If you’re a guy trying to understand workwear for your office and dress code, it probably feels like a maze. You’ve likely spent hours sifting through blogs and style guides only to end up more confused than when you started.
(Or, you looked at how long doing that would take and threw in the towel. We’re not judging.)
We get it. It’s exhausting, not to mention unrealistic.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we’ve worked with over 250+ clients nationwide. Through that, we’ve helped men in a wide range of industries look their best without stressing. We systematize their wardrobes, give them easy formulas to follow, and we DON’T sell them on whatever’s the latest trend.
Instead, we work off of real-life experience, not vague fashion rules.
So, let us simplify things for you. Here are the three areas you need to focus on and master:
- Style
- Color
- Fit
These three key points are the foundation of our patented NLW Style System. Keep reading to learn how to dominate these categories and elevate your office workwear clothing in no time.
1. Discover Your Ideal Office Workwear Style
- DON’T: Fall for fleeting trends.
Fashion trends come and go faster than your Monday stand-up. Trying to keep up only drains your time, money, and closet space.
- DO: Invest time in developing your personal style.
Consider your lifestyle, including your office dress code, climate, and weekend schedule. Soon, you’ll realize that your unique rhythm requires a personalized style.
A tech startup in California might call for a different style than a Manhattan corporate office. And that’s okay! You just need to know where to start. If you’re unsure, take the advice we give to our clients: find a style role model that resonates with you.
Go on Pinterest or Instagram and save images of guys with the outfits you want.
Stylist tip: Discover your “style role mode.” Check out our Men’s Style Quiz! It’s a quick way to answer those questions and find what works best for you.
2. Upgrade Your Look with Smart, Professional Workwear Colors
- DON’T: Cling to outdated “color rules.”
From the “No white after Labor Day” rule to “Getting your colors done,” there’s no shortage of bad “color” advice. The bottom line? No matter how folks repackage these ideas, it’s all the same. They’re more outdated than dial-up internet.
Modern office wear is about looking polished and intentional. It’s about showing your personality and what you bring to the table. It’s not about following random guidelines. - DO: Use NLW’s 50/40/10 rule.
Our hierarchy of color is a simple formula that ensures balanced and stylish outfits every. single. time. The key here is proportion.
- Core colors (50%)
Core colors (AKA neutrals) should make up the most significant part of your closet. Think black, navy blue, white, and gray.
- Tonal colors (40%)
Tonal colors come next and are simply variations of your core colors (plus textures). Here, you can throw in a baby blue, a cozy beige, or a deep olive.
- Accent colors and patterns (10%)
Colors and patterns should be the smallest part of your closet. They are the “cherries on top” of a great outfit. They can add spice to your ensemble or show off your personality but don’t dominate the look.
3. Ensure the Perfect Fit for Your Office Workwear
- DON’T: Assume clothes will fit perfectly off the rack.
Many of our clients find this a big hurdle to overcome. They expect a store to instantly give them the ideal fit, and they want it. After all, that’s more convenient, right?
But at the end of the day, stores do not make tailor-made clothing for every shopper. Labels design off-the-rack clothing to fit a general body type. It’s not your body that’s the problem. It’s the pattern a designer works off of.
- DO: Invest in tailoring.
Many men are surprised to know that most guys need three common alterations. Pant length, sleeve length, and taking in the waist are almost always an issue for guys. The key is to find a tailor who can make your clothes fit like a glove. This is a simple yet overlooked game-changer.
Transform Your Look: Boost Your Style and Confidence
We’ve seen firsthand how embracing these principles can genuinely transform our clients’ office workwear and boost their confidence. They go from looking polished and professional at work to carrying that same sense of assurance into their personal lives. Our clients say that by focusing on these pillars leaves them feeling more comfortable, confident, and in control of their look in and out of the office.
Take the first step today and transform your wardrobe.
If you’re ready to achieve that feeling with your workwear at the office, sign up for our Men’s Styling Services. We’ll help you create and maintain a wardrobe that works for you, not against you.
