Being a professional in any career comes with a lot of responsibilities, one of them being to dress right. First impressions matter, which is why you need to ensure that your image is on point.
The phrase “dress for the part” is meant to ensure that you are prepared for different situations. Understanding that your casual and professional life will require a significant switch when it comes to your choice of dressing.
Figuring out what is required for a professional setting doesn’t have to be so nerve-wracking. In this article, we’ll cover the basics required for your wardrobe and tips that will help you curate a classy and professional look always.
Wardrobe Basics for a Professional Look
Having your basics sorted will give you a good platform for you to work from. You’ll be in a position to style them and get your signature look. Here are the basic wardrobe essentials:
Well Tailored Suits
There are two types of suits that cater to different occasions. A two-piece suit that is best for the office setting and a three-piece meant for weddings and other formal events. You’ll need to invest in two or three two-piece suits that are well-tailored to fit your particular body physique.
At first, it is best to stick to solid colors like a black or navy suit because they offer more versatility. They’ll allow you to pair them with different colored shirts, ties, and shoes. As you continue to get your style right, you can move to more diverse colors to mix things up. Tweed suit is a good option if you are going for a more vintage and classic look.
Buttoned Up Collar Shirts
Your shirts should be of great quality and well-fitting. Start by investing in basic white shirts then steadily move to different colors. Make sure that your shirt looks right when buttoned up. You should also keep an eye on the collar to ensure that it comes with some structure to help frame your tie.
Quality Ties
Ties offer the perfect opportunity for you to switch up your look and add some flare and personality while retaining your professionalism. Invest in a few ties of different colors and have fun incorporating them in your attire.
Right Pair of Shoes
With shoes, you have the option of choosing those that are appealing to you. Just be sure to choose quality dress shoes that complement your suits.
Essential Tips to Help You Dress for Professional Success
As you figure out your dress code for the office, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help make the experience easier.
Observe Simplicity
Simplicity is the crucial ingredient for pulling off a classy professional look. It cuts across all aspects of your dress code. Avoid wearing too many colors that clash and completely take away from the outfit.
When it comes to your accessories, you need to remember that they are meant to be extras. They should not outshine your outfit. So, make sure your belt and any jewelry worn complement the suit right.
Lastly, smelling good is a great addition. However, you shouldn’t bathe in cologne and perfume that you end up overwhelming your entire look and those around you.
Have a Goal in Mind
What do you want to achieve with your look? Looking professional is one of the goals but there are other things you can consider.
For instance, what attitude you want to exude, showing off the effort you’ve made, and if you need to be comfortable. It will be the foundation for your outfit and help you better pick out what to wear.
Quality over Quantity
When it comes to curating the right pieces for your wardrobe, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of your clothing pieces. Figure out which pieces are going to last you a long time and which will need replacing once in a while.
Those that last (suits, shoes, and watches) will require you to invest in quality and not focus on how many you have. However, the frequent replacements (shirts and ties) allow you to focus on getting more of them at a great price.
Start with the Basics
As discussed earlier, you already have an idea of everything required in your wardrobe to facilitate your professional style. The most important thing as you grow your collection is to stick to neutral colors. These colors are easy to style and match with other pieces.
Adding Some Personal Touches
With the basics in check, you are now in a position to add some personal touches to your daily outfits. It will help elevate your look and reduce the monotony of basic styles and colors.
To do this, you can either incorporate different colors or fabrics. It will be made possible by your accessories that include your belts, socks, and watch straps. Having various colored shirts and ties can also get you to this goal. Another favorite of certain businessmen is incorporating a personal pen as an added luxury item. These are available via several retailers online such as Goldspot Pens.
Get the Right Fit
Scoring A’s on your suit choices, color combination, and accessories is a step in the right direction. However, getting the wrong fit will ruin this and turn the focus to how unflattering your dressing is.
This is why you need to ensure that your suits and shirts fit you just right. They shouldn’t be too tight to the point of discomfort nor should they be too baggy. Make sure that your clothes are tailored to your perfect fit to complement your efforts.
Carry Yourself Right
Dressing the part also involves your demeanor. How do you carry yourself in a professional setting? You need to ensure that you exude a sense of confidence and a lot of professionalism. It will complement your dressing and complete the look just right.
Conclusion
Dressing for professional success doesn’t have to be a tedious process. All you need is to start with your basics and understand what it takes to dress right.
After that, you can slowly build on it and improve your dress code while incorporating your personality by including fountain pens or other accessories. Have fun as you figure out your style and be consistent with your looks.
