It is highly important to be mentally versatile with your wardrobe as you can easily redefine your clothes or pick out adaptable looks that can accommodate more than one occasion. One of the most frequent situations is the transition from work to drinks.
I can assume that most Fridays, people head over to the office knowing they have a date after work or meeting up with a few mates for drinks. But you know you can’t dress too casual to the office and you want to be in your comfort zone while on the table with your date. I mean you can go for the “take off your tie” or “get rid of the blazer” look but it still isn’t the same. Not as comfortable as you like and certainly won’t be casually stylish. This is when that versatile casual friday look that is suitable for work and drinks must spring to your mind. I’ll show you how its done and feel free to steal some ideas.
Firstly, I have utilised the suit jacket previously seen in the three-piece suit article. This was a conscious choice as a suit jacket has a looser fit than a sports jacket or casual blazer, making it very suitable for the office, a meeting or a conference. But a loose blazer might not be stylish or casual enough for you – this is were the black/dark shirt comes in.
As you may be aware, dark shirts are mostly used for less formal occasions, they become a strong focal point as the emphasis your body fit. The mix with the grey blazer creates contrast for a more interesting look which is topped up by the lapel pin. While at work, you can undo nothing more than on button and then let the next one go once 5pm hits, ready for the night out.
Another piece from a suit had to be used for the trousers, as chinos would be too casual considering the above and would definitely not be suitable for the office. So what better than the generally accepted navy blue wool trousers with a perfect fit. The merge with the black shirt creates a stronger look which is anonymous at the office but greatly appreciated at a bar.
There are too many dark or dull colours with this outfit so black shoes were not an option for me and certainly not bright shoes as there would be too much of a contrast for work. I ended up with my smokey monk shoes which blend in nicely at the office and are casual enough for drinks.
Accessories are a major part of men’s style and can be the important part of the transition. Sticking to blue, my lapel pin and pocket square blend nicely with the rest of the outfit without creating an upset. You can avoid them at the office and easily put them in place after.
I will like to hear from you all on your own work to drink experiments and how they turned out. Share this post also to increase the opinions on such looks.
What I am wearing:
- Grey Blazer: TM Lewin
- Black Shirt: Ben Sherman
- Navy Trousers: H.E. by Mango
Your Favourite Stylist,
Yinka Jermaine
