When you think of clothing essentials, it’s the basics that come to mind–from a plain T-shirt to a pair of sneakers. But dressing up for work in these “basics” can get a bit drab. With the uniform of a button-down shirt and trousers worn by everyone else, it can be complicated to add your personality and your element of style.
The key to incorporating style into your wardrobe is to have a selection of basics that are elevated. Colours, fabrics and textures do come into play here, especially when you’re dressing up for work. Here are 9 timeless clothing essentials that will not only make you stand out from your colleagues but will also help you be the best-dressed person in your office.
1. A selection of white T-shirts
The tried and tested, can’t-go-wrong piece to invest in is a white T-shirt. A humble white T-shirt is the safest bet to dress up or down–you can take it from a meeting to post-work drinks with clients. As the most hardworking piece of clothing in your closet, make sure that you buy white T-shirts that are thick when it comes to the fabric. Stack a few crewnecks in a mid-weight as your go-to everyday uniform. Get a size that is not too tight or too oversized.
2. Striped shirts
An office staple, a striped shirt can easily blur in with the uniform worn by the rest of your colleagues. The trick to standing out is to play around with stripes and colours. Instead of a white shirt with blue or black pinstripes on it, pick up a pale blue coloured shirt with slightly thicker stripes of white or grey. A contrasting collar and cuff is also a great detail in your outfit that will stand out from the rest.
3. A knit polo
Very few things look as cool as a knit polo when the dress code is smart casuals. A knit polo is having a major makeover–earlier worn by dads and granddads to now spotted on almost every celebrity. Brad Pitt wore one at Wimbledon for a tennis match, Chris Evans, aka Captain America, wore it on a red carpet, and Tom Holland too has been spotted wearing one for his press tours and on dates with Zendaya. The relaxed collar and the soft fabric make it ideal for a business-casual look, without the stuffiness of a cotton shirt. Wear it with tailored trousers or under a suit and you’re good to go for a business meeting.
4. Linen suit
Instead of going for wool, viscose or polyester suits and blazers, invest in a few linen suits. It’s hard to go wrong with something as versatile as a linen suit. Wear them over shirts, T-shirts or polos, like Jude Law in Talented Mr. Ripley. A tailored linen suit can make you look slim and dapper, and if you have two or three neutral sets, then you can even mix and match them for a different look.
5. Indigo jeans
The holy grail of any wardrobe is a pair of blue jeans. Inky blue indigo jeans are a classic and like everything else on this list, can be suited up or down. Team it up with a white T-shirt and a linen blazer or wear it with a knitted polo. The key thing to remember when buying blue jeans that could pass off as workwear is to not pick up something that is too oversized and loose for you. Opt for a straight cut or go for slightly tapered bottoms to give a tailored and cleaner look to the whole outfit. Also, avoid any kind of washes on the denim.
6. A leather belt
If you have to add one accessory to your outfit, let that be a leather belt. A gold or silver buckle can be a stand-out feature in a formal or semi-casual look. Instead of an overly skinny belt or a thick one, choose a medium-width size. To elevate it, play around with textures and colours.
7. Tailored trousers
Don’t just rely on your jeans and chinos. Invest in a few pairs of tailored trousers that can be smartened up with a blazer and a pair of white sneakers. Crop it at the right point on the ankle and a pair of well-fitted, well-made pants can make even the simplest of the outfit pop, whether you wear it to the office or a night out.
8. White sneakers
White sneakers go beyond the realm of being a wardrobe staple. They are like that ingredient that when mixed with anything can complete your taste buds. No wonder there are a myriad of white sneakers available in the market currently. Even if you’re a sneakerhead, for a business-casual look, pick up ones that are classic in shape and style.
9. Leather loafers
For a more formal pair of footwear, a loafer is a pair of shoes that can work well at an office or even a formal dinner party. While you’ll find a number of embellishments, patterns and materials available for loafers, find a style that suits you and that you’re comfortable wearing.
