In an increasingly flexible office world, many chief executives, operations directors and ordinary corporate employees face the same challenge: the right office attire, with no dress code to guide them.
Like it or not, the right choice of clothes can shape, for good, a man’s credibility among his staff or colleagues. Without a set dress code, however, the inevitable question arises: how can a man tell whether he has dressed correctly? To help find a way through this ocean of options, we have ranked the suggestions worth always bearing in mind.
1. Well-cut suits: why they matter at the office
Always, and we do mean always, a well-cut suit. A well-cut suit closely follows the line of the body. When a suit is badly cut, the waist, shoulders and sleeves give it away at once. The myth that made-to-measure clothes are expensive, hard to produce and slow to arrive has had its day. As for colour, grey and navy are, as is well known, the most versatile options. Such an outfit conveys authority and finesse, ideal for the office world in which a man moves. In any case, it pays to test the waters and see what works. And for a new hire, a word of sartorial advice from a long-serving colleague never hurts.
2. Long-sleeved shirts: the everyday choice
However flexible the workplace, short-sleeved shirts are best avoided. Long-sleeved shirts of superior quality, preferably in cotton or silk, are the right choice, completed when needed with elegant, discreet ties. In the warm season, linen shirts with the sleeves rolled to the elbow are a confident option. Accessories add a touch of professionalism, which brings us to tip number 3.
3. Quality accessories: what is worth wearing every day
However small, cheap accessories are easy to spot. Where means and inclination allow, quality pieces are an urgent investment. The best examples are those that grow in value over time: elegant watches and cufflinks. These details add style and underline a man’s standing as a leader in the company.
4. Business shoes: which styles are right
Business shoes are essential in the wardrobe of a chief executive or operations director. Along with the suit, shoes are a man’s calling card, which is why they must look impeccable. Welted leather shoes, preferably black or brown, complete the office outfit. Shoes should never be left to chance. Everything worth knowing about the advantages of welted shoes, and the care that extends their life, is covered in a separate article.
5. Regular care: where the secret lies
Even with the first four tips in hand, neglected suits and shoes can cost dearly. Care of clothes and shoes underpins a professional appearance at work. Cleaning, pressing, storage, rotation and, when needed, alterations all deserve regular attention. Otherwise, damage and premature wear will make a serious dent in the wallet.
In short, well-cut suits, long-sleeved shirts, quality accessories, welted shoes and careful maintenance are the 5 tips worth following when the office sets no dress code. An investment in quality and care ensures high standards of presentation, signalling seriousness and commanding respect. Other tips, no doubt, will come to mind.
