Before heading off to a job or job interview, take a moment to consider what your workplace attire says about you. Clothing indicates much more than a keen fashion sense. It shows confidence and says you take your work seriously. Standards for appropriate business professional dress vary by industry, but when you’re new or interviewing the rule of thumb is to err on the conservative side.

Whether you’re starting your first job or changing careers, these online clothing stores will help you find just the right items for a work wardrobe.

Dresses

Woman in Red Top Using Black Computer

Simple cuts with a pop of color.

Old Pueblo Traders is an online women’s apparel store with a full collection of classic business attire for professionals. With A-line knit dresses in vibrant red or green and feminine three-piece suits, this store is ideal for women working in conservative offices. Most of the dresses fall below the knee and would be appropriate for presentations and meetings, while still comfortable when you’re behind the desk.

Slacks

3 Women and 2 Men Standing on White Floor

Fit is essential.

Slacks are standard for almost any business casual office, but finding a good pair can be a challenge. Men’s clothing catalogs carry men’s dress pants for travelers, executives and those who want a tailored fit. Black and dark grey are the safest color choices that will go any shirt and tie. Pants made of wool or a wool blend will hold up well as long as you follow the care instructions on the tag. Avoid going too extreme on the color, but if you want something a little different, try their plaid wool pleated trousers.

Young Professional

Daily Workwear

You got the job, congratulations! Now you need to dress the part. For young professionals, this means investing in versatile business professional clothing that you can mix and match into multiple outfits. Women should head to online clothing stores where you’ll find modern separates and chic suits. A matching two-piece suit is sharp and tailored for go-getting. As most offices are air-conditioned, this suit is one you can reach for year-round.

Men’s Dress Shirts

Man in Black Suit Jacket Wearing Black Sunglasses

The office uniform

A stack of buttoned-down collared shirts will get any professional through the workweek, pants included. Dress shirts should always be tucked in and often accompanied by a tie. Blair is an online clothing store with quality long-sleeve dress shirts. Solid neutral or dark colors will fit in well in a corporate environment. Their grey oxford shirt pairs are great with dark pants and a patterned tie.

Neck Ties that Fit

Man In Suit

A dash of personality, in the right size

Nothing sets off the professional business look on a man better than a silk necktie. But if you’re a tall man, you can’t just pick up a regular tie off the rack at most stores. That’s where a plus size store or catalog comes in. They’re an online store with quality, stylish ties that fit tall men without looking like they’re wearing something from the kids’ department.

Blouses

Woman Wearing Pink Collared Half-sleeved Top

Wardrobe staples

A good professional blouse will take a woman from morning rush hour to dinner with friends. Appleseed’s has women’s blouses in long or ¾-length sleeves. Blouses beneath jackets should be plain or have a small print to contrast a solid jacket. The pintuck broadcloth shirt pictured here offers a flattering fit in an appropriate cut. The beauty of blouses is they can be fashionable and feminine without showing cleavage, which you don’t want to do unless you only play an executive on television. Dress them up with longer necklaces and strappy shoes.

Suits

Close-up of Row

Dress for the job you want

The most important item in a businessman’s closet is his suit, and if you are a “man of stature” you can still find the most classic suit stylings for big and tall sizes. This is also one of the most expensive items so stick with a pinstripe or conservative colors like black, grey, navy, or brown. Davis Big and Tall has suits with either two or three-button jackets made from fine wool. If the office doesn’t strike you as a suit environment, it still never hurts to wear one on the first day to make a strong impression. Virginia Tech Career Services advises businessmen to always wear mid-calf length trouser socks so the skin doesn’t show when they sit down.

You cannot copy content of this page