By Carly Rae
When it comes to casual business attire, you may find yourself getting bored with your outfit ideas, or you may feel like your style is outdated. Here are some great tips and tricks to take your business casual wardrobe to the next level.
What to Remember
First off, there are a few things you need to remember. You need to always consider the occasion you are dressing for; you need always to remember who and what you are representing, and you always have to be confident.
Dress for the Occasion
Even if dressing casually, you should always keep the occasion in mind. Are you attending a work event or a client meeting, or is it just another day at the office? From your shirt to your selection of men’s shoes, dress appropriately for where and what you will be doing.
Don’t Forget Who & What You Represent
Next, remember who you are representing when you are at the office or meeting with clients. Maybe your slightly gory Death Metal t-shirt is acceptable on office days, but some clients may not appreciate it.
Be Confident
Finally, remember to be confident. This is especially true if you are changing your wardrobe; clothes look their best when worn confidently; therefore, only get clothes you will feel super-confident wearing.
Stock Up on Basics
Firstly, you need to stock up on basics. Neutral-coloured t-shirts, shirts, and pants are the basis of any outfit. These are the items you can use to create outfits, as well as the ones that are used as a backdrop for more colourful pieces and extravagant items.
A capsule wardrobe is the best way to get the basics you need, as you should start with a couple of white, grey, and black T-shirts, as well as a pair of black and brown pants.
Have Focal Pieces
Another way to instantly upgrade your wardrobe is to purchase a few focal or statement business casual pieces. This can be a pair of designer shoes, a high-fashion coat or shirt, or something similar.
Focal pieces are useful as they can instantly add a new dimension to any outfit without changing all the clothes you are wearing. You are simply wearing your typical outfits and clothing but with something extra.
Add Colour
Another mistake that so many men make is that they get stuck in the “corporate colour palette”. While there is nothing wrong with wearing different shades of khaki, brown, and blue, there is also nothing wrong with experimenting with colour.
Add a colourful shirt, pair of socks, or accessory to your outfit to add a new layer of dimension and a new feel to an outfit. You can also use the colour wheel to see which colours do and don’t work together.
Quality > Quantity
Don’t settle for low-quality clothing, no matter what you are shopping for or what item you are looking to get. While they may be more affordable, one big problem with them is longevity.
This is a two-part problem, as cheaper clothes get damaged much sooner than higher-quality clothing, and they begin to look older much sooner, too.
Layering
Far too many men choose the simple route and just throw on a sweater when it gets cold. However, there is a far more stylish method you can use: layering. Instead of throwing on a sweater, why not wear a vest and jacket?
Layering adds more dimension to a look and also gives you multiple outfit ideas, as you can add or remove items whenever you want to.
Shoes
Shoes are an area where you can experiment as much or as little as you want, as long as you have a few of the staples. Every man should have at least one pair of dress shoes, a pair of Chelsea boots or regular boots like Dr. Martens, and a pair of incredibly versatile sneakers.
The great thing about shoes is that they don’t have to always match the outfit you are wearing. If you are wearing a sleek, all-black outfit, a pair of bright and colourful sneakers is the best way to add that extra touch to your look.
When it comes to sneakers, always ensure you have a casual and a more formal pair. Some sneakers are better suited to more formal events than others, while others look more casual; ensure you have a pair of each.
Business Casual Accessories
Finally, arguably, the easiest way to spice up an outfit is to add a few accessories. You can add a bag or backpack, a fresh belt, jewelry, sunglasses, a hat, whatever it may be. An accessory is the cherry on top of the cake, and you can add almost anything you like.
As you can see, levelling up your outfit isn’t as hard as you may think, and with additional items and a bit of trial and error, you will be the best dressed in your office in no time.
