For some, dress codes at work are simple — suits. This sounds easy as long as the basic rules are followed and you are guaranteed the result of a sophisticated look. We all love suits and the feeling when we are in well-tailored pieces. A suit with a perfect shirt, silk tie, sharp shoes, and a good watch completes a gentleman appearance. However, we also love diversity and sometimes we want to break the serious, heavy look that comes with the suit-tie-shoes trio every workday. So, how can we make our look less formal but still stay in the dress code zone?

Here are some simple ideas you can try to spice up your everyday work suit:

Ties: Knitted ties, trendy again for the last few seasons, add a young and fresh look. Tartan ties are classic but they have the same refreshing result. You can seem more casual and friendly with them compared to tiny patterned silk ties. Make sure to add wool ties with warm colors to your list for the colder months as well.

Carven Tartan Pattern Tie:

Aside from the texture and pattern you choose, it is also possible to seem sporty by the way you tie this little but visually strong accessory. These days you can see more gentlemen attract attention by twisting the skinny length of their tie at the knot and keeping this skinny part a bit longer than the wider length. This trendy game will make both parts seem next to each other. Always remember that ties are the center point of suits and both the fabric and patterns play a big role in the look that we want to create.

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Shirts: Blue and white cotton shirts are our must haves and they will always be, but what if we put some denim look in our suits? Basic denim shirts or chambray are always trendy and they can be used with suits as well.

Tartan shirts are a little risky. We need good eyes to match them with ties and suits, but they are still on the list as an alternative for the self-confident gentleman.

Michael Kors Non-Iron Opal Check Dress Shirt and Bar III Slim-Fit Blue Heather Check Dress Shirt:

Button down or club collar shirts with classical colors give you a more sportive look compared to spread and point collar shirts. You can use them with thinner ties and tight knots. Cutaway collars seem to be just in the middle; for some it looks more elegant, while others think it looks more sporty and creates a younger look.

Bar III Slim-Fit White Solid Dress Shirt and All 21MEN Slim Fit Dress Shirt:

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Socks: The rule is simple; choose your socks according to the color of your suit. But what if you turn to the trendy path and use colorful or patterned socks? They may not be for every work place but you still have an option to make a difference, even in a conservative atmosphere. You can start by choosing socks that have different shades of the same color of your suit. For example, electric blue socks with dark brown suede loafers worn under a navy suit give one of the best results.

Polo Ralph Lauren Socks (3-Pack), All 21MEN Micro-Dotted Socks, and Bugatchi Dot Socks:

Spring and summer months let us be sockless but of course this means loafer (no-show) socks used with slim pants that are cropped relatively short. Drivers, loafers, boat shoes, and even wingtips are perfect options for the sockless look.

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Shoes: When it comes to shoes they are the key piece of every outfit, not only for women but also for men. They give the finishing touch and guarantee an elegant look. We can choose a pair from so many options: Derby shoes, oxfords and wingtips give a serious look while loafers, trendy monkstraps, and brogues have a young sporty effect.

For spring and summer months boat shoes and drivers can be added to the list for the sockless look.

Leather soles means chic, while rubber soles are accepted as more comfortable and casual. Shoes with colorful soles may not be acceptable for all but they can be worn with suits for a sporty look. You can add sneakers and colorful spectators on your list if your workplace tolerates them. Our eyes have gotten used to sneakers under suits a long time ago but it is better to keep it simple; low top, one color, and leather sneakers give the best result.

If you are a loafer lover, use your suede penny and tassel loafers not only for slim jeans but also with suits. They add a warm touch while leather penny and tassel loafers make the look more serious and heavy.

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Gilets – Sweaters – Cardigans: You can wear slim sweaters and cardigans in your suits. They will make you look sharper if you choose plain models with muted shades. V-neck sweaters may sound more comfortable with ties but crew neck sweaters create more of a casual look with suits. You should consider relatively small collared shirts and small-knotted ties to have the perfect look if you decide to wear a crew neck. Silk and merino wool mixed light sweaters are perfect options to use with suits.

Cardigans may remind you of our grandfathers but with the right material and model you can seem fresh and chic. If you choose silk, merino wool, or cashmere cardigans that are relatively thin and light, you will feel more comfortable in your suit. Same color or similar shade cardigans with the suit will seem as though you have a three-piece suit on you. You will be elegant but seem fresher for sure. Slim fit, short models will give the best results and don’t forget to leave the two last buttons open.

A gilet used both in and on a suit is another trendy look we are used to seeing. Thin, light gilets worn under the suit creates a sporty look for sure; but in my opinion, you should take off your gilet in the office. It can make you seem as a part of a catalogue but you may not be very comfortable in the office to be honest.

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Watches and other accessories: You can change your leather watch-straps with colorful textile ones or use less complicated, even plastic watches instead of heavy chronos to have a soft look.

You can also have watch free days and use basic bracelets instead. But be careful, it is always better to choose simple bracelets and keep them less just in case.

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Bags and Briefcases: You can change your heavy leather briefcase with a leather file holder or clutch. Leather tote bags are a perfect mix of classic and modern, while adding a sporty but still elegant touch.

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Backpacks are back for everyone. They are not only for students anymore and thanks to designers we can find very chic alternatives to use with suits. You can try a leather backpack for work, but like sneakers, it is better to keep it simple. Messengers, textile briefcases, or textile totes can be other younger alternatives.

Suits themselves also play a role for a light, sporty look; short, cropped slim trousers, slim fit jackets… But these choices are also related to your body type and may not be for everyone for sure. Colors are also important. You can try an Ivy League look as an option; navy and black blazers with grey or brown pants are the most classic combinations you can try.

In my opinion the Ivy League look is risk free. It is a guaranteed way for the sporty look for every work place. Tartan ties and colorful or patterned socks can be used to add some colors to suits.

Sneakers, shoes with colorful soles, backpacks, or denim shirts may not sound like a good idea to you with suits, or your work place may be too serious for them. Personally I think backpacks and leather sneakers are so comfortable and practical, especially on rainy days. Cardigans are classics and they are so trendy again this season. You should at least add a navy or anthracite piece on your list for cold days.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

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