Back to Business: The Post-Summer Workwear Refresh
With a return to the office on the agenda this fall, refresh your business casual wardrobe with these workplace staples.
Unlike the school semester, there’s no such thing as an official “back-to-work" date in the professional world. However, the end of summer and on-set of autumn always evokes a similar sensation.
Summer vacations have wrapped up, tans are fading fast, and full focus switches to Q4. With the weather quickly transitioning (is the foliage really turning red already?) and visits to the office becoming more frequent, now’s the ideal time to start updating your return-to-work wardrobe. We suggest starting with these workplace essentials.
If your workplace dress code is some variation of “business casual,” you should have a few of these already. That said, the addition of a few new sports jackets is the easiest way to freshen up any man’s office rotation, no matter how robust.
Soft sport jackets are your secret weapon when it comes to looking smart and staying comfortable at work. Featuring all the traditional fixings of a tailored jacket without any restrictive padding or construction, soft sports jackets strike the perfect balance between form and function.
For fall, look out for sports jackets made in a heavier, more textured material like woolen wool, corduroy, or even tweed. Incorporating patterned jackets is also an exciting way to update to your workwear wardrobe – just don’t try anything too outlandish.
For days that don’t necessarily call for a dress shirt, an elevated piece of knitwear is a comfortable and contemporary alternative under a jacket or worn on its own. The key to pulling off a sweater at work lies in the fabric composition and styling.
Knitwear made from a fine fabric like Virgin Wool, cashmere, merino wool, or a silk-blend naturally looks more refined than a simple cotton sweatshirt, which warrants its place in professional settings like your office. Similarly, more classically inspired styles of knitwear like polos, turtlenecks, and round-necks in solid neutral colours are most appropriate for the workplace.
Keep things office-Kosher by avoiding any plunging V-necks, overly vibrant colours, or written mottos/statements that might not reflect the values of your company. And, unless your last name is Zuckerberg, steer clear of hoodies, too.
While temperatures certainly begin to drop come the end of summer, weather forecasts in early fall don’t necessarily call for your heaviest flannel trousers. This time of year, you can (and should) still get great use out of your cotton trousers around the office.
The difference between chinos and cotton trousers often comes down to a few stylistic details (button-tab closures, pleats, etc. make cotton trousers slightly more formal) and quality of fabric, though both are acceptable for business casual environments – especially when worn under a sports jacket.
This fall, look out for trousers that are made of a slightly heavier cotton fabric than the ones you wore throughout the summer. Not only will something a little heavier help keep you warmer on chilly mornings and blustery evenings, but they’ll also drape more elegantly and even last longer.
We’ll always advocate for a strong selection of formal footwear, though classic leather-soled dress shoes aren’t as predominantly worn as they once were in the workplace. These days, more comfortable dress shoe alternatives are on the up, and even the most traditional footwear brands are branching out with their own versions of soft-soled leather shoes.
Whether you opt for a dressed-down take on a loafer or a dressed-up iteration of a sneaker, there’s a wide spectrum of styles to experiment with here. What’s important to remember here is that while the sole might be soft, rubber, and even white, the upper must remain refined enough to wear with smart trousers and even tailoring.
Look out for low-profile calfskin leather or suede uppers in a traditional brown or black colour to avoid any raised eyebrows around the office. And as far as styling goes, the simpler, the better.