5 Easy Tricks to Being the Best Dressed Man in the Office

Matthew Biehl November 28, 2016

Whether there’s a dress code in effect or you simply feel your best in a suit, there are plenty of ways to make sure menswear staples feel fresh. Embrace embellishment, like subtle patterns, bold shirt-tie combos, or even a snazzy vest. There have always been advantages to being the best-dressed man in the office. That will never change.

1. Try on a three-piece suit, why don’t ya?

Micron wool three- piece suit ($16,970) and cotton button up shirt ($1,040) by Kiton; silk tie ($250) by Turnbull & Asser.

Three-piece suits are an easy way to inject your wardrobe with some dignified gravitas. If you’re new to the look, the best bet is to start with navy – it’s a neutral, accessible colour that will be elevated by the addition of a tailored mid-layer.

2. Mix patterns and textures to separate yourself from the pack

Cotton button up shirt ($520) by Calvin Klein; silk tie ($230) by Salvatore Ferragamo; cotton button up shirt ($195) by Bugatchi; wool tie ($185) by Alexander Olch; cotton button up shirt ($250) by Canali; wool tie ($205) by Ermenegildo Zegna; cotton button up shirt ($395) by Ermenegildo Zegna; silk tie ($200) by PS by Paul Smith.

Perfecting the combo is’t just something you do at Subway anymore. Yes, blue and blue will always look good as will a white shirt with just about any tie. But have some fun with it: try a patterned shirt with a patterned tie, or get textured with a denim shirt and a wool tie, or…whatever. Cookies or chips: the choice is yours.

3. Step outside the lines with your next suit’s print

(L) Wool blazer ($2,280) and wool trousers ($1,340) by Salvatore Ferragamo; cotton button up shirt ($685) by Saint Laurent; silk tie ($200) by PS by Paul Smith; silk pocket square ($125) by Turnbull & Asser; leather shoes ($180) by Tommy Hilfiger; (R) wool suit ($1,100) by Tiger of Sweden; cotton button up shirt ($135) by Bugatchi; wood glasses ($450) by ÖGA; silk tie ($200) by PS by Paul Smith.

Most men would consider a Prince of Wales check to be conservative, while an artistic print would be avant-garde. But why not think outside those boxes? A check that changes weight as it moves down the body is suddenly bold, while a floral print that’s shrunk down and only a few shades lighter than the colour of the suit can be the more subtle choice.

4. Go for broque details when you really want to impress

Leather shoes ($650) by Church’s, at Hudson’s Bay; leather shoes ($940) by Prada; leather shoes ($950) by Burberry.

Black dress shoes have become synonymous with formal attire, so it can be easy to forget how much variety and versatility they can still offer. Go with a derby (plain toe, eyelets sewn on top of the vamp) for more casual occasions, or an oxford (eyelets sewn under the vamp) with brogue details for when you’re looking to impress.