Can dressing well make you more money? Yes! But it’s more than just about looking good. It’s more of a strategic move that affects how people perceive, trust, and pay you.
Unfortunately, many men don’t know how to dress well for work. They may know how to dress for going out on a date, dinner, or a party, but wearing work clothes has different rules. To get a better job or give you more opportunities in the professional world, this video will cover the dos and don’ts of dressing while at work.
Key takeaways are that you do not want to show too much skin, wear more subdued and subtle patterns, wear subdued colors, dress well, and ensure your clothing fits. Always dress one step above what you think you should. You not only want to make more money but also have more opportunities. People who dress well are more respected.
Do not wear these in a professional environment.
- Event, bar, or party attire. Do not wear what you wear for a night out when dressing for work. If you wear a button-up to work, do not unbutton three buttons. Don’t show skin, so two max.
- Cheap accessories. Regarding jewelry, remove earrings and do not wear bracelets or extra rings. Sure, wear your wedding band and a watch, but other accessories can make you look cheap or that you’re trying too hard. I also recommend not wearing gold. As a caveat, if you’re in a high-end profession, you could wear real gold, but if you’re a regular man working a regular job or holding an office position, avoid gold. Wearing fake gold is noticeable and a bit distracting.
- Peak lapels. Do not wear a suit with peak lapels to work. A peak lapel is a stylish option if you’re going to a party or an event. But for work, go subtle and subdued with a standard notch lapel. It’s more universally accepted and more effortless to dress down or up. The peak lapel is more stylized and elevated. Also, do not get any suits with super thin lapels.
- Big, bold patterns. When you’re going to work, do not overdo super funky patterns. Suits with a substantial pattern can only be worn a few times before somebody realizes you’re wearing the same pattern. Opt for a solid navy or charcoal suit, the most versatile.
- Double-breasted suits look great for parties or events and can be worn underneath a simple T-shirt, turtleneck, or crisp shirt. However, double-breasted suits should be avoided for work.
- All black. I love wearing monochromatic clothing because it looks sexy, but it’s too dramatic for work, a job interview, meeting clients, or a business lunch. Have more contrast in your outfit; navy blue or charcoal gray are amazing.
- Cheap suits. Suitsupply makes the best options and will give you the best bang for your style buck. They’re high quality and look great. Also, invest in tailoring.
- Flashy or too casual shoes. Shoes are dependent on your job. That said, professional work outfits should have nice clothing coordinated with appropriate shoes — nothing over the top. Boat shoes are a terrible option, and shoes with a leather upper but athletic bottom are dorky and unstylish. Do not wear sneakers; upgrade to a proper leather pair of shoes. Regarding leather shoes, a cap toe is a little bit more stylized. A leather loafer with a tassel or metal buckle is recommended when wearing casual chinos. A double monk strap shoe is appropriate for many corporate jobs, but it’s a bit more stylized and looks great with suits and slacks. They can even look great with chinos and jeans, but ensure that your monk strap shoes are higher quality and not cheap. Your shoes should coordinate with a level of dress (for example, don’t wear high-shine shoes with casual chinos). Always err on nicer shoes instead of more casual ones. Concerning boots, do not wear lace-up or casual boots to work. If you must wear them to work, wear a stylish pair that will protect your feet. Also, suede desert boots or chukkas are not recommended professionally because they’re too casual and look best with denim. Appropriate boots are Chelsea boots because they’re a bit higher and have a more elevated aesthetic. In other words, make sure your boots look like you’re wearing dress shoes. They need to be clean and not have a thick lug sole.
- Ugly polo shirts. Avoid casual striped polo shirts regardless of the job. Striped polos that have the logos also suck. Collars & Co makes the best options for professional outfits, which work well underneath sports coats and suits. They also work well under sweaters or look great by themselves. They have an elevated aesthetic and higher-quality fabric. The collars are not floppy, either.
- Denim. Don’t wear jeans to work. However, if it’s Casual Friday and jeans are appropriate, dress them up by wearing darker and pairing them with nice loafers or a double monk. Do not dress like a slob on Casual Fridays. Wear something more casual but look sexy by wearing jeans that fit (not baggy or skin-tight) and are nondistressed.
- Pleated and cuffed chinos. Chinos are comfortable cotton pants with a few different options. A flat front is a more aesthetic option (no pleats). Avoid cuffed pants 100% because you’ll appear shorter with the cuffs breaking the visual streamline. Get your pants tailored as well. Look for high-end chinos for work, such as from Theory, rather than the more casual options from The GAP and Banana Republic. If you are wearing slacks, check out Suitsupply. Slacks should not be over the top with patterns.
- Wide wale corduroys. The ribs of the corduroy are called wale and, in the work world, should be low, subtle, and subdued — almost like velvet. They work in the business casual environment rather than the thicker, chunkier (wide wale) corduroy. Make sure you go flat front and choose navy blue, medium blue, or black. You could also go for tan, brown, or olive. Reds, maroons, pinks, light blues, and yellows must be avoided.
- Streetwear. Do not wear shorts to work, even if it’s hot outside. Do not wear graphic t-shirts or hoodies. Do not wear anything stained, wrinkled, or baggy either. Choose slim-fit and tailored clothing, but not too fitted, tight, or ripped (it looks like you’re trying too hard). Button-up shirts have to be tucked in. Also, wear a belt coordinated with your shoes in the professional environment, as it will finish the outfit. Make sure the belt is not beaten up.
- Stinky. Wear a fragrance, but not too much. Three squirts, and that’s it. Wear deodorant and freshen up if you go to the gym before or during work hours. Make sure you smell good but not overpowering. Offices can be close quarters, and meetings can be, too, so you don’t want to stink. I recommend REBEL by Pete & Pedro ($50), inspired by Creed Aventis ($400).
- Bulky sweaters. Big and bulky sweaters don’t work well in a professional environment. Lighter-weight sweaters work incredibly well in the professional environment, adding interest and texture to an outfit when layered. Cardigans and crewneck sweaters look great. Avoid stripes and patterns. Choose solids, although a more minimal pattern may be an option.
