What you should wear to work

[Cairthenn]

^Honestly I didn't sleep at all, it was so freaking hot.

I thought when one tucked in, the shirt was supposed to cover the belt? I mean, just don't tuck in the fucking shirt and call it a day, pull it out a bit. This is the ridiculousness I meant in my previous posts.

This isn't for style, it's for mini-parachute utility. Really, depends on your figure... it often does looks better to pull your shirt out a bit, I agree.

Another topic entirely: I absolutely cannot stand when the front pocket linings are visible on the outside of a pair of pants and I have no idea why these are made, honestly. Yet I always see people with these on.

[Atreides]

ooo as for how to tuck in a dress shirt:

1) Pull the side seams straight outwards, which should flatten the shirt against your stomach/back. This is a lot easier if you leave your pants unbuttoned but pulled up.

2) Fold the excess cloth backwards against your sides, using your finger to hold the flaps in place. This should create a look in which the shirt is taut against your stomach all the way around to your love handles, with 2 small slits on either side of your back.

3) Button up your pants as normal. Your shirt should be tucked in all the way. Next up, you blouse it out A LITTLE.

4) With your hands on your hips, and keeping your lower body stationary, lean your torso forwards, then backwards, then to both sides. This should pull 1-2 inches of fabric out of the pantline. Be careful not to lean too far as to untuck the shirt, or to blouse out so much material that your belt buckle is obscured.

5) If parts of the shirt are coming untucked from the smallest motion, you need to buy a shirt that fits better. The idea is to create a little bit of room that lets you move around while you work without having to worry about adjusting things.

I hope that explains things, I would get pictures but meh.

[Penthesilea]

this is my experiment with the tuck from about 2 years ago. haven't tucked since

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...36097_9873.jpg

I might give it a shot this weekend, who knows since I've filled out a little more it might look a bit better.

[_chuchu]

this is my experiment with the tuck from about 2 years ago. haven't tucked since

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...36097_9873.jpg

I might give it a shot this weekend, who knows since I've filled out a little more it might look a bit better.

Looks good to me. It looks like something I'd wear on a casual friday at one of the places I used to work at.

What kind of shoes were you wearing and what color were they? jk

[Dimmauk]

Untucked shirts on tall and skinny people, make them look even more lanky.

[Penthesilea]

Untucked shirts on tall and skinny people, make them look even more lanky.

Yeah, which is why I didn't do it again. I've put on about 25lbs since then, so I should fill out my shirts more.

http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0...AAAAAG1gBw.jpg

these shoes are always on my feet. they're a lighter brown with black stripes though. they're about 4 years old, and absolutely irreplaceable, except that they need replacing.

[Absolutely Virtue]

Yeah, which is why I didn't do it again. I've put on about 25lbs since then, so I should fill out my shirts more.

And get a haircut, fatty.

No really though. This is exhibit A for getting your shirt tailored. Looks fine the way it was (a little big for me, but no biggie). But if you got it altered, it would be sharp.

[Penthesilea]

Yeah, that was during my crazy college days, I've since graduated and since cut my hair.

[Zalius]

BLACK AND GUNMETAL
BLACK AND GUNMETAL
BLACK AND GUNMETAL


seriously though, black and gunmetal. Cant go wrong. And that way you get to wear whatever shirt/tie combo you want. im not as old as some of you assholes, but i thought most of the stuff in this thread was common sense. Shoes are always black, belt is always black.

I have long hair, but i dont give a shit about it right now, im enjoying it while i can, cause i know i wont be able to have the same style i do now once i have a real job.

[Utile]

Gay guys dont have this problem, because Gay guys dress nice, so they attract other gays by dressing nice.

Yeah, they will attract other gay men, and usually 150,000 or so females who will try to hook up with them only to find rejection.

Guys thats never to learned how to dress post high school...Ever hear either on TV or in real life a women complain about "how all the good looking men are always gay" Its cause they can dress. (btw..that means they think your not good looking cause you dress like your 12)

Most men... from too skinny, to pretty big, from fugly, to "fuckmenow" face, look good in proper fitting/stlyed clothing and a good hair cut. Wearing a suit significantly enhances that aswell.

