Deciding what to wear can be difficult. How do I dress for work, and then the happy hour – and what if it’s cold in the office?
Many companies have switched the dress code from strictly professional to business casual. While ties and full suits are less common now, it’s hard to decide what exactly qualifies as business casual and how to make that work for events after hours.
That’s where transitional apparel comes into play. Transitional apparel refers to any clothing item or accessory that’s suitable for both in and out-of-office wear. While these items make your life a lot easier, they can also help to reduce consumption and save money.
When looking for transitional apparel, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Transitional apparel at its best should “deliver both style and versatility, allowing wearers to move from work to after-hours activities with ease,” according to AJ Dickson, senior category director at PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 3 supplier. When looking for pieces, try to brainstorm how a person could wear them with items they already own to dress them up or down. Often the best transitional items are simple and classic, like a tried-and-true cardigan or sleek button-down.
This applies especially to a corporate apparel program, where companies can invest in timeless basics that suit multiple occasions. Capsule wardrobes are becoming increasingly popular, and transitional apparel should be able to help wearers shift from a large and mostly unworn closet to one in which they wear every item.
According to Rebecca Klapper, director of marketing and branding at Boundless, PPAI 100’s No. 7 distributor, “in light of the underconsumption trend,” it’s important for products to “wow you with quality and comfort to be worth keeping in the rotation.”
Keeping in mind the goals of versatility and style, here are some transitional apparel items that can elevate anyone’s closet and that employees will want to work into their wardrobes.
This Men’s Hudson Eco Knit Quarter Zip Ribbed Sweater is a perfect layering piece to keep you warm in and out of the office. The eco-friendly jacket is crafted with a blend of Better Cotton Initiative cotton and recycled polyester and includes recycled zipper elements. “For those looking for a refined layering piece, the Hudson Eco Knit Quarter Zip combines sustainability with performance, featuring a breathable, snag-resistant fabric and eco-friendly materials,” says Dickson, making it a perfect pick for anyone looking to stay warm in style.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
The Women’s Challenger Jacket is a great layering piece with a timeless look. It has a utilitarian feel with zippers at the cuffs, but it can easily be elevated with a nice blouse. Natalie O’Leary, director of business development at BAMKO, PPAI 100’s No. 6 distributor, loves the style and the story of this piece. “It’s made from 16 upcycled bottles, and Storm Creek is a woman-owned business – style, sustainability and empowerment all in one!” This jacket comes in three standard colors and a seasonal fatigue green, and it’s made with certified bluesign-approved fabrics.
Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com
Workwear is becoming increasingly popular among younger generations, with brands like Carhartt and Dickies highly sought after. The Men’s Unlined Industrial Eisenhower Jacket is a great choice to incorporate workwear in an elevated way. This jacket is inspired by General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s original design during WWII and has been a classic ever since. This jacket is perfect over a T-shirt for a casual streetwear look or a button-down for work. It comes in multiple neutral colorways and has convenient features like slash front welt pockets and an interior pocket.
Workwear Outfitters / PPAI 110728, Standard-Base / wwof.com
This Men’s UNTUCKit Petrus Wrinkle-Free Short Sleeve Button Up Shirt can easily transition not only from work to happy hour but also from winter to spring. This shirt can be worn on its own with its signature untucked look or under a jacket or sweater for chillier weather. These shirts are made specifically to be worn untucked, giving it a clean yet casual feel, perfect for dressing up or down. Made with wrinkle-free cotton, it will keep you looking sharp all day long. UNTUCKit also has a strong commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly finishes on shirts and ethically sourced materials.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
Cardigans are an essential basic in every closet, and this Mercer & Mettle Cardigan is a classic layering piece. You can throw it over a blouse or dress for work or throw it on over athleisure for a comfortable yet put-together outfit. Klapper recommends this item because it “is a great layering piece and very quiet luxury, especially in the birch colorway.” This cardigan features a wide-ribbed bottom hem and square pockets, perfect for stowing your phone or keeping your hands warm.
SanMar / PPAI 110788, Platinum / sanmar.com
The FIJI Atlantis Headwear Sustainable Five-Panel Cap is a great piece for hiding your bedhead for early video calls or keeping the sun off your face for your afternoon jog. This hat is not only sleek and functional, but also eco-friendly. The cap is made of 100% recycled polyester twill, and the visor is made with ReTraze PE, which is recycled polyester from discarded fishing nets – plus, there are four bottles recycled for each hat. They come in seven colors, including on-trend olive green and khaki.
Atlantis Headwear / PPAI 753003, Standard-Plus / atlantisheadwear.com
Brookshire is a freelance writer and former PPAI Media intern.
