailoring is the most critical aspect of looking smart at work. And yet, it’s often the most neglected part of the entire process of dressing professionally. How many of you will buy suits or smart clothing from a general online store without taking your measurements? Or, you measure yourself at home and hope that everything fits.
A poorly tailored suit will make you look like an idiot.
Sorry if that’s harsh, but it’s the truth. You’ll either have trousers that look too baggy or a ridiculously tight jacket. You’ve probably seen many men on either side of this spectrum, and they look silly.
Avoid all of this by visiting a tailor and letting them take your measurements. They’ll help you understand exactly how everything should fit, which makes the entire outfit look so much better on you. You immediately feel more professional, and there’s an instant visual difference that’ll help you make a statement when you walk into the office.
Don’t Underestimate Your Shoe Game
The right shoes will make or break your smart outfit. First things first, understand what types of shoes are suitable for this dress code. You want to look smart in the workplace, so you’re immediately interested in the following:
- Oxford shoes
- Derby shoes
- Monk Strap shoes
All three variations provide a smart style, though Derby shoes are perhaps the least formal of the three. They’ll make a great option if your office is smart, but not overly formal. Regardless, it’s hard to go wrong if you pair a suit with these types of shoes – and they’re all way better than wearing trainers or loafers.
There’s more to your shoe game than picking smart footwear. You also need to keep an eye on how your shoes look. Even a smart pair of Oxford shoes can look terrible when the material is worn down or the shoes are dirty. Get into the habit of cleaning your smart shoes at the end of every day. For leather shoes, this will also involve polishing the material so it remains healthy and shiny. It stops you from walking into work with shoes that look like they’ve been worn to the moon and back.
A good shoe game will elevate your outfit, while a bad one will tone it down. It’s something you can’t afford to underestimate – and a good rule of thumb is to match the colour of your shoes with your belt.
Implement Luxury Accessories
There’s no need to go overboard with suit accessories – if anything, too many add-ons can make your outfit look far less professional. That being said, it helps if you have a couple of luxury accessories that ramp up the overall outfit and make you look like a boss.
As this article on luxury briefcases explains, you can elevate any modern outfit with a good briefcase. They’re iconic and authentic; most people don’t carry briefcases anymore, so this helps you stand out. You need to pick a luxury one that’s beautifully crafted and matches your suit. Again, you can try to match the colour to your shoes and belt for more synergy.
Aside from a wonderful briefcase, the only other two accessories you need are:
- A luxury watch
- Some luxury cufflinks
Both add serious style points to your outfit and commit to the smart dress code. All three of these accessories will have a significant impact without looking too overbearing or making your outfit feel cluttered – which is precisely what you’re aiming for.
Grooming Goes A Long Way
Most of you will be aware of the saying “you can’t polish a turd.” It’s a funny phrase that basically means you can’t cover something bad up with something nice. In the context of this article, it means you can’t rely on a stunning suit to make up for a poorly groomed appearance.
If you wander into the office with a raggedy beard that’s overgrown and doesn’t look like it’s been brushed in weeks, then no suit will save you. The same goes for your hair; if there’s dandruff everywhere and it looks like it’s never been washed, then the suit does nothing for your overall appearance and vibes.
A regular grooming routine goes a very long way. Start your day by washing your face, body and hair. Then, use moisturiser to prevent dry skin on your face, followed by styling your hair so it looks neat. If you like wearing a beard, then be sure to apply beard oil and groom it slightly so it at least looks tidy and well presented. If you don’t like having a beard, then shave off any stubble in the morning.
Finish with a spritz of eau de parfum, and you’re ready for work. You now look as dapper as your suit suggests, so it brings the entire appearance together.
Always Keep Your Clothes Crisp
Don’t forget to keep your clothes in excellent condition, too. You don’t want to turn up to work with creased or crinkled clothing, so get into the habit of ironing or steaming them either in the morning or the night before. Hand your suit clothes up as well to prevent further creases – it’s genuinely ridiculous how much of a difference this makes.
Get dressed in creased clothes and look in the mirror, then iron/steam them and see the change before your very eyes. You go from someone who’s desperately trying (and failing) to look smart, to someone who is smart and fashionable.
Remember these words of wisdom to look like a boss and make a statement with smart fashion at work. It’s not as big of a challenge as it initially seems; you just need to focus on the right tailoring, simplify your accessories and be sure everything looks neat and well presented.
