Once upon a time, I made the jump from working in a casual retail store to an office space. After wearing whatever I felt like for most of my working life, I had to ditch the shorts and open-collar shirts for a smarter get-up that still allowed me to feel like, well, me. It was weird at first, but I soon worked out that office wear needn’t be boring.

Of course, different offices will have different standards, but introducing alternative fabrics and fits into your work wardrobe can bring something different to your daily dress. So, if you’re making the transition like I did or you’re an office veteran looking for some inspiration, we’ve put together this guide to office wear essentials to get you started.

Clothing

Pants

Since they make up more than half your outfit, pants are important. Opting for a fabric with more texture like wool or twill is an easy way to inject a bit of character into your work wardrobe while maintaining some formality. Corduroy can also look extremely suave if paired with the right pieces.

Brooklyn Tailors BKT36 Straight Leg Pant and BKT50 Tailored Trousers, available for $395 and $475 respectively from Brooklyn Tailors.

Some workplaces will, of course, allow… jeans! Five-pocket jeans can really hit the spot if you go for raw denim or deep indigo in a more formal, straight-leg fit. Tuck in a shirt with a fancy leather belt and you’re good to go.

Experiment with fits and find what works for you, making sure you have the right shoes to fit the bill, too.

Cushman Lot. 22011 ’41 Model Chinos & Lot. 22686 Chambray Pant Salt & Pepper Chinos, available for $245 & $255 respectively from Clutch Cafe.

Shoes

Investing in a decent pair of welted shoes or boots will crank your office wardrobe up a notch while complying with your overlord’s dress code. Whether it’s a clean-cut derby, a sleeker service boot, or loafers, a pair of well-made shoes can act as a key building block to your outfits.

Spending more on welted shoes or boots will also mean you can have them resoled when needed, and polishing can keep them looking office ready. If you’re new to the whole welted shoe thing, we’ve put together guides on Shoe Anatomy 101 and The Three Tiers of Welted Boots and Shoes that can help you get started.

If you’re looking for a leather sneaker for work or even off-duty living, Crown Northampton are bridging the gap between welted shoe and casual sneaker. They’re crafting handstitched, fully re-soleable sneakers in the mecca of English shoemaking – Northampton, allowing you to invest in a pair of elegant yet robust sneakers that will last you for years, earning patina with each wear.

Crown Northampton Harlestone Derby in Horween Bourbon Shell Cordovan, available for $930 from Crown Northampton.

Jacket/Sports Coat

Most offices don’t demand a ‘suit jacket’ these days, however, a decent jacket can be a statement piece that you can dress up or down. Worn over a shirt or knit, a sport coat will always look boss, and you can experiment with twills, tweeds, and even knitted wool jackets for some extra texture. Chest pockets also facilitate the addition of a pocket square and a trusty pen.

 

Different fabrics will be needed for different seasons, of course. Lightly woven cotton like chambray will be your friend in the warmer months, while knitted and tightly woven tweeds will be more suitable for colder temps. We’d recommend Brooklyn Tailors for a range of fabrics and patterns each year.

Flint & Tinder 365 Utility Blazer, available for $228 from Huckberry.

Oxford Shirts

Probably the first item we all reach for when piecing together a more formal-leaning getup, the humble oxford shirt is a powerful wardrobe staple and true office wear essential. Having a selection of decent oxfords that can be paired with a variety of pants and jackets will lay a solid foundation for your office (and casual) wardrobe.

 

Ties, Bow Ties, and Pocket Squares

Image via Brooklyn Tailors

A tie or pocket square can define an entire outfit. These accessories are especially useful if you work in a super smart office as they can be an understated way of expressing yourself without compromising formality. My grandfather often wears a Pink Panther tie to very important events, but you should probably feel things out at your office before you go too wild.

 

Accessories

Stationery

Don’t just live off those disposable office stock notepads and pens — compile an inventory of quality stationery that you feel proud to own and use. Nice pens and pads can make note-taking more enjoyable, and a hardback decent planner is a much nicer way to keep yourself organized than a smartphone calendar.

 

Bag

Organization is a part of any office and having a good quality bag to keep your stuff in order is key. Be sure to consider your commute to work when choosing your bag, as things like suitability for cycling, rainfall, and packed subway trains may dictate which bag is best for you. You can combat the elements with features like wax coatings or technical specifications.

Laptop Sleeve

Upgrading to a well-made laptop sleeve that fits your needs can revolutionize your commute and on-the-go profile. Your laptop can be protected and look good in the process — it’s just about picking the right sleeve.