Men at work: The definitive guide to dressing for success

By Yatan Ahluwalia The way you look at office is not merely a matter of fashion or style. What you wear can underline or undermine your image. In the modern workplace, the key words of success are professionalism, competence and confidence. Here are five elements that you must have in your wardrobe to project the right image: One, business shirts: You need a sufficient number of shirts; a minimum of one every day from Monday to Friday. They should include a mix of plain ones (blue, grey, beige or pastels) and some prints (subtle tone-on-tone checks and simple pinstripes) for variety. [caption id=“attachment_46902” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Some shirts come with contrasting collars – which is fine and acceptable. Image courtesy Yatan Ahluwalia”]  [/caption] Based on the season and what you wear with them, your shirts could be full- or half-sleeved with an assortment of cuffs and collars so they look distinctly different. Some shirts come with contrasting collars – which is fine and acceptable, provided of course the two different colours work together: cold with cold and warm with warm. You need at least one classic, dressy and well-tailored white shirt – which you can wear under a jacket or even on its own. Always pick shirts in crease free fabrics so you don’t have to worry about unwanted stress or fold lines when you wear or store them. Jazz them up: Plain or formal shirts can be dressed with a pair of small, but eye-catching cufflinks. The cufflinks could be square or rectangular and preferably in silver or chrome instead of gold. Styles studded with precious stones are best kept for a night out and should never be worn to the office. Two, formal suits: While there is no limit on the amount of suits you can have, it is important to have a minimum of at least two good suits — one each for the day (casual) and evening (formal). It also helps to have a suit each in a light (beige or grey) and dark (navy, chocolate or black) colour. If you live in a place, which has distinct seasons or travel to places where seasons drastically or frequently change, then owning a summer and winter suit is especially useful. Your jacket may be a single, two or three button, but the trousers should ideally always be pleat less, flat fronts – these will give you a better fit and silhouette. Suit savers: Short or Phantom-like long overcoats are recommended for off site meetings, long and short business trips. Three, ties: Your suits will look different each time if you cleverly— yet aesthetically— mix and match the shirts and ties you wear with them. I therefore strongly recommend a heady mix of ties – from the slim to the slightly broader styles. Your ties could be plain, printed, textured or embellished. When in doubt about the kind of print to wear, keep in mind small prints, self-design and subtle patterns are always a safe bet for the office. Based on the day’s work schedule, your mood and your personality, feel free to blend, match or contrast the ties you pick to wear with your business suits. Ensure the tie stays neatly in place and that the knot stays resting on and covering the (first) collar button. For more tips continue reading Looking chic: For a modern minimalist look, you can go tone on tone i.e. match your tie with the shirt and suit. Four, shoes: Your work wardrobe is incomplete without a pair of standard black or brown office shoes. The shoes you wear should match the dominant colours of clothes you wear to the office. Cream, beige or tan, require brown shoes. Greys and blues pair well with black. [caption id=“attachment_46905” align=“alignright” width=“380” caption=“Shoes and belts. Image courtesy Yatan Ahluwalia.”]  [/caption] Rather than choosing shoes for their snob value, choose a brand this is durable, gives value for money and is high on comfort. Schoolboy style oxfords are timeless and will always work. Having said that, never wear pointed or lace-less styles to the office, as they just don’t make the cut. Avoid wearing cloth, canvas and sports shoes to the office – even if you think they make a strong statement. Inside out: Like your footwear, your socks should match your trousers – so a pair each of (plain or printed) brown, black, white, grey and navy blue cotton socks are recommended. Five, belts: A dual sided belt (black and brown on either side) is essential to match your shoes and hold your trousers in place. Choose slim tapered belts with simple ‘fuss–free’ buckles that are easy to fasten and undo as and when needed. Make sure your shirt does not fall over the belt, or cover any part of it – the pleats of your shirt should always be tucked neatly under the waistband of your trousers and under the belt. You may choose between a matt or gloss finish, though as a general rule your belt should always match the colour, look and feel of the other leather accessories that you are wearing or carrying on you – this includes the wallet, carry bag and footwear. Strap on: Check the calendar: it’s 2011 not 1945. Don’t waste your money on suspenders and then wearing them to the office – unless of course you prefer the very staid and somewhat conventional ‘old school’ work look. The complete style guide [fpgallery id=111] Now that the basics are out of the way, here are five extra tips to keep in mind: **1.**Never ape the boss: Refrain from wearing the brands, cuts, prints or colours that that your boss, mentor or colleague wears to work. Its best to create your own unique style at work. [caption id=“attachment_46900” align=“alignleft” width=“180” caption=“Never ape your boss. Yatan Ahluwalia”]  [/caption] 2. Never match the office décor: You need to stand out in the crowd – never match or ‘blend in’ your clothes and accessories to the office interiors or company logo (unless of course, you have been specifically asked to do so). 3. Dress according to the day of the week: Start the week on a bright note – it will do wonders to lift your spirits. Sober down gradually during the week and dress down as the weekend approaches. If you work Saturdays and if protocol allows it, you can dress casual to end the week. 4. Less is more when it comes to accessories: Choose accessories that are simple and practical – a subtle watch and a slim fit all carry bag. Avoid public display of religious icons, threads, bracelets and rings — let people judge you by your work and not on the basis of your beliefs or religion. 5. Groom yourself to perfection: Ensure you always smell good and your skin, hair and nails look healthy and well maintained. Maintain a good posture, walk smartly, speak well and polish your conversational skills. The author is a fashion and image consultant and Director, Y &E Style Media Pvt. Ltd – India’s leading styling & corporate grooming company.