For your first working day, the company's dress code matters more than a general rule. A shirt with trousers is safe at many offices, but at a creative company a polo with smart trousers can be just as fitting. When in doubt, ask beforehand what is usual and above all choose an outfit in which you can move comfortably all day.
Why one step more formal works
A first working day is mainly awkward when you do not know how formal the environment is. So you do not have to go 'one step more formal' by default. If you can find out the dress code, matching the workplace is usually better than deliberately dressing above it.
How do you find out the dress code?
- Think back to your job interview. What were the people you spoke to wearing, and the people you saw in the corridor?
- Look at photos. The website, job postings and company pages often show how people dress.
- Simply ask. A short message to your new manager or the recruiter is perfectly normal and shows that you are prepared.
What do you wear per type of workplace?
| Workplace | Daily norm | Your first day |
|---|---|---|
| Formal business environment | Can be a suit or blazer with a shirt | Follow the company's specific dress code |
| Corporate office, business casual | Shirt or polo with trousers | Shirt with trousers, possibly a cardigan or blazer |
| Government, education, care management | Polished casual | Knitted polo or shirt with trousers, loafers |
| Creative agency, tech or start-up | Can range from casual to business casual | Look at the team and client contact |
Three outfits for the first day
Business casual office. The Hamilton shirt in light blue stripes with Italian collar on the Vincent trousers in black. A fine stripe looks polished without becoming stern. Black or dark brown leather shoes and a simple belt.
Polished casual. The dark charcoal Edmund is regular-fit and has a quarter zip. Combine it with the Ulysses, which is currently slim-straight. This is less formal than a shirt, but can fit well in business-casual environments.
Creative workplace. The light blue Theodore is regular-fit and can go with the Harrison, slim-tapered trousers with a pleat. Sneakers or loafers then determine how much casualness you add.
A plan for the first week
- Monday: your most polished outfit. Shirt and trousers, shoes polished.
- Tuesday: the same trousers with a different top, for example a knitted polo. Meanwhile, look around carefully.
- Wednesday: adjust to what you see. If hardly anyone wears a shirt, choose a polo. If everyone looks formal, keep the shirt on.
- Thursday: a second pair of trousers in a different colour, so you are not wearing the same thing all the time.
- Friday: Friday is a bit looser at many offices. Follow what your colleagues do, but preferably stay on the polished side for the first few weeks.
You do not need a fixed number of outfits for the first week. Look at your laundry routine and how many days you are at the office. Take a look at our Office for Men collection, the trousers and the polos for combinations.
The details that get noticed
- Shoes: clean and polished. People look at them more often than you think.
- Fit: use the size advice for the specific model and check the outfit both seated and standing.
- Creases: only iron or steam when the care label allows it. Knitwear does not automatically need steaming.
- Scent: a fresh, light scent. A strong perfume quickly stands out in a meeting room.
- Bag: a simple leather bag or backpack without large logos.
What you had better not wear
Mainly avoid clothing in which you cannot move freely or which clearly deviates from the dress code. A striking sneaker or logo is not wrong by definition; that depends on the company. It is, however, sensible to try on a new outfit at home beforehand, including shoes.
What do you bring on day one?
- A simple bag with laptop, charger and a notebook.
- Proof of identity and any documents HR has asked for.
- A fine-knit sweater or cardigan in case the air conditioning is on high.
- A bottle of water and something small to eat, in case the introduction runs over.
Video calls and working-from-home days
If you start partly at home, your top, the light and the background are most visible on screen. Choose a shirt or polo that suits the company culture. What you wear below the frame is your own choice, as long as you are prepared to stand up when needed.
After the first weeks
After the first period you know better what colleagues and clients wear. Only build further after that if you notice that something is really missing. Also read more about materials in our collection, such as lyocell.
Shop the look
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue striped
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, black
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, dark charcoal melange
Ulysses: slim-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Theodore: open polo in lyocell, light blue
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, beige
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wear a blazer on my first working day?
Only if it suits the workplace. When in doubt, ask about the dress code beforehand.
Can I wear sneakers on my first day?
That is possible, depending on the company culture and your role. In more formal environments, loafers or lace-up shoes are the more obvious choice.
What if I am too formally dressed?
Usually you can take off a blazer or choose something more informal the next day. The most important thing is that your outfit stays functional for your work.
How many outfits do I need for the first week?
There is no fixed number. Match it to your working week, laundry routine and dress code.
