Dressing Up a Shirt and Tie

You will "stand out a bit from the drones" regardless of what you wear; your superior and arrogant attitude will be sensed far away from the stock room.

Possibly so, but to answer the question, unless ties are expected in that environment/position, no ties. Only bow ties if bow ties are worn much by locals (as in some parts of the South). Sweater over a dress shirt should be fine. Better use of color, fit, fabric, etc., can help a worker stand out from lower-ranked colleagues.

Waistcoat?

A waistcoat/vest (probably over a dress shirt) could help. Just not one of those cheap black or synthetic versions too often found on young men.

Wrinkled chinos or cheap black pants could look bad and wool pants more than Super 120s might wear out fast, but other than that....

Intentional or not - as an assistant manager it is wise to at least try to look upon your co-workers as something other than mindless machines.

well fitted shirt and pants matched with the correct tie, belt and shoes makes a world of difference over someone who simply has a shirt and tie on.

Personally, I'd avoid the waistcoat. I've never liked the look of a waistcoat worn to dress up a shirt and tie without a jacket. In my experience, most people who try to pull it off end up failing. A sweater can be a nice change of pace, but I actually think most sweaters make a look slightly more casual than it would otherwise be. Fit of your shirt will definitely be a defining characteristic. If you give us a sense of your measurements and budget, we can maybe recommend some makes. I've found Charles Tyrwhitt's extra slim fit to be a very good value as you can regularly get these for around $45 per shirt. I typically wear a 39S jacket and have a 32 inch waist. YMMV depending on your measurements.

I'm shocked that this has not come up yet, but the easier way to differentiate yourself in your attire is with quality shoes. You should have at least two pairs of shoes so that you can rotate them and not wear one out. Allen Edmonds provides a good basic shoe that can last for awhile if properly cared for. Since you're not wearing a suit or jacket, I'd avoid something as formal as the Park Avenue. An elegant loafer could work as could brogued oxfords or bluchers.

Good luck, and remember that professionalism and work ethic will take you much further than a good wardrobe. Good luck.

A dark cardigan sweater would be better, than a waistcoat/vest.

 

Cotton would be fine. Just buy one that fits well and doesn't hit too low or too high, especially if you wear low rise trousers, because you do not want to flash shirt or tie at the level of your waist.

 

Navy and charcoal might be best, black could work but shows lint and dandruff better, I would be careful with dark green or burgundy and especially brown or purple.

 

A v-neck sweater would serve the same purpose, but not a crew neck, Henley, turtle or mock turtle neck.

 

Good luck with your new job.
 

 

+1 on the comment about assistant managers...

 

I was an "Assman" at Walgreens for a few months a few years ago. You're a peon to the hire ups, so treat your employees well, or the job will suck.