The Modern Professional Wardrobe – Breaking Down New Work Essentials

By Brian Maynor

 

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “What are the key work wardrobe essentials for today?”

Most people are familiar with the old standards of dark suiting, solid white or blue shirts and dark shoes, but that is a very dated, formal dress code that rarely applies today. On top of that you have the common elevated casualwear standard that never seems to be defined. And if those weren’t enough there are countless other influences on what you should wear to work that is based on the individual circumstances. It’s no wonder people are confused about what is appropriate for work and what isn’t, because there doesn’t seem to be a uniform standard anymore.

Fortunately all hope is not lost because there is some guidance that can be offered on a broader scale, even though the specific pieces are open to interpretation. Here are what I refer to as the basic categories of the modern professional wardrobe that will help you know where to start looking for the pieces that work specifically for you:

1.    The suit. While no longer a professional requirement, a suit is still one of the best investment pieces you can add to your professional wardrobe. It’s an easy go-to outfit that you know works as a whole, or broken into separate pieces and it has the ability to morph into an appropriate outfit for any occasion based on how you style it. Even if you don’t need a full suit every day, you should have one or two in your wardrobe arsenal for those days when you need an extra boost of confidence or just don’t know what else to wear.

2.    Casualwear. Not all casualwear is equal, so for professional use you want to look for pieces that have some element of elevation; whether it’s fabric, structure, print or color. For example, office appropriate t-shirts will not come in multipacks and would never double as an undershirt. A good test of whether or not it works is to pair it with a piece of your suiting. If the outfit looks cohesive and balanced then it’s an option, but if it doesn’t then move on to another option.

3.    Denim. Most people are familiar with the uniform dark-wash rule, but what about denim dresses, shirts or skirts? Does all office denim need to be dark-washed? The answer is yes and no. Dark washed denim is part of the equation particularly with indigo, grey and black since they are more easily accepted in an office setting, but white is also a viable option, as long as it is a uniform wash. The whole idea of professional-looking denim is to avoid any distressing in color or fabric.

4.    Comfortable shoes. Whether these are brogues or heels it is possible to find professional shoes that won’t kill your feet. The key is oftentimes breaking them in. Shoes are investment pieces, so the higher the quality the more stiff they are in the beginning. The idea is that they mold to your feet the more you wear them to become a comfortable, fitted shoe over time. Unfortunately that means you have to work through the break-in phase, but the end result will be worth it.

5.    Invest in a bag. Professional bags will go through a lot of wear and they need to maintain their integrity, so it’s important to know which style works best for you and can live up to your demands. If you’re constantly carrying your laptop, you need a bag large enough to hold everything that comes with it, as well as your personal effects, because the more bags you carry the less organized you look. So first assess your needs and then decide if a neutral bag that blends in with everything, or a statement bag works best for your esthetic. If you dress monochromatically or in a small pallet range try a statement bag, but if your wardrobe speaks for itself an understated bag works best.

Building a professional wardrobe is now more of a personal endeavor than a uniform standard. And while there are literally countless individual factors that can and should be considered, you can remove some of the guesswork and eliminate entire segments of clothing by stepping back and starting with the broader categories.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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