Heading into the Office: 8 Must-Have Staples for the Professional Man

Going back into the office can feel overwhelming after having a work-from-home lifestyle for so long. Between needing to figure out the right routine to dressing for success, there are many things you need to get right before you head into the office again.

It’s imperative to always put your best foot forward while you’re working, so enhancing your routine with a few simple tweaks can make a huge difference in both how you perceive yourself, and how others perceive you. 

Men’s Office Essentials for the Professional Gent

So, before you head into the office for the first time in a while, make sure you have these 8 office essentials covered to help boost your confidence and make the best impression. Not only will you feel good both on the inside and outside, but you’ll leave a positive impact on your coworkers and may even serve as an inspiration for them!

A Proper Skin-Care Routine

A skin-care routine is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Having healthy skin not only leaves you looking energized and youthful, but there are many interior effects and benefits as well.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so taking proper care of it is crucial to maintaining good health and wellness. The most important thing to remember when taking care of your skin is to find products that work best for your skin type.

Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, there are many products available in each category that can help you achieve healthy, clean, and fresh-looking skin. Take the time to do some research before selecting items to use, because not all products are created equally, and may not work as intended on your skin.

Your face isn’t the only part of your skin that you should pay attention to—making sure that you give the same attention to the rest of your body is equally as important. Regularly using lotion helps to prevent dry and irritated skin, especially during the cooler months. If you find that your skin requires a little extra care, try using a medicated or extra-strength moisturizing lotion.

Also, remember that your lips are categorized as skin, and as such are just as important to take care of. Dry and cracked lips are all too common during winter time, so having a chapstick or medicated lip balm handy can help achieve maximum results. 

Suitable Eyewear

If you’re someone who normally requires eyewear, wearing glasses can become irritating when you have them on for long periods of time. Investing in a pair of contact lenses can make a huge impact on how you go about your day.

Constantly having to clean or adjust your glasses can become a distraction and just an overall disturbance when trying to complete the tasks you’re given for work. Choosing the right pair of contacts for your needs can bring a huge improvement to your productivity throughout the workday while also freshening up your appearance. 

Contacts also give you more natural vision compared to wearing glasses. Depending on your needs, there are many different types of contacts to choose from. Whether you opt for a pair of daily-use contacts or long-term-wear contacts, there is a pair for any kind of need. On top of that, contacts don’t come with some of the struggles that wearing glasses can bring.

As we approach the colder months, glasses tend to fog up as you go from outdoors to inside. The beauty with contacts is that this will not happen, since the lens is directly in your eye already. Contacts do require a bit more care than regular glasses, but the pros significantly outweigh the cons when it comes to finding the best eyewear for you. 

A Classic Work Bag

Having a work bag makes life much easier when it comes to commuting to and from the office each day. It can be a pain to carry and transport all of your belongings, which is why it’s smart to invest in a compact yet durable bag to bring to work.

Whether you like a backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase, there are many different options available to choose from. In fact, there are even options available that are on the smaller side, but contain much more storage than it appears. 

It’s also not a bad idea to always carry emergency supplies with you in your work bag in case anything happens to go wrong while at work or on your commute. Having a spare set of bandaids or an extra charger for your phone or laptop can truly be a saving grace when the need for it arises.

Another smart tool to keep handy is a stain-removal pen. You never know when a spill can occur, and there’s nothing worse than getting an item of clothing ruined while you’re on your way or already at work. By having one of these readily available, you’re able to target the spot and fight the stain immediately. Plus, since they’re the size of a marker, they’re perfect for transporting in your work bag. 

The Right Footwear

Having proper footwear isn’t just great for adding flair to your outfit, it’s also essential for remaining comfortable throughout the day. One of the most aggravating things during a long day of work is an uncomfortable pair of shoes. So, finding a pair that provides you with the right support while also complimenting your outfit is extremely important to your daily office routine.

There are a wide range of shoes to choose from that’ll elevate your style as well as make sure that your feet don’t experience any discomfort. In fact, many companies have started making dress shoes with better sole support and padding to help accomplish both of these tasks for consumers. 

Additionally, if you work in a more relaxed office environment, there are many dress sneakers that can help you with this as well. Brands like Johnston & Murphy, Tommy Hilfiger and Cole Haan have truly changed the game when it comes to stylish and comfortable shoes to wear to the office.

You also don’t have to worry about switching or bringing a second pair with you to work if getting to the office requires a bit of a walk. If you do find yourself having an uncomfortable pair of shoes, but like the way they fit and look, consider looking into sole inserts for your footwear.

