Office Clothing Tips for Men

culled from:http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com




Whether you're fashion phobic or just need some useful advice for getting your professional wardrobe in order, a few office clothing tips for men never go amiss. It's always good to have some information at the ready in case you're headed off to a job interview, an important meeting or just want to make a good impression at the office.

The Basics

When shopping for your work wardrobe, bear in mind that everything depends on the dress code. Is it casual, formal, or somewhere in between? Based on this information, you'll be able to narrow down your choices to a few key pieces. In general, office wear usually falls on the formal end of the spectrum, if not completely dressy then at least polished and crisp. At a bare minimum, clothes should be pressed, ties should (generally) be worn, and shoes should be squeaky clean.

Office Essentials

Given that professional wardrobes vary from office to office, there are still a few key pieces that tend to define the traditional work wardrobe. Here are the office clothing essentials you should own:

• Suits, it goes without saying, are a must, whether or not you work in an office. They'll come in handy on many different occasions throughout your adult life, so it's good to have at least one or two crisp, single-breasted suits on hand. Look for styles with two buttons, and opt for colors that are classic - black is inherently timeless, while gray and navy also complete work wardrobes nicely.

• Blazers, or at least one blazer, is good to own, even if you already have a couple of suits. You might need something different to pair with your khaki pants or a different colored dress shirt, so it presents you with extra options. As always, neutrals are the way to go, and avoid ostentatious fabrics (no velvet, please) that aren't suited to professional environments.

• Pants are a necessary part of the equation, even if you own a couple of suits. Use these to mix and match with various blazers and dress shirts. Opt for a couple of dark pairs - black or charcoal are great - and at least a pair of khakis for spring and summer wear.

• Shirts are equally essential. You'll need one to wear with your suit, of course, but a basic dress shirt (or two) works in myriad other situations, too. Again, opt for neutrals - you can never go wrong with white or light blue. Faint pinstripes are also acceptable if you opt for a print.

• Sweaters become your best friends as soon as the weather cools down. Vests aren't bulky, so they fit well beneath a suit jacket; look for neutral or dark shades that suit professional environments. You can usually get away with, say, a hunter green sweater and a gray suit (both stylistically and professionally speaking). In more casual environments, long-sleeve pullover sweaters are great options, but steer clear of prints and bright colors.