A large part of the money you invest in men's fashion probably goes into the clothes that you wear to work during the week. As static and constant as that segment of men's style might seem, it's also subject to trends and changes, if you don't want to blend in with the office crowd, of course. Start saving those paychecks and Christmas bonuses because you could most likely use some of these wardrobe upgrades when you return in January.
The Modern Briefcase
Unless you were the kind of school kid who liked to bring a t-square in his back pocket, you bring some sort of bag or container to work every day. The problem that most office guys have is that their bag doesn't complement the kind of image they want to project. This is the guy who wears the coolest neckties and sharpest suits in the office but brings a ratty backpack to work. If that guy sounds like you, you've got some trouble. Take the time to go around and explore all the new iterations of the modern briefcase. Many men's office fashion retailers like Banana Republic and Zara have a version or two of their own, so you've got quite the selection. More professional than the messenger bag but less stuffy than the traditional briefcase, the structured modern brief is the perfect go-between for today's office-bound professional like you.
Look for something in leather (or at least high quality canvas, like the ones they make at Jack Spade) to add some intimidation to your accessories. The less zippers, pockets and fuss it has outside, the better; it's a bag, not a biker jacket.
A Three Piece Suit
Two-piece suits have long been the standard office fare in men's fashion.
Minimalism, after all, was key to creating a successful office look. All that is changing, however, as the more traditional three-piece suit is gaining increasing acceptance in the style mainstream.
Why get a three-piece suit? First of all, it's an emerging trend; everyone from Channing Tatum to Robert Downey Jr. has walked the red carpet in one. Second, it's perfect for staying sharp inside the office, where you're bound to shuck your jacket at one point or another. A two-piece suit leaves you in just your shirt and tie, while the vest in a three-piece set maintains a level of professionalism should the boss pay you a surprise visit.
It's true that a three-piece suit is a lot more intimidating in terms of both style and visual impact. You can lost the unwanted weight by going with gray or chalk stripe navy and not black. The former two are lighter colors, but are no less appropriate for the office. Pair it with a bold - even flamboyant - colored necktie to keep the mood light and easy.
Non Office Hardware
Style is a combination of your personal preference in clothing and the kind of image that you want to project as a whole. The latter comes largely from your overall appearance. Is your suit sharp and tailored? Is your tie snug and dimpled? Small details like those speak volumes about your image. For 2015, you may want to invest a little more in that image.
Pick up jewelry like a tie bar, cuff links or a snazzy new watch to help complete your new powerful look for the year. Instead of the chunky and often ostentatious designs from the previous years, the ideal ones for 2015 are streamlined and understated. Small geometric cuff links, a straightforward tie bar and a slim watch with just the essentials should start your new year - and career, hopefully - off on the right foot.
Jewelry is meant to last a long time, so you may as well invest some serious cash in these pieces should you decide to get them. Quality materials and a good brand name to go with it will ensure that your watch, cuff links or tie bar will still be as sharp three to five years down the road. After all, fashions can go in and out of vogue, but classic style hardly ever falls out of favor.
