Learning some essential fashion tips for men is a simple step you can take to elevate your appearance at the office.
As work environments become increasingly relaxed, their dress codes are also loosening at the seams. If you’re still relying on your go-to suit and tie combo, it might be time to look into the latest style tips for men.
The great thing about business casual style is that you have a lot of options. These basic guidelines will put you on the right track, but it’s up to you to discover new casual looks and implement them into your own personal style. After all, part of becoming a more fashionable man is keeping up with the trends, but also adapting them to be uniquely you.
Use the following tips to get started, but don’t be afraid to add your own personal flavor.
1. Keep It Simple and Timeless
The office isn’t a runway. Although many workplaces are more lax about dress codes, you still want to maintain an air of professionalism. Skip the bright colors, flashy patterns, and avant-garde cuts; instead opt for simple, timeless garments that will always be in style. When it comes to 5the fashion habits of highly stylish people, recognizing and avoiding fleeting trends is a must.
2. Look to Your Co-Workers for Guidance
Business casual attire can allow for more creative expression, but at the same time, it’s important that you don’t push the boundaries too much. Pay attention to your co-workers’ outfits to get a feel for what’s acceptable.
Are most of the other guys wearing blazers? You don’t want to be the only one looking out of place in your Aloha shirt. Don’t be afraid to flaunt your personal style, but at the same time, embrace fashion tips for men that align with the overall atmosphere. If you’re dressing for a job interview, play it safe, and keep your outfit on the more formal side.
3. Skip the Jeans
Although some workplaces are fine with jeans as part of a business casual ensemble, a pair of slacks, cords, or chinos just looks sharper. If you insist on rocking denim, avoid jeans with rips, overly baggy or slim cuts, and styles with any sort of flair (sorry embroidered pockets). Stick with a darker wash and a slim (not skinny) cut.
4. Stay Groomed and Hygienic
Few other style tips for men are as mandatory as this one. It doesn’t matter if you have the ultimate business casual wardrobe if you’re not looking crisp and clean. Keep your facial hair neatly trimmed, comb that bedhead away, shower daily, and always keep a spare stick of deodorant in your desk drawer — just in case.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid colognes and scented oils that could be offensive to those with sensitive noses. Always use high-quality grooming products. Not only will you look (and smell) your best, but you’ll start each day with a sense of confidence, and confidence is one of the most attractive fashion accessories out there.
5. Consider Your Footwear Carefully
One of the most crucial style tips for men is that your shoes can make or break your outfit. Sneakers are usually acceptable for business casual looks, but only the right ones. Leave your gym shoes at home, and wear streamlined, minimal sneakers. Better yet, skip the sneakers entirely, and wear any of the following business casual classics:
● Oxfords
● Brogues
● Loafers
● Derbies
● Chelsea Boots
● Dress Boots
6. Embrace Upscale Accessories
The office isn’t the best place to flaunt your over-sized gold chain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of class with some high-end fashion accessories. For example, there are plenty of men’s watch styles that are absolutely perfect for business casual settings.
Timepieces with a leather band are always a solid choice — if you prefer metal bracelets, just make sure the design isn’t too over-the-top. You don’t want a client paying more attention to your diamond-encrusted platinum watch than your presentation! It’s all about choosing the right watch for each occasion.
Besides a wristwatch, you could add some life to an otherwise basic outfit with cufflinks, ties, tie clips, pocket squares, and even a ring if it’s not too extravagant (just one ring, please).
As you’ve probably noticed, choosing items that look good without attracting too much attention is one of the most critical fashion tips for men. There’s nothing wrong with wearing attention-grabbing clothing when you’re off-the-clock, but at work, it’s always wise to take a more conservative approach to fashion.
7. Invest in a Quality Bag
If you’re lugging your work necessities around in a backpack, you’re doing it wrong. Similarly, if you’re still relying on that old briefcase you got in the ‘90s, it’s time for an upgrade. There are plenty of dapper tote bags out there that will ensure that you don’t get funny looks if you run into a co-worker on the train.
Although using stylish personal luggage isn’t the most important fashion tip for men, it’s just one piece of the puzzle that enhances your overall look and demeanor. Your goal is to build a comprehensive wardrobe where every single piece is solid. That’s how you feel confident and ready to make each and every day a success.
Pay Attention to Trends
Plenty of guys avoid style tips for men like the plague, often citing the “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” rule. The problem is that a lot of those men don’t realize that their look does, in fact, need a repair job! How you look can directly affect your success at work, so don’t overlook this important step in your career.
Invest in a solid wardrobe that won’t be out of fashion by next year, but also try to keep up with the latest rules for business casual. Becoming a more fashionable gentleman does take some effort and thought — at first. Eventually, you’ll find that dressing sharp becomes second nature. Follow these fashion tips for men to get started on the right path. Only when you know the rules can you start breaking them.