With summer around the corner, I started thinking about some really nice, put-together looks for the corporate man. There are two ways to approach this. First, you can take the monochromatic approach with neutral, basic tones such as black, white, grey etc. This is the safer option if you work in a very conservative environment. The second option is brightening up your look with pops of colour. I realize black is key in the corporate world, but that doesn't stop you from adding some colour.
For a young, modern man in a conservative place of business it is often tricky to look stylish and fashionable without raising eyebrows among the more traditional (i.e.older) partners and directors. I have been dealing with this since I entered the working world. In fact just last Friday, my director told me that casual Fridays are reserved for jeans and company-branded t-shirts. If I don't, then I have to be formal. What a bummer... Anyway, there is a fine line between fitting in (as you need to) and subtly standing out (as you want to).
Here are 4 tips to help you figure out your work style. Numbers 1 and 2 are pretty "safe" while 3 and 4 push the traditional boundaries a little bit more, mainly in terms of colour and design/pattern.
1. Stick to the basics.
If you are unsure about just how much colour to use, keep it simple with your basic blacks, whites and neutrals. Light colours work well together...
...so do light and dark colours...
and dark colours on their own.
2. Take your shirt to another level.
Make a statement with your shirt (or tie - see #3).
In the following 2 examples, we have the pop of colour on the bottom and the neutral basic colour on the top.
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A bit more on the casual, street style but with a change of shoes and rolled down pants,
this could work for the office, too. |
3. Go big and bold with your shirt and tie combo.
4. Take things even further with a killer shirt, tie and blazer trio.
If you absolutely have to wear a blazer, deviate from your traditional black suits and invest in something modern yet versatile.
Accessorize as you wish but always remember the clothes should speak the loudest if you intend on making a bold statement. You don't want to look like a Christmas tree, so as a guy, tone down on the frills, trims and accessories. In some cases, you can substitute your tie with a bow tie which add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look especially if you have an after-work cocktail get-together.
Until next time,
Shauno.
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