How To Dress For Success In Today's Workplace

Love it or hate it, the work world -- and the weekend world -- is getting ever more casual.

Now, that doesn't mean sweatpants at the office, or frankly anywhere else where one might be spotted in public. Those belong at the gym.

But unless you work on Wall Street, as a lawyer or a corporate executive with a corner office, there are definitely more relaxed rules than there were in the past. Thank Mark Zuckerberg and his Silicon Valley friends for the introduction of the hoodie-wearing CEO.

Here are some survival tips for today's work world.

Gauge the climate

Before you decide to dress down, take a good look around. The old adage says to "dress for the job you want," and that's always apt. If the CEO is wearing sneakers and jeans, feel free to follow suit. If they're in a suit, ditto (pun intended).

Stay professional

The climate in your office, especially if you work in a creative field, will likely accept jeans and sneakers. But if you're lucky enough to keep it casual, also make sure to keep it modern and crisp.

Make sure your jeans are dark, clean and well fitting. Wear a collared shirt and modern sneakers. Top it with a sweater or blazer. The tennis shoes you mow the lawn in or rock on a run belong in the mud room, not on your feet at work. Looking for modern cues for a creative job? Take a peek at the J.Crew homepage for inspiration.

Stay current

Baggy, ill-fitting dad jeans happen for a reason. They were comfortable in college, and the wearer basically stopped looking around to notice they weren't so hot anymore. If it can happen to President Barack Obama, it can happen to anyone.

Again, look around at the guys in the office who have great style, pick a celebrity or an athlete for inspiration, and figure out how far away you are from their look.

Classics

On the other hand, well-fitting classic clothes never go out of style. You can keep it simple by investing in perfectly tailored khakis, gray or black slacks, and pairing them with a button down, loafers, leather belt, and great loafers.

It looked as great in 1975 as it looks today.

Get more great 'style for guys' tips here.

Take comfortable risks

Manpris are a risk, shorts at work are a risk, as are capes, loud plaid and very vibrant colors -- and we advise you to proceed with any of the above with extreme caution. If human resources has to get involved in your wardrobe, you have failed.

That being said, feel free to take some risks within the confines of looking great. Don't let your clothes shout "hey, look at me!" But do wear a butter soft black leather jacket instead of a suit jacket. Do rock a classic pair of Ray-Bans. Do pair your conservative suit with preppily patterned dress socks.