Getting locked into a 9-5 grind is enough to curb your creativity—don’t let your wardrobe suffer, too. It’s easy to get stuck into a style routine when you’ve built your closet around your two realities: your work self and your true self, but the truth is, you really don’t have to create such a boundary when dressing yourself for work.

There are plenty of ways you can spruce up your work wardrobe if you just put a little thought into your closet selections. In this article, we’re taking a look at 4 easy ways you can elevate your work wardrobe to express your personality and suit your office dress code.

 

1) START WITH THE BASICS

 

Whether your office is business attire or more casual, it’s important to find a few staple items to act as the foundation of your work wardrobe. Not only does this make it easier for you to craft outfits in the morning, but a limited and polished collection also helps to ensure you look your best no matter what the weather’s like or what mood you’re in.

 

So what basics do you need to include in your work essentials? Here’s where to start:

● Suit: Every man needs a great suit. There are bound to be at least a few occasions in your lifetime where you’ll need one. Work, weddings, and job interviews are all examples of places where you might need to sport your finest look. Contrary to popular belief, suits don’t have to be stuffy and they definitely don’t have to be devoid of personality. There are tons of cool suits out there to choose from—including these modern men’s slim fit suits. Black is always a great color option, but don’t feel the need to conform to society’s suit standards if you’d rather go for a navy or even eggplant colored suit. Having fun with color is one of the best ways to express yourself through your work wardrobe!

 

 

● Basic shirts: For more casual settings, you should have a lineup of button downs and basic t-shirts on hand at all times. For button downs, you should have some solid colored options as well as printed varieties.

 

● Sweaters: If you live in a cooler climate, sweaters are typically the way to go when it comes to men’s work fashion. They’re comfortable, easy to layer, and effortless to style. Enough said. For fall, choose lighter materials such as cashmere and cotton and for winter, opt for a heavier material like a Norwegian wool.

 

2) WORK IN SOME FINE DETAILS

Truth be told, there’s really only so much fun to be had with suits and button-down shirts. The real style points come from incorporating fine details into your day to day office looks. The good news is, there are tons of ways you can execute such bold style moves. Eccentric ties and patterned men’s dress socks are two ways you can take your office look from traditional to trendy.

 

 

You might think these simple details go unnoticed, but they’re really the ones that make the most impact. Plus, if you’re going for a serious look (say, for a job interview), you’d definitely be better off rocking a Flamingo tie or checkered dress socks than a button down with such extravagant design.

 

3) REFINE YOUR LOOK

 

If you’re trying to revamp your work look, you might need to go beyond your closet to get the job done. In addition to cohesive attire, you should also pay attention to your grooming habits. Not only will you feel cleaner and more confident, but your efforts will be appreciated by those around you, too.

 

4) FIND A TALENTED TAILOR

 

Finally, if you’ve never had your clothing tailored…it’s time to start. Even if you find a few pieces that look great on you, a talented tailor can take your style a step further. When you hire a tailor, they can customize the fit of just about any article of clothing you choose—accentuating your most attractive qualities and masking those that you might not be as confident about. And above all of these tips, confidence is key to creating a stylish work wardrobe!

 

 

 

TAKEAWAYS

 

Dressing for work doesn’t have to be boring. Use these tips to help you craft a polished and personalized work wardrobe.