Smart Casual in Tech Industry?

[yungchomsky]

My guess is that you don’t work for FAANG.... am I correct?

Well, I do, and I agree with his post, so.

Anyway, I rarely wear suits to work because that's just not what's in my wardrobe these days, but I often wear a sport coat and a tie. I like to find ways to do "fun tailoring" or "casual menswear." I think Drake's does this super well and get a lot of ideas from their lookbooks.

 

[brokensuit]

This is exactly how I do it as well. There are practically no suits in my rotation. Everything consists of a mix of neutral trousers and a sports jacket of some sort. Layered up with a cardigan in the cold season and perhaps a knitted tie if I feel like it.

It still gives out a sort of casual vibe that I still find appropriate for IT-related office wear.

 

[EZB]

Well, I do, and I agree with his post, so.

Anyway, I rarely wear suits to work because that's just not what's in my wardrobe these days, but I often wear a sport coat and a tie. I like to find ways to do "fun tailoring" or "casual menswear." I think Drake's does this super well and get a lot of ideas from their lookbooks.

Works better in SanFran that Seattle.

 

[georgeka]

I think Drake's does this super well and get a lot of ideas from their lookbooks.

100%. Shacket or overshirt, OBDC, pair of jeans or slacks, casual shoes (e.g. brogues, suede) elevate your outfit and keep look not out of place at the same time. I'm located in EU tho.

 

[EZB]

100%. Shacket or overshirt, OBDC, pair of jeans or slacks, casual shoes (e.g. brogues, suede) elevate your outfit and keep look not out of place at the same time. I'm located in EU tho.

In my office, I’ve seen zero people wearing slacks

 

[georgeka]

In my office, I’ve seen zero people wearing slacks

It doesn't mean wearing slacks make you significantly stand out among coworkers (but it depends on the rest of the outfit). I can be wrong in case your office is full of flip-flops.

 

[EZB]

It doesn't mean wearing slacks make you significantly stand out among coworkers (but it depends on the rest of the outfit). I can be wrong in case your office is full of flip-flops.

Lot of shorts, jeans, cargo pants, sneakers

 

[yungchomsky]

I have a hard time with all the hand-wringing sometimes. I don’t think my coworkers who show up in shorts and branded t-shirts that they got for free are doing it because they think that’s how they can look their best or the most workplace-appropriate — I think they’re just the type of people who don’t care at all about clothes, and realize that we have a workplace where wardrobe standards are extremely loose, so almost anything goes, within reason.

By that same token, I couldn’t care less that none of my colleagues wear e.g. flannel trousers or knit ties, I’m gonna wear them because I dress for style and that’s what I’m into, and those things are also fine for my job.

I get that wearing something different from most people around you requires some confidence, but confidence is generally a good thing to have. If you just want to dress the same as the people you see around you, it seems like coming to styleforum or whatever is kind of beside the point.

 

[bantone]

I get that wearing something different from most people around you requires some confidence, but confidence is generally a good thing to have. If you just want to dress the same as the people you see around you, it seems like coming to styleforum or whatever is kind of beside the point.

My general rule of thumb is to dress one dress code above everyone at work as comfortably as possible.

 

[bantone]

I guess right now it's just sweatpants and t-shirts for us now

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I guess right now it's just sweatpants and t-shirts for us now

Isn’t that just a day at the office for Facebook?

 

[maxalex]

I like dressing up and if I could wear a suit once a week I would, but I work in Tech. The dress code in my industry is wear clothes unless you work in sales. Even then jeans and t shirts get you by. Not to mention the work from home days which I take advantage of

I want to elevate my style more again because I feel dressing well provides you with a mental advantage when you face the day. What would you think would constitute a good smart casual wardrobe when working in tech? Some ideas I have.

- Dark wash, well fitting denim.
- Chinos. Lots of them.
- A variety of shoes. For me I err towards more suede shoes for items like loafers or cap toe shoes since they make the piece more casual. I probably spend more on shoes more than any other piece of my wardrobe.
- Dress Sneakers (Common Projects, Koio, etc.)
- Unstructured Blazer
- Polos
- Sweaters

What else would you suggest for someone that wants to elevate their style in this industry and wants to stand out?

Have a look at the IG account of Akamine Yukio.

 

[Panama]

I work in IT, yes I could afford an SR suit. But I would rather spend my money on fine ELS cotton shirts whether classed as dress or casual shirts - I must have a 100, luxury knitwear and polos. I am quite happy with Chinos. I have a fairly decent 16 GYW shoe rotation due to not having to purchase expensive suits. The only time I will need a suit is my Father's funeral, I am sure he won't mind if I wear a black cashmere v neck with black trousers instead. The last church I was in was so cold I didn't take my overcoat off.

 

[davealce]

I don't think there is any dress code.