Men’s corporate style is no longer limited to the standard suit-and-tie combination. These days, it is about being professional, smart and confident in what you wear. But how does one go about dressing for a corporate job? The word ‘corporate’ itself suggests something very formal. So what does this mean for men who want to work in such an environment? The type of work you do is directly proportional to the kind of dress code you need to follow as a part of your job. It goes without saying that if you are applying for a job that requires a formal dress code, then the same should be reflected in your interview appearance as well. However, given the growing number of options available when it comes to men’s corporate clothing style, we have some tips to help you get started on dressing up for any office job:
Have a basic office outfit ready
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Even if you have no idea what your office job will be, you can still ensure you have the right clothes for it. A dark-coloured, slim-fit suit is a must for every man’s wardrobe. You can choose to go for a single-breasted or a double-breasted suit, depending on your personal preference. If you are applying for a job in the creative or media industry, then you can choose to go for a 3-piece suit instead. Apart from the suit, you can also choose a white dress shirt. Choose the best quality you can afford; it will be worth it in the long run. The best kinds are those made of 100% cotton that is soft and breathable. Make sure the collar is buttoned to the top, and the cuffs are buttoned up as well.
Don’t go for overly formal attire
While most corporate offices have a strict dressing code, it is also important to keep in mind that you are not expected to go overboard on the formal attire. A classic suit and tie look great on all occasions, but you need to be careful that you don’t go too formal for the job you are applying for. If you are unsure about which type of attire is suitable for the job you are applying for, you can always try to go for a lower end of the spectrum. For example, you can try to choose an Oxford shirt with a pair of dark-coloured chinos. You can also choose a blue button-down shirt instead of the Oxford shirt, but make sure it is not too formal.
Choose dark colours for your office job
The colour of your attire also matters a lot when it comes to dressing for a corporate job. While it is not something that is necessarily followed at every office, it is always a good idea to incorporate dark colours in your wardrobe. Wearing light-coloured clothing usually looks more casual, whereas wearing dark-coloured clothing is more professional. Dark coloured clothing also makes you look slimmer, taller, and more confident. Dark-coloured clothing is versatile and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. Depending on the occasion, you can either dress it up or down. Dark-coloured pants and jackets can be paired with a variety of shirts for both formal and casual occasions, making them an excellent investment for your wardrobe.
Stick to simple styles and colours
Another important aspect of dressing for a corporate job is sticking to more subtle colours and styles. It is usually recommended that you avoid loud and vibrant patterns and colours. Also, avoid wearing clothes with large logos and pictures, and instead, prefer something more subtle and stylish. Keep in mind that the more casual pieces in your outfit should be kept at a minimum so that they do not overpower your formal attire. When it comes to colours, it is best to avoid wearing all black. Instead, choose darker shades of blue, grey, and brown, as these colours are more versatile and can be worn for various different occasions.
2 Key Items That Are a Must in Every Man’s Corporate Wardrobe
Suit – As mentioned above, a suit is a must-have in your wardrobe. Whether you are looking for a job in a formal office or not, it is always a good idea to have at least one suit in your wardrobe. Shoes – Shoes are an important part of any outfit, but they are especially important for those in a corporate environment. Choose a pair of black leather shoes with a low heel. Avoid going for overly fancy shoes, as they may not be the best choice for an office environment.
What to take away
Men’s corporate style isn’t just about the traditional suit and tie. In fact, they can be a bit boring. Nowadays, men are expected to be more creative and daring with their outfits, and so long as they keep to certain guidelines, they can experiment with different styles. Whether you are applying for a job in an office or not, these tips will help you get started on dressing for the professional environment. So get ready to step up your style game, and don’t forget to smile because first impressions do matter!
