How To

5 Outfits to
Crush Your Workweek

How we dress for work is a long way from the days of staid office dress codes, when men were expected to wear a simple grey suit (the same damn suit as every other guy in the office), day in and day out. Most workplaces today have a pretty relaxed approach to office style, but that comes with its own challenges. Like greeting each day with the question: what should I wear today? After all, the real reason to look presentable isn't to impress your boss or outshine your colleague—though that can be a nice bonus. It's to have some self-respect. You worked hard to get here, right? Take some pride in your appearance, because you've earned it. Dressing well every morning acknowledges that you're preparing for something important. Herewith, five fresh options for a week's worth of work, whether you're sitting at your desk, off to a presentation or meeting with the boss.

Day 1

Cotton Trousers
and a Knit Polo

American classics with a continental twist, a pair of classic chinos is elevated with a lightweight knit polo. Want to dress this up even more? Pull on a blazer or bomber jacket.

Taylor Stitch Democratic Fit Chinos

Democratic fit chinos,
$989 by Taylor Stitch

Sandro Knit Linen Polo

Knit linen polo,
$145 by Sandro

Astorflex Suede Chukkas

Suede chukkas,
$155 by Astorflex

Taylor Stitch Democratic Fit Chinos

Democratic fit chinos,
$989 by Taylor Stitch

Day 2

A Simple Sweater
With Dress Pants

Never underestimate the subtle power that is conveyed via a sharp, minimalist look. A soft sweater complements a proper pair of wool trousers, while luxe leather sneakers update the look.

Polo Ralph Lauren Merino and Silk Sweater

Merino and silk sweater,
$185 by Polo Ralph Lauren

Reiss Lightweight Linen and Wool Trousers

Lightweight linen and wool trousers,
$240 by Reiss

Oliver Cabell Low 1 Sneakers

Low 1 sneakers,
$178 by Oliver Cabell

Reiss Lightweight Linen and Wool Trousers

Lightweight linen and wool trousers,
$240 by Reiss

Day 3

A Playful Graphic Shirt and Chinos

An easy look that strikes a balance. The graphic pattern on the shirt and some modern looking sneakers both offer a shot of levity but the cardigan keeps things from looking too relaxed.

Todd Snyder Tab-Front Cinos

Tab-front chinos,
$168 by Todd Snyder

NN07 Camp Collar Shirt

Camp collar shirt,
$130 by NN07

J.Crew Merino Cardigan

Merino cardigan,
$89.50 by J.Crew

Clarks Trigenic Flex Sneakers

Trigenic flex sneakers,
$170 by Clarks

Day 4

A (Brighter) Blue Suit
and White Shirt

The cooler cousin to your standard navy suit setup. The brighter shade and a graphic pocket square sets you apart—and if you want to take it more casual, swap the shirt for a crisp white tee.

J.Crew Stretch Pinpoint Oxford

Stretch pinpoint Oxford,
$69.50 by J.Crew

Suitsupply Siena Italian Wool Suit

Siena Italian wool suit,
$639 by Suitsupply

Drake's Cotton and Silk Pocket Square

Cotton and silk pocket square,
$80 by Drake's

Mezlan Suede Split-Toe Derby

Suede split-toe derby,
$325 / $150.66 by Mezlan

Day 5

Black Jeans and
Navy Oxford Shirt

Not only do the darker colors of the shirt and jeans offer a sleek alternative for casual Fridays, they easily work for a date or a night of drinks with coworkers after hours.

Buck Mason Never-Fade Black Denim

Never-fade black denim,
$135 by Buck Mason

Gitman Bros. Vintage Button-Down Oxford

Button-down Oxford,
$165 by Gitman Bros. Vintage

Astorflex Crepe Soled Chelsea Boots

Crepe soled Chelsea boots,
$180 by Astorflex

Gitman Bros. Vintage Button-Down Oxford

Button-down Oxford,
$165 by Gitman Bros. Vintage

FYI

FYI

According to the latest data, Americans work an average of 38.6 hours per week, slightly under the 40 hours that has been traditionally considered a typical workweek.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)