Man on the town: Tips on dressing for success

Making the transition from college to life in the professional world can be a little discomforting, especially if your wardrobe consists of jeans, T-shirts and tennis shoes. Sure, it’s a great look when you want to be sporty and casual, but there’s a certain evolution that your wardrobe must make so that you can look more marketable (both in the business sense, and at those after-hour get-togethers).

Once you land that dream job, you need to make sure you dress for success. People take you more seriously when you dress the part and show that you care about your image. If your office is business casual, then there are still a few rules to follow.

First, your look should be classic rather than trendy, and you should be crisp and neat. Yes, you will need to invest in an iron. Start off with neatly pressed khaki or dark pants paired with a pressed, long-sleeved, buttoned shirt. The shirt should be in a solid color like white or light blue, or in classic patterns like conservative stripes or plaid. Try shopping at Nordstrom, The Gap, Banana Republic and even Old Navy to find these items without spending a ton. Even if you buy pants and shirts off the rack, it’s still a good idea to have them tailored.

Proper fit can make or break the outfit.

The most crucial part of any outfit, however, is your shoes. Be sure to invest in a pair – or eight, you can never really have too many – of high-quality leather shoes that will (please!) match your belt. I’ve found that the best place to shop for shoes is at Dillard’s. They have a huge selection of stylish shoes that’ll last forever, helpful salespeople and reasonable prices. Much like the fit of your clothes, the proper shoes can make or break your outfit. Even if you’re required to wear a suit to work, it’s better to have more expensive shoes and a cheaper suit. They’re that important. Also, be sure to wear dark socks in a mid-calf length. It may sound trivial, but you don’t want skin to show when you sit down. It’s all about the details.

Ties generally aren’t required for business casual attire, but, if you’re worried about it, then we say tie one on. It’s always better to be over dressed than under dressed. You can always take it off later (perhaps when unwinding at those after-hour get-togethers). When choosing a tie, just make sure it’s a classic design and in colors that will go with several outfits. Mixing and matching will save your bank account. You can also find good deals on ties at Nordstrom.

Now that winter is approaching, a topcoat is your best bet for staying warm while still looking professional. Please do not try to substitute a raincoat in its place. It’s just not the same. You want the coat to hit just above the knee for a more youthful look, and, rather than sticking with generic black, why not try one in camel or charcoal? You can still look professional while showing a little bit of your personal style. When choosing a topcoat, make sure to check the label for materials. English wool is a little warmer than Italian wool, so it’s the better choice for Denver. Tweed or cashmere are also great choices. Again, fit is paramount. Kenneth Cole makes some nice topcoats that won’t break the bank.

The final touch to your outfit should be a finely made watch. This will probably be the most expensive part of your wardrobe, but it’ll look great and last for years. Not to mention, it will also give you the time. Stick with conservative styles from makers such as TAG Heuer, Bulova or Cartier. I prefer a metal wristband on guys (rather than a leather one), but it’s totally up to you. An elegant and conservative watch is really the only accessory you’ll ever need, so it’s best to shop around until you find one that really speaks to you. Try a department store like Macy’s, or shop at some fine jewelers to find what you’re looking for.

Lastly, please be sure you are well groomed with a slick new haircut, clean fingernails and trimmed facial hair if you don’t go the clean-cut route. Entering the business world is all about being professional. The more you look the part, the more confident you’ll be. Then, it’s only a matter of time before you’re the one who’s calling the shots.