It’s a workplace not a play boy mansion or a party so the next time you are dressed for work,take a proper look at yourself in a mirror, if possible. Ask yourself this question, “Am I properly dressed considering the business environment I work in?” You must dress business formal and appropriately if you work with customers in a professional setting, such as a bank, an insurance company or office.
Business formal usually means wearing a suit, tie, dress slacks, and dress shoes. Wear clothes that fit. Clothes that are too tight will be too uncomfortable to work in. Clothes that are too loose will look sloppy and unprofessional. Have a tailor take your exact measurements and suggest specific clothing for you. Though you may not actually purchase those items, you will have an accurate view of your measurements when you purchase clothing when the time comes. Wear a white or colored button-up, long-sleeve, collared shirt. Always tuck your shirt into your dress slacks.
Pastel shirts are optimal as they are not too bright or dark. Wear either a solid colored shirt or one with subtle stripes. Avoid loud colors such as bright yellow, orange, and certain shades of red.
Dress shirts come in various sizes that take into account a man’s height and build. If you are more muscular, opt for an athletic size. If you are lanky, try the slim fit size. If you are bulky, buy a broad fit size. Again, the emphasis is on snugness, not standard size alone. Wear a tie that matches your shirt, pants, or both. Be sure that the color you select is conservative, meaning that it is not too distracting or too attention-grabbing.
Ties with simple designs or solid colors are the best choice. Avoid ties that are brightly colored or with overly elaborate designs. This can be distracting and off-putting to some. Do not tie your tie too short. Have the bottom corners of your tie just above the top of your belt. This is the common tie length. Don’t worry about using fancy or special knots. Knots generally only affect the length and width of your tie. Any knot will do in a business formal setting. Wear dress slacks with conservative colors. This includes black, grey, or navy blue.
Pants cuts typically come in traditional cut, straight leg cut, or slim fit cut.
Traditional cut pants are roomier around the thighs, tapering throughout the leg to the hem-line. Wear pants tightly around your waist,above your hips.
Do not sag dress pants as this looks very unprofessional. Be sure that your pants are properly hemmed. Pants that touch the floor when you walk are either the wrong size or improperly hemmed. Dress pants that rise past your ankles when you sit are properly hemmed. Do not wear khaki or corduroy pants, as these pants are business casual.
Wear a blazer that matches the color of your slacks. Again, opt for conservative colors.
Having a tailored suit coat or blazer is preferred, although it is not as necessary as pants and shirts. Having a slightly bulkier or less form-fitting jacket is acceptable. Some workplaces do not require you to wear a blazer or full suit. If you are uncertain, opt for a two-piece matched suit as this is the safest and most professional-looking choice.
Wear dress shoes, either black or cordovan (brown leather). Polish them every few weeks and try to keep them looking shiny.
To help reduce creases and wrinkles, buy a shoe tree to place in each shoe whenever they are not being worn. Remember to store your shoes in their original box when not in use. Always wear dark socks with your shoes. Never wear athletic white socks with traditional business attire. Don’t look like a gangster,look handsome,modest and incredibly professional!
