Men at work: Dress to impress

How you dress, leaves a lasting impression.

KARACHI: “Be elegant and classy, but conservative [at the same time],” says designer Deepak Perwani. This is what we’ve learnt from our favourite lawyer Harvey Spector from Suits and White Collar’s con-man Neal Caffrey — the better you look, the more confident you are.

When you’re at work, all eyes are on you, especially when your job requires regular one-on-ones with clients. The first impression you make, may just be the last. So next time you are getting dressed for work on a lazy morning, make sure you dress to impress!



Men are no longer oblivious to styles and trends — they know what a fashion faux pas is and what is en vogue. How you dress at work is important. It shows who you are; it leaves an imprint on your co-workers’ minds as well as your clients’. It boosts your self-esteem. Try wearing a pair of pyjamas to work one day and a crisp suit the next, feel the difference in your attitude and confidence yourself.

If you look good (and clean), your chances of sealing the deal with a client or nailing an important interview, will be drastically amplified.

Formal versus informal 

The environment of the workplace and what is part of the dress code is an important variable when getting dressed for work. Some places prefer suits and ties, while others aren’t so restrictive. Note: being informal doesn’t mean we don’t brush our hair or iron our clothes and being formal doesn’t mean wearing a tuxedo and being over-the-top. “You don’t want to intimidate your client by looking [much] better than them,” says Perwani. Finding a middle ground is key.



If formal attire is required at the workplace, then a custom-tailored suit is probably the best option; experiment with the colour and style as you please. Black and blue suits are the most common. Take bold risks and try out different coloured button-down shirts to wear inside — white, blue and black aren’t the only colours out there! Pick out slim ties — if you can pull them off — or plaid ones and add that extra oomph to your look. “Contrast your choice by mixing in some black with white, red and blue,” says Perwani. If you are slightly chubby, then slim ties aren’t for you — pastel or plaid ties look great with solid-coloured shirts.

Shoes are an important aspect of your overall look. “Wear a pair of closed leather shoes — without laces are preferable with a pair of funky [don’t go overboard with the funk] socks,” adds designer Munib Nawaz. “I don’t know why people still prefer shoes with laces — they’re so inconvenient!” For some accessories, mix your ensemble up with a tie pin or a solid big dial watch.

If it’s an informal look that  you plan to achieve, then we’re looking at a whole bunch of whacky options. “You can still look good when you’re dressed casually,” adds Nawaz. “Flip flops are good for casual Fridays as long as you pair them up with a good pair of chinos and a polo.” Let’s avoid pyjamas, baggy cargo pants and a shirt you’ve slept in last night — looking dirty is not casual and it certainly isn’t professional.

If your job requires that you run around a lot, then jeans are always the best choice — skinnies or slim-cut. A safer shoe option would be a pair of loafers or even a pair of trendy sneakers.

The colour of your shirt matters. “For summer, focus on wearing light shades — not too neutral, though,” says Nawaz. “Bring your attention towards pastel shades. Light shades of green are also back in form, even purple.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2013.

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