Men, take note: building a professional wardrobe is not a task that you can accomplish over a weekend. Choosing clothes that will suit you and your workplace is a time- and resource-intensive activity. Plus, you need to have a good understanding of your style and what you want so you can pick complementing pieces that will help you achieve the look you are going for. This requires a lot of trial-and-error, and often, a bit of good advice from friends who have taken the time and effort to develop their own sense of style.
If you’re having second thoughts about picking out big pieces, though, you can always start small. Remember that aside from clothes that fit the office dress code, a professional wardrobe must also have a selection of accessories. Wearing these small items will not only complete your office outfit, it will also give you a chance to let your personality shine through despite wearing something similar to a uniform. Besides, shopping for smaller items can give you a good idea of what you might want to have for your bigger purchases. Here’s a list of accessories and items that definitely deserve their own space in a professional wardrobe:
Slim Wallet. There is a good number of reasons why a chunky wallet should be replaced with a slim one. First, slim wallets are just better for the back. Sitting down with a chunky wallet on your back pocket is a bad idea, as it exerts additional pressure on your lower back and can lead to a painful condition called sciatica. You don’t have to worry about this if you use slim wallets. Also, these wallets can fit in almost any pocket, are more presentable and easier to organize, and don’t ruin the silhouette of your pants.
Watches. A popular and practical accessory in the workplace, watches can complement professional and casual outfits. There are plenty of options on the market, so you can start your own collection or choose a model that fits your style, budget, and purpose. A clean, streamlined design is a great option for everyday wear, while flashier ones are best suited for a weekend or evening event.
Dress Socks. Your socks may not be visible half of the time, but they can make or break your outfit. Don’t make the mistake of wearing white socks; instead, go for sleek dress socks in colors that will go well with your clothes. In addition to looking great, a pair of Burlix standing over-the-calf socks can provide your feet added cushioning and support should you need to sit or stand for long periods. If you don’t have a particular style in mind, dress socks in solid colors and classic patterns are a safe option.
Dress Belts. The right dress belt will complete your attire without attracting too much attention to itself. Dress belts are usually made of full grain leather and are around 1.5 inches in width. They come in black and brown and are matched with the color of the shoes that you are wearing for the day or night.
Ties. A professional wardrobe should include several neckties of good quality. Neckties come in all sizes and proportions, but the one you choose should match the frame of your body. A quality necktie should be made of good silk, cashmere, or cotton and should have a bar tack or stitch at the back. You can start with solid colors, then expand your collection to include patterned and colorful ties as you go along.
Cufflinks. An alternative to buttons, cufflinks refer to a type of jewelry that is specifically designed to keep the cuffs of dress shirts in position. These are used to complete suit-and-tie ensembles for formal or semiformal affairs. Small and subtle as their effect may be, cufflinks give off the impression that a person is dressed to impress. For everyday wear, metal cufflinks are a good option. If you want to add an accent to a basic suit, you can choose to go with more ornate designs and materials.
Dopp Kit. A dopp kit refers to a simple pouch that’s specifically used to carry toiletries and grooming supplies. The bag usually has a rectangular silhouette and a small loop that serves as a handle on one side, though it also comes in other forms. Your dopp kit should have enough space for a collapsible toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, a comb, lip balm, and other essential toiletries that you might need while at work or over a long weekend.
Shopping for small items for your wardrobe should help you get an idea of what your needs and preferences are when it comes to looking professional. It should also give you a bit of confidence in purchasing bigger items that will make up your office ensemble. Take your time in evaluating your options, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from a friend with an eye for detail.
