Here are the essential items men will need to build a solid wardrobe:
Step 3 - The Basic Business Wardrobe
Suits for Men
You will need at least one, preferably two complete business suits. You probably have at least one in the cupboard, so buy one more in a different color. Stick to plain, dark colors, like navy blue, black or dark gray. If the weather in your area is very variable choose one suit for cool weather and another to wear if it gets very warm.
Blazers and Pants for Men
You can get away with two or more semi-casual pants and blazers in most offices. These can be worn with or without a tie on Fridays or to business lunches or every day, keeping your formal suits for meetings with clients or presentations. Buy pants and blazers that can you can mix and match, thus creating several different looks.
Again choose dark colors like gray or navy and choose durable fabrics that are easy to wash and care for as you may wear them on a daily basis. Choose pants with belt loops rather than without them as this will enable you to create a slightly different look by using different belts.
Shirts
Your choice of shirts for a solid wardrobe should be relatively plain. This is so that you can mix and match them with all your business suits and blazer-pants combinations. Start with blue, white or grey shirts and if your budget allows, one or two striped shirts for variation.
Choose comfortable cotton or cotton blends that are easy to launder, won’t shrink or wrinkle against your body and iron easily. Choose slightly thicker shirts for winter wear, where you will also be able to get away with darker colors.
Dress Ties for Men
Here you can be a little more creative and choose styles that suit your taste and personality as long as they aren’t too flamboyant. Buy as many as you can afford, preferably one for every day of the week and an elegant one for extra special meetings and presentations.
Buy different colors and designs but make sure that they all match or tone with both your business suits and pants-blazer combos. Choose at least one or two plain ties as well for times when you need a more generic look.
Shoes and Socks
Here, too you can get away with a little pizzazz but a word of warning, always choose comfort over style for a solid wardrobe and buy the best you can afford, after all you will be wearing them all day. Make sure your shoes are genuine leather and have a comfortable, long-wearing sole.
Take a look in your local store or go online to see what they latest trends in footwear are. You can get away with just two pairs of shoes but three would be better.
Stick to basic colors for a solid wardrobe, preferably black or brown and choose styles and colors that match all you other clothing items.
Your socks should ALWAYS suit your clothing and be clean and in good condition. People do notice your socks, in case you were wondering! Never wear sport or white socks with your business wardrobe!
