How Men Should Dress for Any Work-Related Function

Because looking professional goes beyond just owning a great suit.

The Client Lunch

When meeting with clients, a professional look is important. But depending on the type of client, or the type of lunch, a full-blown suit and tie is not always necessary. For something that’s professional, but between dressy and business casual, a cotton suit with brogues and a simple dress shirt—sans tie—is an excellent way to split the difference.

Happy Hour

It’s called happy hour, not “rumpled undone suit at the end of a long day” hour. So go for something that’s a little more casual, but still sharp and stylish. Trousers, a light sweater, a denim jacket, and a glass of Jim Beam Black^® in your hand will help you nail that whole effortlessly cool vibe.

The Company Picnic

Though it’s the most laid-back of work-related events, the company picnic is still a great place to show off your style. Keep it simple and comfortable with a pair of chinos, a crisp polo, and a classic pair of old school sneakers.

Casual Fridays

Casual Friday means business casual, not sweats on a Sunday casual. So stick to dark-wash jeans, a button-down oxford or chambray shirt, and an unstructured blazer. And then add a dose of cool with a pair of minimalist sneakers.

The Office Party

For the office party, you still want to dress up, but try giving your look a bit more edge than usual. Go with a slimmer suit than you would normally wear to work, and offset it with a stylish heather gray tee—rather than a dress shirt and tie—and some black leather Chelsea boots.

The Big Pitch

You’ll want a strong professional look for big meetings with clients, and fortunately, professional doesn’t mean completely devoid of personality. Rather than a basic gray or navy suit, try a subtle check pattern. Then round it off with those business-wear classics—a crisp white dress shirt, a textured tie, and a pair of black cap-toe oxfords.

Read original article from Esquire, presented by Jim Beam Black^®.