Professional Dress Code

Men: How to Dress for Success with a Professional Dress Code

When you're ready to suit up for a day at the office, there are some important factors to consider for the professional work environment. Men who are dressing with a professional dress code need to be clean-shaven and aim for a conservative look; this means stocking up on ties, high-quality belts, and a formal watch. Earning respect in the workplace often starts with a professional look and demeanor, and this is much easier to achieve with the right clothing. Here's what you need to know when complying with the professional dress code:

1. Pick a collar shirt with cuffs. Collar shirts that can be starched and pressed offer a very polished and pulled-together look, and you'll want to make this as stiff as possible. Reach for the heavy starch spray with this one!

2. White shirts with business suits. This is the safest bet when you're donning a suit for the day, and simple white shirt with a stiff collar and tie will do. Avoid plaids and prints that can be distracting.

3. High-quality cufflinks. Go for a pair of designer cufflinks to pull together a sophisticated and professional look. Black enamel, silver, and simple gold designs are the best options.

4. Don't let the tie hang too long. Ties should reach exactly the middle of your belt buckle; if you need to re-do the tie a few times to get the right length, a little practice is all it takes to get just the right length.

5. Part your hair to one side. Hair hanging over the eyes doesn't give you a professional look and can be distracting. Part your hair to one side or brush it back, then secure it in place with gel, pomade, or hairspray if needed.

6. Skip the tie pin. Shiny tie pins and other extra accessories (except cufflinks) can be distracting and won't give you a balanced look. Avoid the tie pin completely and just make sure you're wearing a high quality tie that's been pressed and creased properly to stay in place.

7. Wear long socks. Aim for at least calf-length or knee high dress socks so you're not left with an embarrassing show of skin when you're sitting down and your dress pants rise up.

8. Opt for polished lace-up shoes over loafers. Loafers aren't very professional, and should never be paired with a suit. Leave the loafers for after-work occasions and social hour, and pick up sturdy shoes with laces instead.

9. Wear clothes tailored for your body. Avoid too-loose or too-tight clothing that leads to an unprofessional, haphazard look. Take your clothes to a tailor so you can relax and enjoy a perfectly fitting suit.

10. Only one spritz of cologne. Too much cologne can be unprofessional; if you're worried about odor, stock up on extra deodorant with a mild or no fragrance and use just a light spritz of your favorite cologne.