It’s recommended to dress for success, but that meaningful sentiment is often easier said than done. Coming up with one work outfit is difficult enough, let alone five. Plus, many workplaces have different dress codes, from business professional to smart casual. What constitutes workwear that will make a great impression, and how do you achieve that look? Here are simple ways to build your professional wardrobe and dress for success.
Table of Contents
Start with a Suit
The cornerstone of every man’s professional wardrobe is a customized suit. Even if you’re making a career change or you don’t work at a company that requires you to wear a suit every day, suits are essentials that stand the test of time. You should have at least one well-fitting suit in a solid color like navy, black, or charcoal gray. Beginning with a basic solid is best because it will give you the versatility to mix and match with other items, extending your professional wardrobe. This foundational wardrobe piece will take you from work conferences and board meetings to semi-formal and formal social occasions.
Comfortable Button-Down Shirt
Regardless of your work’s standard of dress, you should have a few comfortable shirts in your professional wardrobe. These are critical wardrobe items because they’ll get paired with almost everything in your professional wardrobe, from blazers to your trousers. Remember to keep it simple, sticking to neutral colors and simple prints like pale, understated plaid, stripes, or small polka dots.
Fabric: Look for shirts made from breathable and soft materials such as cotton, linen, or blends of natural fibers. These fabrics are gentle on the skin and provide good airflow, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Fit: Opt for a shirt with a relaxed or regular fit if you prefer a comfortable and slightly loose feel. Slim-fit shirts may look more tailored but can be less comfortable, especially if they restrict movement.
Stretch: Some button-down shirts come with a touch of stretch, typically added with spandex or elastane. This can enhance comfort and ease of movement, making the shirt feel less restrictive.
Sleeve Length: Choose the sleeve length that suits your preference and the weather conditions. Long sleeves are suitable for cooler days, while short sleeves are perfect for warmer weather.
Collar Type: Consider the collar style based on your personal preference and the occasion. A classic spread collar is versatile and comfortable, but there are other options like button-down collars and camp collars, which may offer a more relaxed feel.
Breathability: In warmer climates, prioritize lightweight and breathable fabrics to help keep you cool and comfortable.
Color and Pattern: Opt for colors and patterns that match your style and wardrobe. Neutral tones like white, light blue, or pastels are versatile and easy to pair with different outfits.
Brand and Quality: Look for reputable brands known for their quality construction and attention to detail. High-quality shirts tend to be more comfortable and durable in the long run.
Care Instructions: Check the care instructions for the shirt. Ideally, it should be easy to care for and maintain its comfort and appearance through regular washing.
Neutral Dress Shoes
A good pair of dress shoes like loafers and oxfords can’t be underestimated. An afterthought for many, shoes can make or break a professional wardrobe. That’s why both men and women should invest in a stylish pair of dress shoes in a neutral color like black, brown, or even oxblood. It’ll give you the versatility to wear them with every piece in your professional wardrobe, no matter the color, pattern, or print. They should also be comfortable enough for long-term, daily wear – it doesn’t matter if they’re dress boots, loafers, heels, or flats, as long as they’re supportive. Your wardrobe (and feet) will thank you later.
Add Accessories
While accessorizing may seem unimportant when building a professional wardrobe it can actually help turn your casual clothes into a work-worthy ensemble. You can add anything from a great tie to a functional bag, but the key is to not overdo it, which will overwhelm your attire. For example, adding custom jewelry like small diamond earrings or a pendant necklace can make a woman’s simple pair of pants and button-down feel more work appropriate. Men could add a sterling silver or gold pair of cufflinks or a refined watch and create the same effect. This is your opportunity to show off your personality through style.
Fitted Blazer
It may be simple, but a fitted black blazer is the do-it-all piece for professional men and women. What makes the black blazer such an essential item? Neither too formal nor too casual, it’ll serve you well for meetings, typical workdays, business casual days, formal functions, and even remote work days on video calls. You can never go wrong with a classic black or navy blazer. Once you’ve built up your professional wardrobe, you can start to experiment with other solids like rich red or deep green, along with simple prints and embroidered details.
Black Slacks or Trousers
No professional wardrobe is complete without the basics, and that includes a properly fitting pair of black slacks or trousers – this applies to everyone, regardless of gender, style, or workplace dress requirements. Like most basic, foundational clothing items, trousers will work well with every color, pattern, print, and article of clothing in your wardrobe, creating countless options for your work outfits. It’s a great item to have, especially on days you’re short on time getting dressed or are at a loss for what to wear.
Dark Denim
Dark denim jeans are a must-have for casual Fridays and business casual workplaces because they provide a polished appearance without feeling too formal. Make sure they’re well-fitted to remain professional.
Depending on the occasion, dark denim can be dressed up or dressed down. Pair it with a polo for something more casual, and with a button-down shirt, sweater, or fitted blazer for the perfect business casual outfit.
Color: The fabric is typically dark blue, almost black, or a deep indigo hue. The darkness of the color can vary depending on the dye concentration and the number of times the fabric is dipped in the dye bath.
Versatility: Dark denim can be worn in both casual and semi-formal settings, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of outfits.
Durability: Like all denim fabrics, dark denim is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Fading: With repeated washes and wear, dark denim tends to fade, giving it a unique patina and personalized look over time.
Styling: Dark denim is easy to pair with different types of tops, jackets, and shoes, making it a staple in many people’s wardrobes.
Occasions: Dark denim can be dressed up with a blazer and dress shoes for a smart-casual look or dressed down with a T-shirt and sneakers for a more relaxed style.
Seasonality: Dark denim is suitable for year-round wear and can transition well between seasons.
Make it Your Own
While there’s no one-size-fits-all for a professional wardrobe, there are pieces that can make your office-ready outfits easier to create. The very first step is to acquire the basics like your blazers and trousers. Remember that this can vary from person to person due to differing personal styles, dress codes, and work cultures. You may already even have some of these pieces! From there, you can add statement pieces, prints, and patterns that express your style. Take time, invest in your foundational pieces, and make them your own.
