In the corporate world, it is said to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Here are a few fail-safe tips guaranteed to have you in line for that promotion.

Due to the relaxed standards of today’s corporate culture, business attire has been interrupted by ‘casual’, and the softening approach to what’s acceptable to wear to the office is a somewhat blurred line. There was a time when suits were the norm and men looked dapper, polished and professional.
Today, that’s seldom the case. In the modern office, dress pants and button-up shirts are the new measure – and that’s fine to a certain degree. But the fact remains that the professional arena calls for more concerted effort from time to time. To play the part, you’ve got to look the part.
When it comes to corporate power dressing for the male persuasion, there’s a host of items to consider, from cuff links to shirt collars. Creating a business wardrobe for the office is not complicated, but it takes planning.
Assess your needs based on your work environment.
Your company’s atmosphere will dictate your clothing choices. A casual atmosphere lets you opt for chinos, linen pants and a polo or tee, perhaps with a blazer or v-neck knit. A more formal office environment may require a wardrobe of high-quality business suits.
Consider the demands of your job.
If you’re in IT, you may be sitting in front of a computer all day; if you’re an engineer, you’ll have to visit job sites. Your wardrobe has to let you function comfortably and safely in your work environment.
Analyse what it will take to maintain your wardrobe.
The bulk of your garments should be easy to clean. In a casual business environment, that will be easy; most of your clothes should be able to be thrown in a washer and dryer. If you can care of your clothing yourself, great; if not, then find a good laundromat that will do it for you.
Wardrobe essentials for the modern businessman:
Invest in a suit – pick a neutral, charcoal or black suit with flat front pants and a single button jacket for versatility. If you’re strapped for cash, check out thrift shops in a pricey neighbourhood for designer suits. Spend a little money to have the suit tailored, and you’ll look like a million bucks.
Get shirty – stick to blues, lilacs and white shirts. These will work well with a neutral suit and complement most colourings. Don’t be afraid of subtle patterns like small checks and narrow stripes. Blowes’ Trousers in Horton Street have some great business attire options.
Tie it up – jewel tones and charcoals are easiest to work with when it comes to ties. Don’t be afraid of mixing subtle patterns. When in doubt, a black tie is always smart and these days works well with most looks and for most occasions.
A man trench or winter coat – look for something in a black or charcoal to wear over your suits on cool days. If a man trench is a little too ‘queer eye for a straight guy’ for you, then look in to above the knee woollen military style jackets or something in a lined microfiber. V-neck knits are a great look paired over an open shirt or a tie.
Nothing says, “I mean business” like a pair of shiny shoes. Stick to black as a general rule and go for a lace up with a strong sole and slightly pointed toe, or an ankle boot. White cotton socks are great for the gym; however, for the boardroom, not so much. Black or dark-coloured socks are the best option.
When it comes to business attire, opt for the best quality and fit you can afford; even in a casual atmosphere, you need to look professional.
A few high-quality garments, carefully maintained, will serve you better than a closet full of cheap, poorly constructed ones and are certain to have to climbing the corporate ladder in record timing.