Career women may lament that male contemporaries have it easy—all they have to do is throw on a clean pair of trousers, a shirt, and some leather shoes, and they’re dressed for the day. While this may be true, men can also use an upgrade in their office attire if they want to advance in their career.
As previously reported by Jobs & Hire, 65 percent of bosses say that work attire could be the deciding factor between two candidates who are both vying for a promotion. The good news is, many working men who work in a business casual environment already have the key pieces that they need in their wardrobe to look good—all that’s needed are a few extras and some accessories to upgrade their office style this year.
For a versatile and classic business casual wardrobe, here are the things that every working gentleman needs in his arsenal.
Slim cut trousers
The baggy look is over. Opt for slim cut trousers without any pleats. A pair of dressed-up khakis with a flat front and a crisp crease down the front is very versatile, and Guess makes a pair for only $50. You can also have slim cut trousers in dark colors, such as black, grey, and navy. For Fridays, a pair of dark denim pants that look as professional as a pair of dress pants is key to a cool yet polished look.
Button down shirts
You probably have one in white, but now is the time to check out shirts in other colors. You could also wear button down shirts with a small checkered pattern in a neutral color. Choose shirts with a slim but not constricting fit. Check out Brooks Brothers and Polo Ralph Lauren for dress shirts.
V-neck sweater
Select a thin-knit sweater that you can layer over a dress shirt. Opt for dark and solid colors so you can pair it with anything. Check out Old Navy and Banana Republic to find inexpensive yet well-made sweaters.
Fitted blazer
Choose a navy or charcoal blazer with a slim cut and high armholes. Wear it with slim cut trousers, a dress shirt, and leather shoes for a classic look. Tommy Hilfiger and Zara make great blazers for the modern man.
Belt
Pick two leather belts—one in black, and another in brown. Get another one for your casual Friday look, such as a belt in canvas or braided leather.
Watch
Every man should have a nice watch for work. Opt for a good quality watch that will look good but won’t intimidate your boss, such pieces from Nixon, Kenneth Cole, or DKNY.
Work Bag
Don’t carry a briefcase to the office. Look for a satchel or a nice messenger-style bag to hold your laptop and essentials. Tumi makes bags, as well as Jack Spade and Herschel.
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