Get ready for your dream job: wardrobe staples for men
How you turn out for your interview or work says a lot about your personality. An experienced recruiter will be able to assess your attention to detail just by looking at your sense of dressing and presentation. Contrary to popular myth, good dressing sense is not about buying expensive clothes or flaunting premium brands. It is about investing wisely in clothes that reflect your commitment to your profession, respect for workplace ethics and camaraderie with colleagues.
The golden rule for developing a professional wardrobe is simple — follow your company’s dressing code. However, even if your HR team hasn’t put a specific dress code in place, there are a few wardrobe staples that every man should get to look professionally sharp at the workplace.
- Denim trouser and denim shirt
Many companies allow their employees to ditch the formal suit on “casual Fridays” or “sleepy Saturdays”. It doesn’t mean that you can turn up at work in your old t-shirt, gym pants or short shorts. You want to keep it classy casual by teaming up your denim pants with either a contrasting denim shirt or simple polo shirt. You will be surprised by the number of possibilities that these denim pieces will offer. - Classic white shirt — Who has ever gone wrong with a classic white shirt in cotton? A white cotton shirt is an essential element in your formal suit-tie attire. Be it an important meeting, presentation or interview, a white shirt will win points for you in any part of the world.
- Oxford shoes
Most people have a pair of black Oxford shoes, or Balmorals, in their work wardrobe. These shoes require some amount of regular maintenance and polishing, but they last easily for at least 2–3 years. Usually, they are made or leather, but are also available in suede, canvas and faux leather. A pair of tan Balmorals would also be an exciting addition to your collection. You can team them up with a lot of formal and semi-formal clothes. - Black formal suit
Renowned American menswear designer has famously said, “a black suit can be classic and timeless and certainly for most occasions. But remember, it’s not so much the colour of the suit as it is about the fit, cut, style, and, of course, attitude you have when wearing it.” Charcoal suits and navy suits follow the same league of classics. - Accessories
You have a black suit, white shirt and black Balmorals, but it still looks incomplete. Why? Because you are missing accessories that will go with your outfit. By accessories, we mean black belt, watch, maybe a tie in a flattering colour, tie pins and a couple of cufflinks — all listed in order of priority.
