Look your best at the desk

How men can turn their 9-to-5 style from boring to bold

KARACHI:

Men's corporate fashion has long been stuck in a rut—drab neutrals, stuffy suits, and the ever-faithful navy-blue trousers. If you were lucky, you'd spot a rogue tie or some oddly patterned socks as the pinnacle of rebellion. But things are changing, slowly but surely. More and more men are beginning to realise that fashion isn't just for the runway or some stylish celebrity in Venice; it's a daily opportunity to express individuality, even in the office. After all, the key to dressing well isn't about conforming to rules—it's about breaking them (subtly, of course).

We've seen some inspiring sartorial boldness lately, thanks in no small part to Hollywood's awards season. Whether it's DJ Khaled in head-to-toe pink Bottega Veneta or Brad Pitt in a breezy sky-blue linen pantsuit, the men on the red carpet have decided that the era of boring black suits is well and truly over. While we might be miles away from such fashion-forward scenes here in Pakistan, there's no reason men can't bring some of that energy to their 9-to-5 attire. And while we may not be in Venice or Los Angeles, the winds of change will eventually blow our way. It's just a matter of time before these trends make their way to our office halls. That being said, no one is advocating for embroidered shirts or bootcut trousers to raise too many eyebrows at the office, even though they really shouldn't.

From boring to bold

Now, before you roll your eyes and say, "But office wear is supposed to be boring," let me stop you right there. If you're still showing up to your hybrid workspace in the same monochromatic combo of navy or black, you're missing a trick. The post-COVID era has shifted the corporate world in more ways than one, and with remote work or hybrid schedules becoming the norm, the office dress code has loosened its tie—literally. The days of rigid button-down shirts, boring suit jackets, and stiff black trousers are gone. Now, you can take risks, experiment, and put some personality into your workwear.

So, what's stopping men from stepping up their office fashion game? Most men avoid bold fashion choices because they're afraid of getting it wrong. Comfort zones are the enemy of style. But here's the thing—if you're not willing to make a mistake or two, you'll never stumble upon that outfit that makes you look (and feel) like a boss. Fashion psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo argues that the novelty of pushing past your comfort zone can enhance your mood. So, it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling better too.

"What we wear affects how we feel so much that it can distort and determine our thoughts and judgments," says psychologist Karen Pine in her book Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion. And if fashion can alter your mindset, why not use it to your advantage? Dopamine dressing, a trend that has gained traction in the last few years, is all about wearing clothes that make you feel good. This could mean adding a splash of colour to your office attire or choosing fabrics that feel luxurious against your skin. And the best part is that it's scientifically proven to work.

Starting small

You don't have to go full DJ Khaled and show up in head-to-toe pink to shake up your office wardrobe. Start small—perhaps with a colourful belt or a vibrant tie. "Neutrals are a foundation. Colours work as accents," says Ahmed Ali, a supply chain manager who likes to inject a bit of excitement into his work attire. "If I'm in the mood to go the way of the traditional black trousers and white shirt combo, I'll probably opt for a colourful belt."

Ties and belts aren't the only ways to spice things up, either. Watches can also play a key role in elevating your look. "I have an all-purpose watch—an Apple Watch that I can customise with different straps. But if I want something more formal for a big meeting, I'll go for my fancier Hublot," adds Ahmed. "It doesn't matter if the watch isn't an expensive brand, but wearing one really adds to an outfit."

The texture game

Office dressing isn't just about visuals—it's about feel. Mixing and matching different textures adds dimension and sophistication to your outfit. Think of combining linen with knitwear, or suede with leather. "Men don't really experiment with material," says Arham Najam, a textile design student. "They just go for the same old cotton or dress pants material. But linen is such a versatile fabric. You can put on a plain tee with linen trousers, and it would still look amazing. That's what texture can do for you."

Especially in Pakistan's scorching summers, linen becomes your best friend. Lightweight yet classy, linen offers an easy way to elevate your office look. And here's the kicker: it comes in every colour you can imagine. Why not opt for a matching linen shirt and trouser combo? It's casual, it's cool, and it's bound to get you compliments whether in the meeting room or over Zoom.

And though layering might seem more suited to winter, it's still a powerful styling tool when the temperatures drop, even for a brief two-month window. A white tee under an ecru linen blazer is stylish and understated. Want to go a bit further? Add a printed pocket square or switch out that plain white tee for a patterned one. Just take a cue from Fawad Khan's recent look. Layering even works with a textured waistcoat or blazer over a shalwar kurta.

When it comes to elevating men's fashion in the office, it's all about subtle experimentation. Don't be afraid to make a mistake or two. Finding your signature work style is like target practice. You learn to hit the bullseye through a series of mistakes. If you wear safe, neutral outfits all the time, you'll never develop any flair.