What to wear in an office with no written code

Short answer: Without a written rule, the norm is what most people wear. Observe for a week, then dress one small step above the average. Whatever the norm, your base layer should be comfortable for a full working day.

Look at what most people wear

The norm at a workplace is not what the boss wears but what most people wear on an ordinary day. Notice it in your first week. Is it jeans and knitwear, or chinos and shirts. Write it down if it helps. For after work, bamboo sweatpants for men can be the comfortable alternative at home.

One step above is safe

Slightly smarter than average never gets noticed in a bad way, while the opposite often does. If most wear t-shirts, choose a plain t-shirt or a simple knit. If most wear shirts, choose one that fits well. It is not about standing out but about looking like you gave it some thought. See what works in our range for men.

Keep the base layer consistent

Whatever the norm, your innermost layer should be comfortable all day. It is the layer you feel most, and it affects how everything else sits. Choose something soft that does not pull and moves moisture away from the skin. A calm base layer also makes it easier to vary the outer layer, such as a bamboo sweatshirt for men.

Fit before brand

Clothes that fit well look better than expensive clothes that do not. A jumper too wide at the shoulders or trousers that are too long drag the whole look down. Take time to find the right size, and have a tailor adjust sleeves or trouser length if needed. It is a small investment that shows every day.

Colours that are easy to combine

An office wardrobe gets simpler when most pieces go with each other. Stick to a few neutral colours such as navy, grey, black, white and beige, and add one colour as an accent. You can then put on almost anything in the morning without thinking and still look put together.

Meetings and special days

Even in an office with no dress code, some days call for a step up. It might be a client meeting, a presentation or a day with outside visitors. Keep a few pieces ready that lift the look, such as a blazer or a smart shirt. They go over your usual base layer and come off afterwards.

Adjust over time

The norm at a workplace can shift, and your own role can change. Take another look after six months. Once you are part of the team, you can often allow a little more personality. What matters is that your clothes never distract from your work and that you feel comfortable all day.

Frequently asked questions

What should you do if in doubt

Ask a colleague. It is a perfectly normal question, and most people are happy to answer. Until then, one step above average is the safe choice.

Can you wear sweats in an office

In many industries, yes, if the fit is clean and the colour is plain. A simple sweatshirt without print can work much like a knit.

Do shoes matter

Yes, clean shoes matter more than the brand of your clothes. Worn or dirty shoes drag an otherwise neat outfit down.