These inserts are super easy to as they simply slide in, and you can use them in multiple pairs of shoes. Whether you invest in a new pair of shoes entirely or opt for a cozy insert, your feet will definitely thank you for taking proper care of them. 

Timeless Pieces of Clothing

One of the best things you can do for your work wardrobe is to invest in timeless articles of clothing that you can mix and match together. Even if your office has a dress code, you can always play it safe with classic pieces. Whether you enjoy a classic navy blazer or a crisp white button-down, there are infinite options available to help you achieve a modern yet classic look for the office.

Additionally, including a nice tie or bow tie can both enhance and sharpen your look even further. You can always opt for a pop of color or pattern while using this accessory as a chance to give your look a sense of personality. 

Going beyond the use of a tie, there are a variety of ways you can showcase your personality with office attire. To spice up your wardrobe even more, consider going for classic patterns rather than plain colors. Many patterns such as houndstooth, gingham, plaid, and herringbone are all timeless styles that take your look to the next level.

They also have various colors and styles in these patterns, so it offers a great way to remain versatile while also still giving a touch of uniqueness to your outfit. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with your personal style, it’s a great way to get to know what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ll also become much more in touch with yourself and your confidence in the process. 

Maintain Hair Care

Finding the right hairstyle or trying to find a new one can be a challenge depending on what kind of hair you have. You should always make the effort to shop for hair products that fit your unique needs. For example, if you have curly hair, you should always try to find shampoo and conditioner that is made specifically for curls.

This will help to leave them hydrated with their best texture. Additionally, during the winter months, it’s never a bad idea regardless of your hair type to look for moisture-based products to help style and take care of your hair during this time of year. The colder and drier weather can have harsh and damaging effects on your hair – causing breakage, split ends, and even dandruff.

It’s also worthwhile to purchase a quality hair product that works toward your hair goals. Whether you want a texturizing spray, volumizing mousse, or slick gel, there are many products on the market that help give your hair healthy and envious qualities. Many of these items also smell amazing, which is an added bonus to using them.

By using the right products, you may even notice your hair becoming stronger and healthier. A lot of people tend to think that using products in your hair can damage it over time, but as long as you’re shopping mindfully you can actually extend the durability of your hair with the right products. 

A Stylish Watch

Having a watch isn’t only a great tool, but it can help to elevate your look immensely. Watches are a great way to bring attention and class to your style, while also remaining convenient. Wearing a watch can truly bring your outfit to the next level, so finding the best one for your needs is very important.

Whether you opt for a traditional watch or a smartwatch, there are many different styles available to help you stay punctual. Watches also come in many different finishes, so whether you like silver, gold, or black there are many to choose from. 

Watches are a great statement accessory, but more importantly, they help you without distracting you from your workload. Checking the time on your phone can lead to heightened distractions and a lower productivity level. Once you see a notification pop up on your phone, it can be hard to ignore.

Before you know it, you’ve been scrolling for minutes and taking time away from your work, which is why a watch comes in handy to prevent this distraction. Furthermore, this functional tool can also improve your relationship with time in general. 

A Signature Fragrance

Every professional gentleman needs to have a signature cologne. Having a go-to scent can heighten your individuality and add to your personal brand. It sets you apart from everyone else. Your smell can also leave a lasting impression on your colleagues, as scent is one of the biggest connections to memory.

When choosing your signature fragrance, make sure it’s something that is light with fragrant notes. Many scents have a ‘day’ or ‘night’ appeal to them, so having a fresh and clean scent is much better than an intense musk.

One of the greatest powers of cologne is that it also helps inspire confidence within yourself. Applying cologne is a very personal experience, and it has the power to completely transform your look and mood.

It’s also important to remember that your scent is one of the first things people take note of when you’re present, and oftentimes it lingers even when you’re no longer there. In fact, you’re sure to make a lasting and positive impression on others when you smell exquisite.

Wrapping Up

Overall, heading back into the office can feel nerve-racking after working from home for so long. But, by having the proper staples, you’ll feel ready to take on the day. Setting a routine or making a list to ensure that you have everything you need is a great way to prepare for a productive workday.

Whether you opt to invest in one or all of these essential staples, there are many different ways you can enhance your look to create the perfect professional appearance for yourself. Not only will you feel good on the inside, but you’ll look great on the outside, and your co-workers will notice too!

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