Office hours: Denizen’s definitive men’s outfit guide to back-to-work dressing

Office style for men has certainly shifted from the outdated combination of a simple button-up, pants, blazer, tie and black leather shoes. Dressing for work has become an opportunity for a man to flex his own personal style, which is both, good and bad. Good, because it encourages individuality within the office and bad because the lack of a structured dress code comes with a higher risk for one to mess up. 

Although the strict rules of office-wear have loosened over time, one should always consider the following — what kind of environment is your office? How do your co-workers dress? And lastly, can I be taken seriously in this outfit, or not? Mastering the perfect outfit could come quite tricky for some, but it becomes a whole lot easier once you know where to look. 


denizen_weekly
Feel like you're missing out? Be the first to know about what's new & noteworthy.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

For the creative…
This person would usually have more options to choose from as their working environment is likely to be more casual and laidback. Formality isn’t the main priority, but that doesn’t mean that you can rock a hoodie and sweatpants to the office. The key is a balance such as offsetting a pair of tailored pants with a relaxed linen button-up that sports a funky pattern, as well as curated accessories.

Bedford shirt from Superette, Gray Technical Ripstop cargo pants from Dior (09 373 4849), Edward Gold sunglasses from Karen Walker, Possum Cashmere crew neck from Elle + Riley, Collective Canvas Bal CC from Superette
Cotton high-waist trousers from Gucci, Casimira Loafer from Dadelszen, Leather backpack from Prada, Momza Sun from Moscot, Anchor print oversize bowling shirt from Gucci

For the corporate…
There’s no denying that a corporate office environment will have a more strict, sartorial framework in place, but there’s still a way to incorporate your own individual style into the more formal approach. Focus on the fine details such as the fit and accents of each piece of clothing. A monochromatic colour palette is encouraged, however, but feel free to play around with brighter shades and subtle patterns.

Single-breasted Cut Away jacket from Louis Vuitton, New Slim pants from Louis Vuitton, Garrett Leight Brooks X Sun from Parker & Co, Rolex Explorer II from Mansors Jewellers, Stretch poplin shirt from Prada, Senna leather shoe from Workshop
Nettie Clear sunglasses from Karen Walker, Spellbound B.D Stripe Shirt from Workshop, Klaus Tan cotton chinos from Working Style, Alessia lace-up shoe (smoke grey) from Dadelszen, Blue Basket Weave jacket from Working Style

Coveted

This Mother’s Day, give mum the gift she really wants with our edit of the most covetable jewellery to shop now
Tout your trench — the most classic of coats is dominating the sartorial sphere this autumn, and these are the styles to shop now
Channel your inner denim darling with the blue-jean looks our editors are loving