Wallet Killing vs. Economical Office Wear
Looking great has a name: Prada. Looking good also has a price: very costly. Unless you've got handfuls of cash to unload on the best of the best threads, you and Gap most likely go way back?
That's where Massimos latest fashion feature, Expensive vs. Economical, comes in. We're here to help you achieve a designer look at a retail price. Now dont take me wrong, Im not talking about going thrift here; Im just advising you on how to dress well for less without missing out on quality. I will break down specific looks relevant to the everyday man, comparing the super-sleek, high-end outfit to its more sensible (yet still swanky) alternative.
This week's essential ensemble: office wear.
For starters well concentrate on an essential ensemble: office wear.
The look: The pure and perfect business casual outfit
The style: Business casual has come mean a variety of things -- most of which are false assumptions. Society has constructed this term to mean "anything a part from a suit and tie?
So, what does "business casual" actually relate to? I think of it in this way: no jeans, no bow ties. Anything in between these extremes is acceptable, ties are even coming back in the casual spectrum! ?but beware as proper assembly of the outfit is crucial. From pants and slacks to dress shirts and sweaters, you should be able to build the varied wardrobe that'll impress the whole entire casual boardroom.
Designer average cost of outfit: $1,000 - $3,000
Retail average cost of outfit: $300 - $500
the pricey threads
1- Expensive pants
Label: Prada
Price tag: $624
Start building the ultimate designer business casual wardrobe with these navy blue striped pants. The slightly tapered leg is huge this spring, and the button fly and tab waist give it the laid-back-yet-office-appropriate look you're after.
Got a few hundred dollars to throw around? Then indulge in more Prada
3- Expensive dress shirt
Label: Prada
Price tag: $304
Dress shirts are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can have in your closet. Depending on what you pair it with, you can dress the shirt up or you can dress it down a few notches. Choose this light blue and tan striped shirt from Prada. Its spread collar will look perfect peeking out the top of your cashmere sweater. Also made of 100% cotton, you're investing in a functional piece of clothing that's sure to last a good while.
Label: Prada
Price tag: $695
You've already got the Prada pants and shirt, so why not go with a third and final item to complete your pricey look? These dark brown leather ankle boots will look quite smart coupled with your Prada pants. The great thing about these boots is that they extend beyond the office. Headed for happy hour with some colleagues after work? Well, your expensive feet are ready to go and will fit in flawlessly at your local trendy bar.
What's the damage?
Your Prada-inspired workplace outfit will set you back $1,908.
the reasonable garb
Label: Zara
Price tag: $99
Zara's Corbett-fit tapered pants will help you find that appropriate middle ground between upper-dressy and under-dressy, while still staying stylish and sophisticated.
Label: Gap
Price tag: $45
Ok, it's not Prada, but pair it under your expertly color-coordinated V-neck sweater and the only thing people at the water cooler will talk about is how chic you're looking for a Monday morning. Plus, it's 100% cotton and has a straight collar and chest pocket, so you know this microscopic investment will be a fashionable and durable part of your business casual look for some time.
Label: Zara
Price tag: $175
Try this black leather ankle boot to tie the rest of your workplace ensemble together. And just like the Prada boots, your less-expensive pair of footwear can also go from boardroom to bar any day of the week.
What's the damage?
This sophisticated office outfit will squeeze $362 out of you.
cool cubicle clothing
Dressing appropriately for work is one of the most important daily tasks you have. The man in the best business casual garb will demand the right amount of respect and attention he needs in order to climb his way up the ladder . I mean, who are clients and colleagues going to look up to more -- sad, misguided Larry and his old, tattered concert T, or you in perfectly tailored slacks and smart ankle boots?
And remember: Your wallet doesn't have to be inches thick to look great in the workplace. Simply look to the designer threads for inspiration, and search for similar items in less expensive, but still modern, places.
