Let's face it - when it comes to appropriate work clothes for men, the options
are not as extensive or complicated as it is for women. The pieces are limited,
the shoes all look the same, and there is no need for accessories. But there are
a few basic pieces that every man should have in his closet. It doesn't
matter if you are CEO at a multi-million-dollar company or a be your own boss
kind of guy - there are a few simple items that most men should have in their
closet.
Let's start with the basics. Unless you work at a job where jeans are
acceptable, such as being a construction worker in Sage British Columbia, you
are going to need a few pairs of basic slacks. It's wise to get several
pairs of pants in neutral colors and in a classic fit. Five is generally a good
number. Just make sure that they are as basic as possible so that it is easy
to mix them in and out of your wardrobe.
The same goes for dress shirts. Unless you fix industrial valves for a living,
every man should have at least two white dress shirts in the closet for work.
Don't forget to throw in a few coloured ones to mix things up. Try some
blacks, blues, and greens. If you are brave, it's good to consider getting
a few bright colors as well, such as pinks and light blues. The same goes for
ties. Get a few basic coloured ones so they can match most of your wardrobe,
then mix in a few brighter ones or some with funky patterns. If you do not work
at a job where you need to wear a shirt and tie, but need to dress in business-casual,
then polo shirts are a great option when paired with a casual pair of pants.
The final thing to think about is shoes. Again, if you work in an office you
know that you need to have at least one pair of dress shoes. It's a good
idea to consider getting a few pairs in different colors. A standard black pair
is essential, and adding a nice pair of brown leather loafers gives you more
diversity. Don't forget to have a shiny pair of black shoes for those
days when you really want to impress your boss. Obviously, if you manufacture
pin mixers for a living, you do not need the fancy shoes for work. A basic pair
of good-condition sneakers will do for more casual jobs. Just remember that
sandals or anything that displays your feet is a big no-no in the workplace.
Another big 'don't' to consider regarding workplace attire for men is
t-shirts. T-shirts are great on an occasion like casual Friday, but it’s
still a good idea to steer clear of them. Some t-shirt slogans can be offensive
or look shabby, and are simply never a good idea to wear in an office. It is
also hard to get a perfect fit in a cotton t-shirt. That brings us to the next
point. Please, gentleman, make sure your clothes fit properly. There is nothing
worse than having your belly hang over your pants or showing off your plumber's
crack to fellow employees. Even if you are an executive, search Toronto far
and wide and I bet you will find at least one man in every office whose clothes
do not fit properly. Having them tailored to your body is not as much of a hassle
as you would think, and it can be quite cheap! Besides having the basic items
listed above, this is probably the most important thing to consider when purchasing
your clothes for the workplace.
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