Our fashion choices are not only a reflection of our personal style but are also a product of the world we live in. Concepts like versatility, multi-functionality and being trans-seasonal are becoming increasingly important to both fashion and society in general as we become more aware of our environment and the impact our choices have on it.
The idea of having separate wardrobes for our work and personal lives is becoming increasingly outdated. Many companies are relaxing their dress codes meaning, for a great many of us, the suit and tie is no longer an everyday must. But before you get any ideas about board shorts and flip-flops to the office, let’s remember that while the suit and tie might no longer be a necessity, looking professional still is.
If you’re looking for hard and fast rules on how to look professional after abandoning the suit, I’m afraid to tell you that there aren’t actually any. It really all comes down to style, and style is subjective. But while we may have thrown out the rule book there are some guidelines we can follow, a framework if you like, on how to build a look that is office appropriate from clothes that are also weekend ready.
1. Wear a jacket
If you’re a fan of the blazer or tailored suit jackets, there’s no need to abandon them just because your company’s dress code has relaxed a little. This could be the ideal opportunity to try one in a print or colour you wouldn’t ordinarily choose. Perhaps swop out your sombre black jacket for one in a rich blue or be bang on trend and try one in a check.
If you’d rather stay clear of blazers or jackets of the like, cotton or twill bombers, truckers or coach jackets make a really great alternative. The jackets best suited to being both office and weekend appropriate would be ones with minimal embellishments. You could also abandon the jacket entirely and choose some knitwear in its stead. For a modern update try some knitwear with zip closures instead of buttons.
2. Don a collar
A good white shirt can be the styling cornerstone for many a great look, it works equally well with trousers, jeans and even shorts (of the tailored variety). White, or plain coloured, shirts are not your only option though as a great variety of printed shirts can work just as well. Even plaids, more generally associated with lumberjacks, indie rockers and guys with perfectly groomed beards in coffee shops, can have their moment in the sun and be elevated to professional attire. If your plaid shirt has some black in it, try pairing it with a skinny black tie (emphasis on the skinny).
If you’d really rather ditch the shirt altogether, try some crew or polo-neck knitwear as a simple yet stylish and elegant alternative.
3. Chinos are an option, but not your only one
Chinos have long been the go-to option for many men’s work wardrobes, and for good reason. If cut correctly they can be smart but not necessarily formal and casual but not slouchy. And if you find a fit that works for you, chances are it comes in a few colours. The cut and fit are vitally important if you want your chinos to take you from sunrise to sunset though, pleat front chinos generally have a more formal feel to them and could look out of place in a more casual setting while a too wide or baggy cut could look just a bit too nineties skater kid for the office.
But like I said, chinos are not your only option. If your workplace is more casual or relaxed then black or dark wash jeans are a great option. Try to steer clear of ripped or distressed denims though, as a general rule it’s probably best to keep your thighs covered in the office. Also look out for trousers with a contrast tuxedo stripe, these are a great new trend which perfectly blend casual and more formal menswear elements. Corduroy trousers in more modern cuts and fits are also making their presence felt this winter. While they might be a little more seasonal than some other cotton or twill options, you’ll definitely find them rather useful during the chillier winter months.
4. Step confidently
There are a great many boot and shoe options available that perfectly bridge the gap between casual and formal attire. Chelsea boots are a perennial fashion favourite but if you prefer laced options look out for derby, oxford or brogue options in textured leather or suede-like finishes. Slightly thicker rubber soles also give more formal footwear styles an updated more youthful feel.
5. The finishing touches bind a look together
The importance of accessories can sometimes be overlooked when choosing a look and yet they are the finishing touches that bind any look together. A great trouser and shoe combination could look all wrong together if paired with the wrong pair of socks.
While socks are relatively inexpensive items that are easily interchangeable, a good watch is an investment piece that could last a great many years. When choosing a watch it’s probably best to choose one that absolutely speaks to you and your personality as opposed to one that’s on trend right now or the flashiest. A watch that really matches your personality and personal style is more likely to suit just about any look you can pull from your wardrobe than one that was chosen purely because it was the right brand or sparkled the brightest.
