Work Outfits (or professional attires) for men is generally referred to as dark-colored (gray, navy) suit and tie. The tie should be simple, avoiding bright colors or busy patterns. Men should wear a button-down shirt (preferably white or light-blue) and belt. Pair with a professional, closed-toed shoe like an oxford or loafer.
These are the clothing you wear in professional environment. You might decide how to dress depending on the type of office you work in, a meeting or for an interview. There are different patterns of work outfits ranging from “casual” to “work formal.” Based on the setting, you can decide which kind of work attire is appropriate. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of business attire, examples of clothing types and the situations they’re appropriate for.
TYPES OF WORK OUTFITS
Here is an outline of the most go to types of work outfits for men:
1.Gender-neutral professional dress
There are different ways of dressing for the workplace and different degrees of formality that do not adhere to a gender binary.
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You can dress gender-neutral elements up or down depending on the motive for which you’re dressing. For casual dress, jeans, sweaters and shirts are all great options. For shoes, you might choose trendy sneakers, sandals or loafers. For more formal forms of dress, you might choose trousers, slacks or neat chinos. Options for tops include button-downs, sweaters or shirts with cardigans. Shoes might include loafers, stylish lace-up shoes or oxfords.
Pantsuits are a great option for any formal setting. These can be paired with flat or slightly heeled oxfords or loafers.
2. Business professional
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Business professional is a typical form of outfit used in more conservative settings or companies with strict dress codes. You might wear business professional in industries like Accounting, Banking, Finance, Government or Law. Business professional clothes should be well-fitted and may be tailored to fit you specifically.
Business professional
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Business professional for women
When dressing for business professional, women should wear neat dresses, skirts or slacks. Tops should include neat button-down shirts or blouses with a blazer. Business professional shoes include classic heels no higher than three inches, loafers or neat flats. Women can accessorize with minimal jewelry and belts.
3. Casual
Casual work outfit is an informal clothing worn not only in most work settings but also in many settings outside of work.
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You might wear casual clothing if you work in an informal office where others wear things like T-shirts, jeans and open-toed shoes. You should avoid wearing casual dress with clients and in interviews, even if the office is casual overall.
Casual for women
Casual dress for women includes items like T-shirts, blouses and sweaters on top. Bottoms might include jeans, cropped pants or shorts. Casual shoes can include sneakers, low heels or sandals.
Casual for men
Casual dress for men might include items like T-shirts, button-down shirts or sweaters on top. Bottoms might include jeans, khaki pants or shorts. Casual shoes can include sneakers, loafers or sandals.
4. Work casual
Work casual is a common form of outfit worn in many offices. While many classic work staples are used in work casual wear, there are casual elements included like khakis.
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Work casual is appropriate for many interviews, client meetings and office settings. Because it is not very casual and also not very formal, this is usually an appropriate way to dress if you’re unsure about the setting.
Work casual for women
For work casual, women can wear pencil skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, trousers, khakis, blazers and sweaters. They can accessorize with simple jewelry and belts. Shoes can include flats, loafers, mules, boots or heels.
Work casual for men
For business casual, men can wear trousers, slacks, khakis, button-downs, polos, or sport coats. Jackets and ties are optional but can be used to accessorize. Business casual shoes include loafers, lifestyle sneakers (with leather or canvas), boots or oxfords.
5. Work formal
Work formal is reserved for the most formal settings such as award ceremonies, special dinners, benefits or other important evening events. Business formal is similar to “black tie,” but should be reserved to maintain professionalism.
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Work formal for women
For work formal, women might wear a dark pants suit, skirt suit or suit dress. In some cases, a long evening dress may be appropriate. Shoe options include formal flats, heels, oxfords or loafers. Minimalist jewelry can be appropriate.
Work formal for men
For work formal, men might wear clothing similar to “business professional”—a dark suit and tie. For this setting, a black suit is appropriate with a light button-down shirt. Wear oxford or loafer shoes with clean lines. Avoid wearing brown shoes if you select a black suit. Accessorize with belts, a tie clip or small, minimal cuff links.
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Judith Iyoh writes fashion, lifestyle and real estate investment.