Can I Wear Suspenders to the Office
Introduction
Office wear for many had been good enough
with just suits, ties, and belts. However, one
accessory that kept men of yesteryear looking
sharp is back with a vengeance: suspenders.
So if you've ever thought, "Can I wear
suspenders to the office?" the answer would be a
perfect yes-but with a few considerations.
### The Case for Suspenders
Suspenders-or braces, as they are known in the
UK-are a stylish functional alternative to the
belt. Following are several reasons that make
them a fine option to consider for office wear:
1. **Comfort**: Suspenders distribute the weight
of your pants more evenly than can be managed
with a belt and can therefore be more
comfortable, especially on those long hours at
the office.
2. **Better Fit**: Suspenders will keep your
trousers up, sans constant adjustment, and they
really do fit you better and sit better.
3. **Classic Appeal:** Suspenders can add that
touch of class and sophistication to an outfit that
makes one look and feel like an old-school
gentleman or some kind of Wall Street power
player.
4. **Fashionable look**: Suspenders are back to
make a fashion statement by young
professionals and old executives alike, adding
one's personal touch to one's appearance.
Formal Settings
In formal settings, like law firms or headquarters
of companies, it is usually quite all right to wear
suspenders.
However, there are one or two ground rules that
will keep you well within the bounds of
professional attire:
- **Wear with a Suit**: The suspenders look their
best when worn with a full suit on.
They just complement the tailored nature of the
suit and project professionalism.
Avoid Clip-Ons: Suspenders with buttons on are
relatively classic and sophisticated; therefore,
they're preferred over clip-ons.
Use Subdued Colors: Just to make it super formal,
neutral or subdued colors such as black, navy, or
gray would be perfect for the suspenders.
Bold patterns and bright colors may be a little too
catchy and unprofessional for a business setting.
-**Match Your Suspender Color with Your
Outfit**: It should be in sync with the rest of
your attire. The color and texture should go in
tandem with your suit, shirt, and tie.
### Business Casual Settings
For the offices allowing business casual attire,
suspenders are one of the fantastic ways
through which you can bring out your
personality while keeping you professional-
looking. Here's how to wear them in a business-
casual setting:
- **Dress Pants and Shirt Combo**: This is one of
the easier ways to wear suspenders-just dress
pants and a collared shirt, sans jacket.
This outfit has all the components of a professional look without being as stuffy as one
would imagine with a full suit.
- **Play with Colors and Patterns**: You can play
with colors, patterns, or fabrics when you wear
suspenders for business-casual occasions.
The only thing that you need to make sure of is
that the other elements of your clothing should
not lose their professionalism.
- **Don't Over-Accessory**: In case you wear
suspenders in casual situations, just ensure that
overall, your look is balanced. There needs to be
little accessorizing in your overall getup so as to
let the suspenders be the star centerpiece of
your outfit.
### What Not to Do
Suspenders can be a great addition to the office
attire; however, there are a couple of things to
consider, including:
- **Avoid Wearing Suspenders with a Belt**:
Suspenders and belts serve one purpose: to keep
your pants up. Wearing one or the other is
redundant, but more importantly, it's a serious
fashion don't.
- **Ill-fitting Pants**: For goodness' sake, get your
pants tailored in at a good height. Suspenders
are for holding up your pants-not correcting for
too-loose pants.
- **Inappropriate Settings**: Take into
consideration your office culture.
There are some offices in which suspenders can
be too flashy or too outside the norm.
Just know your office well enough to decide
whether it is a good thing to have on a regular
basis.
Conclusion:
Wearing suspenders to work can be one of the
most stylish and practical things.
Be it a formal workplace or business-casual, a
pair of suspenders can add that touch of
elegance to your overall appearance if worn
correctly.
So long as one considers the context in which
they will be wearing them-neutral colors for
formal settings, subtle patterns for more relaxed
environments-these accessories become timeless
in helping one stand out in the best possible way.
Of course, it is a matter of personal preference
whether to don suspenders to the office-a both
stylish and professionally aware thing to do.
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