[Ryany]

...Consider having your clothes tailored. A lot of guys have trouble finding clothes that fit off the rack. I'm tall and thin, so mediums tend to be too short, whereas larges tend to be gigantic. I often buy large shirts and have them altered to fit me. It can be a bit of a hassle, but they look great. Find a dry cleaners that does alterations (most do), and bring them a shirt you want to fit you better. The most common thing to have altered is the girth- American dress shirts are made for fat dudes, so they have a ton of fabric around the middle. If you get this altered, it will fit more smoothly and will stay tucked in. It will also prevent your shirt from getting all baggy around the waist, which makes you look like a kid wearing his dad's dress clothes....

This is a big annoyance for me. There is one place's size chart that has me as XL by chest size and has me as a S going by waist size. I pretty much look terrible with a shirt tucked in because of the proportions most shirts are made in. Suits are even worse. I'll have to get mine altered next time I have something I'll need to wear one to. At least some of the nicer places have slim or custom fit shirts that seem to have a more v-shaped torso.

[Yuri-G]

Guys dress the way the do, because for some strange reason girls like the look. So when you see the guy with baggy pants pulled down to his thighs, its because at some point a girl thought this was hot, and the guy got some booty. Guys will dress like fucking morons to attract a girl.

Gay guys dont have this problem, because Gay guys dress nice, so they attract other gays by dressing nice.

this is a lie. I wear tube socks with nice pants all the time. I realize it looks like shit, but my workplace is casual, and I couldn't care less about what anyone there thinks of me. and when I say casual, I mean it - we're an office, sure, but sneakers and jeans are the norm. t-shirts, totally cool.

if I wanted to move up there I suppose I would dress differently (some people do) but I'd rather not be a corporate whore just yet. there will be plenty of time for that once my dreams have been completely crushed - right now they're only about halfway there.

besides, I like a guy who looks a little like a slob. it shows he's relaxed enough not to worry too much about what people think. beautiful, well-dressed gay men with the perfect haircut are a dime a dozen. I'll take some random guy with his hoodie and his jeans and his tube socks over those guys, any day of the week. perfection just means I have to keep up with him or feel ugly.

note that I agree with everything the OP said - IF you want to succeed at work. I just don't care about my current workplace.

[Norelco]

This topic makes me smile. I'm only in high school but, on the off chance I take the train or bus to or from school, watching how people dress is basically what consumes my time if I'm not with a friend.

Another Buffalonian. Going to UB?

[volcanicweather]

The only time I have ever seen a non-matching belt/shoes combination work is when you are able to drastically differentiate the top half of the body from the bottom - i.e. white shirt, white belt, black/dark blue pants, black/dark blue shoes. It's a very bold outfit but it can be pulled off.

In regards to the un-tucked shirts make people look even more lanky comment, I disagree. I'm 6'2 and thin, but my legs are much longer than my upper body so when I'm un-tucked it helps to even the two halves of the body out. People with short legs though should always, always tuck in their shirt or else it can look like a mini-skirt.

Fingernails - men should never let their fingernails grow more than a quarter inch in length. Also keep them clean - dirty fingernails is a huge turn-off to most women. Clean them when you wash your hair - two birds with one stone. Hot water and soap in the sink also works fine. Women have more flexibility here, but if you break a nail, get rid of them all. I see these tacky women on the bus all the time with these fake nails and they only have 8/10 of them and it just looks wrong. Natural polish (minimal gloss) is fine and preferred in corporate environments, but you can be creative on the weekends as well. It's a nice touch to any outfit and guys who give a damn about fashion/style will notice. Never do black (unless it's halloween or you're goth) and red should be used with extreme caution (it's a very intimidating color, just look at the color of the tie when a politician is making a serious speech, it's always red).

[Oulanbator]

Well, I'm quite shocked the the way the OP ( and followers) present things.
Not that the suggestions to match things are wrong, but it's the concept that sounds terribly wrong, because it's all about fitting into some norm... and that's exactly what you should never ever do.

What you should do is to abuse the norm as much as possible to fit it to your personal tastes. You'll end up original and comfortable.
Own the norm and you'll own the world. Follow the norm and you'll be just another tasteless clone no one notice.

