In the Western culture, business attire is more formal than casual attire. Men are expected to wear a business suit while women are expected to wear a pant suit or a cocktail dress. A woman should avoid wearing jeans or skirt suits unless they are attending a business meeting. Men should also avoid wearing sweatpants.
If you need to appear professional and polished during a job interview, business attire is the right choice. It creates a positive impression and projects a polished and smart look. Choose a conservative suit in a color that flatters your skin tone. Wear minimal jewelry and a structured black handbag. You should also coordinate your outfit with the job you are interviewing for.
When shopping for appropriate work attire, consider the culture of the workplace, the type of role you are playing, and the environment’s dress code. Clothing sends powerful messages and can be an extension of your personal identity. Be mindful of where you’ll be spending the day and how much time you’ll be working.
Business attire has changed over the years, but the basics remain the same. For example, business-appropriate attire for men used to consist of a suit and pants, and black leather dress shoes. In the 1980s, power suits became popular, but fell out of favor. Today, business-appropriate attire requires a dark suit with a conservative necktie and black leather dress shoes. In addition to a suit, men should also wear a waistcoat to stay warm in the office.
The business-professional dress code is often the most strict and rigid, and follows certain rules and style guidelines. A dark colored suit with a tie is the easiest to wear in this environment. These workwear garments are most often worn by executives in government, law, and banking. If you wear a suit with a light color, you may end up looking like Kendell Roy in Succession.
Similarly, a pinstripe suit looks good with a knit tie. These ties are similar to grenadine but are more durable. However, be careful not to overdo it with two-tone knit ties. If you wear a two-toned knit tie, it’s best to use a simple pocket square to match the two-toned knit tie.
Blazers are another timeless piece of men’s business attire. These versatile jackets go well with jeans and suits. A blazer is also appropriate in colder winter climates. A blazer can also be worn over knit shirts and button-down shirts. A linen blazer, on the other hand, is appropriate for summer.
When it comes to business attire, it is important to consider the company you work for. For example, a client-facing role will probably not allow you to wear jeans. Conversely, a fintech startup may allow you to wear jeans. However, it’s best to match your attire to the culture and style of your office.
