A million years ago, back when I worked for one of the largest corporations in the world and had to drag myself to the office in Budapest a few times a week, I was always amazed (and not in a good way) by some people’s outfits. Generally, people dressed terribly—either completely inappropriate for the office or stuck in extreme old-school styles that didn’t match their age, body type, or position. I often had to stretch my imagination and picture the office corridor as a fashion catwalk, with me magically changing everyone’s outfits as they walked by.
Despite holding a pretty responsible position, being in the office was always a struggle. Corporate offices are like uninspired boxes with no elements of creative design, usually overcrowded open spaces, unpleasant smells wafting from the kitchen, and, worst of all, people eating at their desks. But the fashion, or rather the lack of it, was what really got to me. Sure, one could argue that an office is for working, not showing off clothes, and I fully agree—except that your brain first perceives the look within the first 30 seconds, and only after that does it consider personality, character, and other traits.
Back in the day, we had men of various nationalities working in our or nearby offices, and I think nothing could beat the sight of some of them. They’d mix styles in a way that was both fascinating and baffling. On one hand, you’d have a crisp white shirt and black trousers, but they’d ruin it with ugly sneakers and a horrible sport backpack that matched nothing. On the other hand, there were plenty of other nationalities working in my office, and I’ve wondered for a long time why the corporate look is so stiff. Does sticking to strict colors like black, navy, or gray somehow show our expertise and professionalism? I think what counts first is a tidy and put-together look. Corporate work, like any other, doesn’t necessarily mean we have to lack personality. Even if offices are standardized across the globe, clothes and personal style are a different story.
While I respect certain office rules, I decided to provide some alternatives. Here are some tips to boost your office style without breaking any dress codes:
- Color Pop: Introduce subtle pops of color through accessories like ties, pocket squares, or socks. A bold tie or a vibrant pocket square can add a splash of personality to an otherwise neutral outfit.
socks Dapper Classic, shoes Ralph Lauren, jeans Massimo Dutti
- Tailored Fit: Ensure your clothes fit well. A well-tailored suit or dress shirt can make a world of difference. It shows that you care about your appearance and adds a polished touch to your look.
- Statement Pieces: Incorporate one statement piece into your outfit, like a stylish blazer, a unique belt, or standout shoes. This draws attention and breaks the monotony.
blazer Light in The Box, shirt Dockers, trousers Next
- Mix Textures: Combine different fabrics and textures to add depth to your outfit. Think wool with silk, or leather with cotton. This adds visual interest without being too loud.
cardigan celtic&co, shirt Banana Republic, belt Bogliol, trousers Octobre, shoes Hockerty
- Accessorize Smartly: Opt for sophisticated accessories like a quality watch, a sleek briefcase, or elegant cufflinks. These small details can boost your look significantly.
briefcase Mr Porter, watch Seiko
- Layering: Add layers to your outfit to create dimension. A vest over a shirt, a cardigan under a blazer, or even a stylish overcoat can make a basic outfit look more dynamic.
cardigan Adolfo Dominguez, vest Light in The Box
- Personalized Touches: Don’t be afraid to add elements that reflect your personal style, whether it’s a funky pair of eyeglasses, a unique tie clip, or a quirky lapel pin.
tie clip Art of The Gent, lapel pin Yellow Chimes
- Shoes Matter: Invest in good-quality shoes. They can make or break your outfit. Go for something classic yet stylish, like leather oxfords or brogues, and keep them well-maintained.
Oxfords Hugo Boss, Brogue Chruch’s, Loafers Dior
If you need more personalized solution, I offer styling services and workshops specifically for men which you can find here.
What are your biggest struggles when it comes to choosing an office outfit? Do share your comments!