[Ivve]

I used to work in the ladies' career section of a department store, so I've attended a few classes on how to advise people to dress for work. A couple of things I saw mentioned and wanted to back up:

Pleats
Never ever ever buy pleated khakis, no matter what gender you are! Some suits come with pleated pants and you really just have to judge for yourself depending on the cut, how the pleats lay, your body type, and a number of other factors, but I believe the majority of on-trend suits are not going to have pleats made into them.

Groomed nails
For men, they should be neat at least. This means trimmed with no jagged/rough edges; file them slightly. You don't want to look like you've been handling a crack pipe right before the interview. I think the accepted standard for a man's manicure is about 1/8" of the white portion remaining. Basically, a small sliver. Don't go too long, and if you're a nail-biter, stop it. Shit's just gross and unsanitary. Yes, everyone notices.

If you're a woman, keep it simple. One solid color, natural, or a more subtle than typical french manicure on shorter, natural nails is fine. If you have fake nails, first off stop it. Secondly, do not get a french manicure on your long, square-cut acrylic nails; it looks cheap for one and kind of gives you the appearance of lacking in seriousness because of the type of women who have gravitated toward that look.

Depending on the industry, you may or may not want to do a color that's on-trend at the time. Looking like you're in touch with what's going on is never negative, unless you get the feeling that those hiring you won't be. Personally, I would go natural (well-maintained with possibly a clear coat) during the hiring process.

And then one thing I disagree with:
"Skinny" pants
I agree that they're always a no for men. However, the cigarette pant is a classic look in a slim or petite woman's repertoire. These are not pants for ghetto asses and thunder thighs, nor should they be tight enough that they make you "muffin top" or cut into your crotch. In fact, they should not be tight on you in any part of the pant at all.

Cigarette pants are not pants that fit like leggings, as "skinny" denim often does. We are talking about a pant that is simply cut straight and close to the body to highlight a thin frame. Example behind the spoiler:

Spoiler: show

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/Asset_...0-00p01v01.jpg

Overpowering your frame with excess clothing is just as bad as going too tight, and will often make you look like you're embarassed by being small.

While we're on this topic, please please please people, remember your posture when you're standing as well as when you're sitting. Pull your shoulders back; rolling your shoulders forward is body language to express that you are meek and unimportant. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but don't slouch!

Also, again about pants for both genders: you cannot fail going for pants that are marketed as "straight leg." That means that when you look in a mirror while wearing a pair of pants, the line from your hip should continue straight to the ground without pulling in or flaring out at any point. This is a universally flattering shape of pant for all body types. Men, watch out for tapered ankles. Women, be aware of tapering in the thighs. This is often not something you want.

This may apply more to women, but when you are buying pants, dress the largest part of your body first. Do not buy pants that fit in the waist if they are packing your thighs in so tightly the seams are straining. Dress your thighs or your butt first and then have anything else that is too large (usually the waist) tailored to fit. If you are a woman, you should expect to have to tailor your clothes.

About pockets: If you find a pair of pants that fits well except for the excess material from a pocket that makes your thigh or rear look lumpy, you can have the pocket removed and sewn shut. Learn to utilize your purse or briefcase, or just don't buy those pants. Nobody likes a lumpy pocket.

Lastly, if there's any question in your mind about whether something from your wardrobe is work appropriate, err on the side of caution and don't wear it! Ladies, showing your decolletage is acceptable; showing so much breast people think your nipple might fall out at any moment is not. Men, do not display a thick mat of chest hair when you unbutton your shirt one button. If you're not wearing an undershirt you're doing it wrong already, but this is neither the club nor 70s. Manscape or undershirt, no excuses.

A note on underwear for ladies.
Ladies, buy appropriate underwear! The biggest one here is buying bras that fit you. Go somewhere like Nordstrom's and get fitted for a bra by a professional. This will change how a lot of your button-down shirts fit, and it also minimizes "adjusting" during wear over the course of the day.

