What to wear?
Young man, don’t fret about what to wear to that new job – your first job ever. If you’ve landed the gig and walked through the company’s office you’re 90% of the way to dressing well for your first job. (If that doesn’t have you sold, peep the below for free advice.)
Camouflage is a good idea when you enter unchartered territory – well, not only the fatigues kind – so do your best to blend in. This should be easy enough given what you already know about the company and its culture, and how its employees dress. Trust us, showing up dressed like your boss on your first day, or wearing any sort of cookie cutter get-up, likely won’t go down well. At the same time, we’re not going to lead you astray with insipid bargain bin slogans like ‘be yourself’ because some of you might feel emboldened enough to show up in sweatpants and a hoodie.
“Trust us, showing up dressed like your boss on your first day, or wearing any sort of cookie cutter get-up, likely won’t go down well”
Let’s start at the very beginning – your shirt. Yes, you need a shirt. You’re a big boy now. Preferably a button-down with a collar for the non-corporate types who don’t do well with a tied top button. If you haven’t already begun, start stocking up on well-fitting dress shirts made from cotton. Stripes are good to go this season, and banker stripes are especially hot property at the moment. Plus they’re slimming, so do give them a go. Other than that, keep it neutral and timeless. Don’t bother with overly bright and intricately patterned shirts because they wear quickly, and damnit, Kyle, if you didn’t keep burning a hole through your pocket buying new shirts and avocado toast you could have paid down two mortgages by now.
Next up are trousers. Slim cut pants are universally flattering, although the pendulum has begun swinging the other way, so if you’d like more leg room get a pair of straight or wide leg trousers. Chinos are a great go-to because you can literally walk out of the office on a Friday wearing a pair, head out with friends and then head off to a brunch run in them the next morning (disclaimer: we strongly advise a change of clothes and a quick shower before brunch).
On your feet: socks. Clean socks. Matching socks. Next.
And then shoes! It’s a small wonder an outfit can quickly go south when the wrong pair of shoes is involved. Wrong pairs abound – trust us on that, too. For starters you need something structured. A dress shoe ought to have a classic shape to it and not spread out at the forefoot like a botched soufflé. It should also have a sturdy sole that will help keep your feet comfortable all day long.
A few more tips: keep the palette dark and classic, and make sure your shoes aren’t too flashy. Sure, show off your personal style by all means, but keep in mind the office culture and what’s considered permissible. With time you can rework your greatest hits as far as company policy allows. If you still not sure what to wear for your first day at your new job, then maybe have a look here at what are the fashion trends for men this year.
