Let’s face it, there isn’t a lot of wiggle room when it comes to the strict business dress code implemented by some companies. You are expected to show up to work wearing a suit and tie, and generally look like a serious professional. However, if you look closely enough at the rule book you’ll spot a few loop holes which will allow you to bring some of your own personal style and personality into the mix. In other words, a certain level of freedom is allowed within the formal business dress code, and, if one was so inclined, one could add a bit of a personal touch. Let’s look at some of the ways in which you can accomplish this.
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To Bend the Rules You Must First Understand Them
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Make Small Adjustments to Your Attire to Highlight Your Unique Style
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Custom Tailoring Gives You Some Extra Freedom
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Accessories Can Play a Huge Role in Expressing Some of Your Personality
- Watch
- Leather bag
- Sunglasses
- Cufflinks, tie pins and lapel pins
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Try to Dress for Comfort as Well as Style
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You Need to Be Polite, yet Calm and Confident
Before you start looking for loopholes or bending the rules, you need to understand what you are allowed to do, what the grey areas are, what is frowned upon and what is strictly forbidden. Even some companies with a business casual dress code expect it to be more on the business and less on the casual side. A good rule of thumb is to look at the executives and your colleagues who have been with the company for a while, and try to find out what you can get away with.
Usually, it’s the small details that you can customize, as long as you don’t go with something overly silly. Socks, ties, shirt patterns and colors, suit materials, lapel pins, and facial hair are some of the things that you can adjust to make a bit of a fashion statement. Experiment with color variations and try to bring out an aspect of your personality by tweaking these little details.
Tailored suits will cost you extra, but it also gives you a chance to stand out without making a whole lot of effort. When it comes to being stylish, it’s all about looking good in your clothes. A custom tailored suit is made for you, plain and simple. It fits just right, it hides a few imperfections and puts the spotlight on your good features, and it allows you to move freely and feels comfortable. Not only that, but you can choose from a wide range of materials, the color of the lining, add some color to the button holes, and play around with different styles.
In a business environment, a man’s main accessories include a:
With the right kind of watch and different types of pin, you can sneak in a bit of your own personal style into a strict formal outfit. Choosing the right bag is also a big part of standing out from the crowd – you want something that is sophisticated, yet has a certain unique look to it. Sunglasses should be chosen based on the shape of your head, so that they accentuate your best features.
A big part of expressing yourself in any setting is looking relaxed and comfortable. In order to pull off “I feel comfortable in my own skin” look, you have to make sure that your clothes both fit you well and allow for free movement. If your suit forces you into an uncomfortable position then you won’t be able to concentrate on your job because you will be constantly fidgeting around and readjusting.
Once you’ve gotten everything just the way you want it, it’s time to sell your new image. It’s best not to make a big deal about it, and just act natural. Try to walk tall and act from a place of confidence, but you should also be polite and engage your colleagues in a bit of interesting conversation or lighthearted banter. Being that nice or fun guy at the office can buy you plenty of goodwill from your coworkers and bosses, which makes everyone more likely to respond positively to your new style.
Even in the strictest of workplaces there are plenty of opportunities to let your inner self shine through the impeccable corporate attire. With these tips and a little bit creativity you will be able to set yourself apart and find the style that works best for you.