To extend on that, do not show pantylines and do not show your bra. You could not do a more unprofessional thing with your wardrobe if you tried. Thongs are not the only answer (and in some cases never the answer) for panty lines in close-tailored skirts or pants. Invest "seamless" underwear; it's out there and starts around $7-8 a pair. Use strapless bras when appropriate, such as for shirts that have a wider neckline (hello portrait collar) where your straps will show. Do not think those stupid clear plastic bra straps are okay; I assure you they are not. We can all see them. Go out and invest in a legitimate strapless bra. Be aware that the majority of the support in a bra should be coming from the band around your ribs anyway, not the straps on your shoulders. It is a myth that strapless bras do not provide good support, perpetuated by women who have no idea how to buy a properly fitting bra in the first place. Last note on bras: Do not buy wild colors/patterns/textures if they are going to show through your outfit. "Nude" toned bras are the safest bet for the largest range of skin colors. Absolutely use your judgment, but know that black and sometimes even white are visible through shirts. If you need to, invest in an opaque camisole to reduce the transparency of your shirts. This is the female analog to the man's undershirt. Example behind the spoiler:

Spoiler: show

http://scene.barenecessities.com.edg...or=221,221,221

[volcanicweather]

Well, I'm quite shocked the the way the OP ( and followers) present things.
Not that the suggestions to match things are wrong, but it's the concept that sounds terribly wrong, because it's all about fitting into some norm... and that's exactly what you should never ever do.

What you should do is to abuse the norm as much as possible to fit it to your personal tastes. You'll end up original and comfortable.
Own the norm and you'll own the world. Follow the norm and you'll be just another tasteless clone no one notice.

So I should wear bright green socks to a board meeting? How about I dye my hair purple for the next focus group? Or wear a hoodie and sweatpants the next time I go to a corporate dinner?

"Originality" was cute and all back when I was 16, with pink hair, fishnets, and black fingernails.

When it comes to putting food on the table, your appearance is extremely important, whether you like it or not. A lot of people subscribe to "the norm" (hence why it is considered normal) and your first impression is extremely important. It can determine whether or not you get the job and whether or not your company stays in business. There are several people don't want to invest time, money, and energy into someone who looks like the kid they saw spray painting graffiti under the bridge the other day. Simple as that.

[Ivve]

There are plenty of unique things that you can do within acceptable standards, but at the end of the day people usually want to be working with someone who looks capable. If you want to be unique in the workplace as a man, you could consider alternate textiles like wool, cashmere, and linen during appropriate seasons. A cashmere sweater in a flattering color integrated into your business casual is appropriate, the quality of the material will feel good against your skin, and it looks pretty sharp too.

Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few options for men in terms of shoes. Square-toed shoes with an extended toe box paired with tailored khakis or "trouser" denim (depending how casual you can go) are also appropriate and will make you look like a million bucks.

Something that's underutilized on the suit that gives you some room for whimsy and personality: the pocket square. As long as it ties into the shirt/tie in some way, such as similar color scheme, complimentary color scheme, similar pattern, etc, then you can accessorize with something interesting there.

Being unique in the workplace is all about the accessories. Men also get accessories: shoes, watches, cuff links, vests, tie clips, brief cases, and I'm sure there's more I don't know about. Even an umbrella can be an accessory that you put thought into, rather than an item you run into the 7eleven and buy for $3 on a day it's raining. Use those to your advantage.

[volcanicweather]

Square-toed shoes with an extended toe box paired with tailored khakis or "trouser" denim (depending how casual you can go) are also appropriate and will make you look like a million bucks.

I need to dust off my square-toed shoes - I haven't worn them in forever. Thanks for reminding me Ivve; also both of your posts were spot-on. Well done.

Pins are also a good accessory for men, especially with suits, and even stylish bracelets can be fine (seeing as almost nobody my age wears a watch).

Also if you have longish hair like I do... never, ever, go for the headband if you're a guy. Girls can pull it off, but leave it in the gym guys.

I can't believe I forgot my biggest pet-peeve... the unibrow. Honestly, is there anything less appealing than a unibrow? Chicks hate it and it makes you look like a fool. Grab a set of tweezers, take a couple minutes, and get rid of it. There's no bigger indication of a male not caring about his appearance than a unibrow in my opinion.

[tyven]

Being unique in the workplace is all about the accessories. Men also get accessories: shoes, watches, cuff links, vests, tie clips, brief cases, and I'm sure there's more I don't know about. Even an umbrella can be an accessory that you put thought into, rather than an item you run into the 7eleven and buy for $3 on a day it's raining. Use those to your advantage.

vests are the best accessories in the game. learn it live it love it. if i could wear a sweater vest 7 days a week i would.