Fashion Meets Function: How to Look Your Best, Even on Casual Days

In the working world, appearance can often be a vital deciding factor. It can leave a lasting impression with a potential employer or client, it shows you take your position seriously, and it can even make co-workers and bosses think about you and your skills even after they have left the workplace. As such, a stunning wardrobe is a solid foundation and investment for anyone who wants to see their career thrive and grow. 

However, one area that can sometimes be forgotten is casual wear. It is essential to have the proper attire for meeting bosses for an after-work drink or to wear on a business trip when traveling to the destination. With that in mind, here are some game-changing clothing articles that can take your casual lifestyle in a professional direction.

What Classifies as "Casual Wear"

The term "casual" has been thrown around quite a bit, and there are undoubtedly different tiers to it. It is somewhat embarrassing to go to an event with a long-sleeve button-up top and a sports coat when everyone is wearing hoodies or polos. The same is true if the outfits were reversed, too. 

Because of this, it is essential to distinguish whether a person means business casual, professional business casual, or more of a bright casual appearance. Each style has a type of clothing that is exclusive to it, and however, some clothes fit all categories. A polo and sweater, for instance, could be both business casual and smart casual in the proper settings. Those looking to add a touch of relaxed personality to their wardrobe without losing style might consider incorporating some Chummy Tees into their outfits. These versatile pieces can bridge the gap between laid-back and polished, making them perfect for casual work settings or off-the-clock professional gatherings.

Focus on Form and Fit Over Cost

It is elementary to gravitate towards an expensive product or a designer piece of clothing. Still, it is more important to wear clothes that fit you just suitable when it comes down to appearance. No one will care if the button-up short sleeve shirt you are wearing to the company picnic is the most delicate silk if you seem to be bursting at the seams (or conversely, you wear it like a blanket). 

Be sure to consider your size and weight as you look for materials. If it comes down to it, a cheaper material that fits very well is preferable to a more expensive one that is too tight or too loose. If you're feeling concerned about how it will fit for a future event, it's not a bad idea to invest some time into a workout routine or an improved diet.

Start From the Inside Out

Nothing can be more detrimental to appearance than a cheap pair of underwear peeking out underneath an otherwise stunning outfit ensemble. If you're going to spend serious time and money on the clothes people see, the least you should do is make sure that the elastic in your undergarments is strong and won't sag or hang loose. 

In addition, consider the practicality of some more pricey items. Silk, for example, has a host of benefits that match its price. It is soft, luxurious, and breathable. It could be just the thing you need to help with skin irritation or an embarrassing sweating problem. The bottom line is to protect, well, your bottom.

What People See First

Many people say that one of the first pieces of clothing people see first is your shoes. Shoes can either make or break an outfit. In addition, there are shoes for all occasions, with varying different comfort levels. As you expand your professional interactions, it is crucial to growing your outfit choices to match. 

After all, if you are asked to go golfing with the boss and a potential client, for example, and all you have to wear are stained worn-down shoes, it might not leave the favorable impression you are hoping for. Thankfully, women's and men's designer sneakers have adapted to meet the demand of new scenarios, and even companies like Nike and Adidas offer some very sleek casual options. 

Here's a good baseline of how many pairs to have: For most people, two pairs of shoes for casual meetings and one pair for formal meetings should cover you for work. Get another team for working out, jogging, hiking, and other activities. And don't forget a pair of sandals, slides, or flip-flops for when you want to be comfortable. These five categories of shoes can serve as an excellent place to start. As your influence and interactions grow, you can buy new pairs to suit your needs.

Rounding Out the Outfit

Once shoes and undergarments are chosen, it comes down to pants and shirts. The two pants choices essentially boil down to slacks, khakis (or another nice pair of trousers), or denim jeans. Choosing slacks or trousers over other pants may make the outfit more professional, limiting what you wear as a top since no one likely wears a hoodie with khakis.

On the other hand, Jeans are more casual and pair well with polos, collared or oxford shirts, and hoodies. If you choose jeans, make sure it is for a genuinely simple event and that you are not underdressing for the occasion. An additional, albeit seasonal choice, could be a pair of Bermuda shorts. These are especially good for summer meet-ups, warm weather, or trips to the beach or pool. 

Accent With a Few Accessories

When most of your outfit is put together, a finishing touch is one or two accessories. A watch is always a good place to start. Even if the destination is somewhere where the watch could get wet, many designers are water-resistant or waterproof. Cufflinks could also be a nice touch if you wear a button-up shirt. However, you'll want to be sure to gauge beforehand how fancy you want or need to appear for this event. 

Rings and necklaces are also a solid choice for men, as well. Stylized rings or class rings might be a nice element to an outfit. Necklaces should try to be made of bronze, silver, or gold, as those colors work well with many of the other ranges of color that casual wear is generally made out of.

In short, casual wear can fit a broad range of events and meetings, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the right pieces for your closet. A versatile wardrobe for both in the workplace and outside of it is an excellent first step towards promoting or closing that desirable sale. After all, you only make a first impression once.