If you’re like most guys, your days probably don’t end when you leave the office. After your cubicle time ends at 5, you likely go out and catch a few drinks with the boys, or maybe let off some steam at the bars and clubs. Chances are also good that you won’t have enough time to go home and change. That leaves you with one sensible choice: dress up in the morning to go out at night.

Does the concept sound strange? It’s not so far-off when you think about it. The secret to doing day-to-night men’s fashion is knowing the nuances of each style. You have to wear particular clothes for the office, while you want to have a certain look for the clubs and bars. From there, you can build outfits that can work with both aesthetic purposes.

Classic Cool
There’s a simple reason why the classics of men’s fashion are called classics: they’re timeless pieces that are appropriate for more or less every occasion imaginable. That makes them the perfect things to wear when dressing for two places as vastly different as the clubs are from your office cubicle.

It’s a great emergency plan. When you’re stuck for something to wear to post-workday drinks, pick out a simple black suit and a thin tie to wear over a solid white shirt. Wear the whole outfit to the office, then ditch the jacket before leaving for the bar. If you want something a little more relaxed, pick out a shirt in some dark color (navy or burgundy are good bets), match it with a light solid tie and then follow the same strategy.

Regardless of the combo you eventually pick out, sticking to the classics is always a smart way to deal with two different occasions. Just remember to always practice the rules of good color matching, and you should be a hit no matter where you go.

Living with Layers
Putting together a layered look is another easy way to achieve style without getting a dress code reprimand at the office. You just have to start with a base outfit that’s good for going out, and then add items that will make the ensemble more appropriate for work.

For example, a lively shirt can be toned down using a solid v-neck sweater in a deep and strong color. The v-neck tee that’ll show off your pecs on the dance floor can be hidden under a plain shirt of a similar color. In some offices, your graphic tee can get past the door if you’d only throw a blazer or suit jacket over it.

Know the Limits
Most importantly, you have to know exactly where ‘appropriate’ ends and begins in your office dress code. Knowing the rules, after all, is a necessity prior to bending them.

Trousers, for one, aren’t a requirement in all offices. Some bosses will let you get away with just extremely dark denims, and that makes building your post-work looks easier. Loafers are also good for most office environments, which would save you the trouble of swapping out your wingtips for loafers or sneakers. These might seem like small details, but each item you can wear to work is one less item to bring along and change into.

Because it’s almost always the offices that are less flexible with regard to dress codes, it’s usually best to start dressing with your boss’ reaction as your first consideration. Besides, there’s always the option of just packing a bag for your after-work clothes.

Pohl is a passionate writer on mens style and dress codes. He is also an avid necktie wearer. Although he is self employed and does not have to go by any dress code, he still wears a tie each day. He is also the founder of online site selling Discount Silk Ties and Cheap Bow Ties

[tags]dress tips for men after office wear,learn how to dress tips for men by occasion and function[/tags]