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Men's Work Wardrobe Essentials

Maybe you had to pull an all-nighter to finish your proposal on time. Or maybe it's just one of those mornings where nothing seems to be going your way: you've spilled coffee on your shirt or the sky opened up and you didn't have an umbrella. Whatever the case may be, you still have to be properly dressed for work. There's no better way to remain stylish amidst these unexpected twists and turns than to keep essential clothing items safely at your desk. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst by making sure you always have these items at the office.

Shirts

We recommend keeping at least two clean and pressed white button-down shirts either hanging on your door (if you're lucky enough to have an office), or neatly folded in your desk. This shirt will go with whatever pants you are wearing and can be dressed up if necessary for a more formal event or worn casually. If you typically wear undershirts, keep a couple of those as well.

Pants

Choose a color that is easy to match, either black, blue, or khaki, if your office vibe is casual. Much like your shirts, keep them hanging if you can. However, if that isn't an option make sure they are neatly folded and stored away from food, leaky pens, or other items that could potentially stain them. Keep a belt with your pants as well, because they won't do you too much good if you can't keep them up.

Shoes & Socks

Err on the side of caution and keep a pair of shoes that are slightly on the formal side. It's acceptable to wear nice oxford shoes with a more casual outfit, but ratty shoes won't fly if you have to get dressed up. It's also a good idea to consider keeping a small shoe shine kit on hand, especially if you are only using these shoes in case of emergency. After weeks of sitting in your office they may not sparkle like they used to, but the occasional polish will keep them in top shape. Don't forget socks, too!

Tie

You never know when the top brass is going to pay an unexpected visit, and you certainly don't want to be the guy who's underdressed. A tie adds an element of class to nearly any outfit and can have you looking clean and dapper in short order. Select a tie that isn't overly busy and pairs well with a variety of different colors to add the cherry on top of your stylish ensemble. A solid tie is your best bet.

Bonus: Toiletries

If you're prepared to dress well at a moment's notice, it's best to cover all your bases. Keep a small kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and deodorant. The freebies you get from the dentist's office are a good choice. This way, no matter what – spills, spinach, or sweat – you'll be ready to meet clients or higher ups on a moment's notice.

We can't help you with late nights, or a broken alarm clock, but hey, no matter what life throws at you, we can help make sure you'll look good!