Business Casual Men: Office Attire
“Snap backs and tattoos? How about good jobs and nice suits?” Gosh, I love a good Tumblr cliché. Today’s fashion post is geared toward the men of the office. Men have been blessed with the ability to take any outfit and make it business casual just by changing a pair of shoes or adding a sport coat. Really, the possibilities are endless.
Let’s take a look at tribe member and Assistant Account Executive Marc Katz’s office style. He manages to infuse hipster chic (yes, he has a beard – and my words not his) with a business professional, street style. Bet you didn’t even know that was possible.
“I don’t dress up too much,” Marc said. “Button downs are cool, but I’d rather do a t-shirt. They’re my thing.”
Office Attire for Men: 5 Easy Steps for Improvement
Although there is nothing wrong with the classic black trouser, white button down and tie combo, it is not something that will make you stand out from the crowd. Show of hands, how many men actually enjoy wearing ties? Not many, I assume. You can still be yourself while impressing the boss with these five easy steps.
1) Find out what your “thing” is. Whether it’s rolled up denim with a red loafer or wooden-bead necklaces, just make sure to wear it with confidence and you can’t go wrong. A word of caution, if a beard is your thing, always keep it trim and clean. No client or coworker wants to talk to someone when they have breakfast stuck in their facial hair. Marc rocks a great beard, but not once have we had to ask him to clean it up.
2) Remember, real men wear pink, or purple, or polka dots. A simple t-shirt, pair of dark jeans, some good shoe, and you’re set to take on the world. If you’re like Marc and enjoy a no mess outfit, but still need to look fresh for the office, pair a grey t-shirt with an army or fatigue jacket. You get the same effect as a suit jacket, but a much more modern, casual and comfortable.
3) Pants maketh man. OK, so technically the saying is “manners maketh man,” but you get the picture. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting pair of jeans, trousers, etc. Gentlemen, no one wants to see your boxers. Marc rocks a well-fitted pair of jeans; due to the dark color they are dressy and can easily be worn out after work.
4) Shoes are just as important to men as they are to women. They can make or break an outfit, but I’m going to have to disagree with the “Kingsman” and say Brogues not Oxfords. Don’t be afraid to be daring with your footwear. Our CEO wears Jordans, while Marc wears everything from loafers to Adidas Boosts. If you really want to impress, match your laces, socks, and shirt together. After all, it’s the little details that make the difference.
5) Realize that you can make any outfit business ready just by adding a jacket and a good shoe. Don’t break any major rules, but at the same time don’t be afraid of being a trendsetter. If some coworkers see you dressed modern-business then maybe that will give them the confidence they need to try something new.
Hopefully this small list of easy steps will help you reclaim your office attire fashion sense from corporate America and move you into the twenty first century. Be brave gentlemen; go out and buy that feminine looking shirt. You deserve it.
