Look the Part: How to Dress Smart at Work

The days of boxy, black-or-nothing suits and wide, chunky grandpa ties have officially given way to boundless business-wear options that express your individual style. While a fashion-forward smartwatch like the fēnix 3 captures the innovation and connectedness that the modern workplace thrives on, it's up to the rest of your wardrobe to put your best face forward, whether you're with staff, peers or clients. You may get notifications from your timepiece one moment and use it to navigate to your afternoon meeting the next, but it’s not just the functions that are endless — your fashion options are, too.

The Basics

When you don a suit, fit trumps all. Remember that shoulder seams end with your shoulders, knuckles align with the bottom of the jacket, sleeves fall at the base of the thumb, and pants get an inch of break. Choose a two-button suit for a sleek-but-safe bet, but make sure the top button doesn't sag below your navel. Opt out of draping suits, seeking athletic fits instead — a good tailor is crucial. While gray, navy and tan suits make for a timeless trifecta, don't be afraid to shake up your look with a blazer-chinos combo; burgundy and maroon or navy and taupe pairings won’t steer you wrong. Dial back a bit with a subdued cardigan, wool slacks and a skinny tie; you don't need a three-piece suit to glance at the stock market with one of the fēnix 3's numerous Connect IQ apps.

Added Texture

From suits to sport coats, wool never fails, but a smartwatch like the fēnix 3 Sapphire invites you to play with texture. To complement the rugged wearable, which features a stainless steel band and sapphire lens, adopt a wardrobe that strikes a balance between durable and sleek. Bring some earthiness into the office with a tweed blazer or twill chinos, or face summer heat head-on with a devil-may-care suit in seersucker or linen. Accent stainless steel with a gray, subtly checked silk three-piece, or show off your adventurous spirit with a lightweight leather bomber, knit tie and textured wool chinos.

Devilish Details

Your wardrobe leaves an impression that's both visual and mental; the right accessories tell the world that you have a meticulous eye. Set off the steel watch band with a tie bar, or make a bolder statement by swapping out plain dress shoes for suede loafers or leather wingtips. Match your fēnix 3's customizable Chroma display — which can display just about any watch face you can dream up — with a pocket square in gingham or chambray. If you’re a glasses wearer, go progressive with transparent frames or classically masculine with tortoiseshell specs — an extra touch of attention that makes an instant impression. Top off your ensemble with a soft, genuine leather briefcase in rich brown; it’ll look even better with age.

Smart(er) Casual

Today's  individualized business world opens its arms to that not-quite-business-casual but not-quite-everyday look called “smart casual.” Ultimately, smart casual gives you the opportunity to dress typical office wear down and add a touch of pure you. For this vibe, swap out the fēnix 3's band for a brighter look in red, blue, yellow or green. Try a trim vest with raw denim jeans, matching the band to one of the colors in your tie, or coordinate your smartwatch to some cool argyle socks. Styles like this open you up to rolled sleeves on your button-up, elbow patches on your blazer or intricate patterns on your dress shirt. Keeping your multisport smartwatch on the casual side also makes it easier to transition from managing your calls, texts and emails at the office to taking a GPS-enabled run after hours. Use your runner-friendly fēnix 3 to monitor your cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time on your after-work sprint. 

Don’t forget to share your outdoor adventures with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and use hashtag #HaveNoLimits. 

By: Daniel Trump

The post Look the Part: How to Dress Smart at Work appeared first on Garmin Blog.