Startups aren’t just different in the ways they run their businesses. Take employee dress codes: They're hardly what you’ll find at investment banks, law firms, or really, any other office job. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is a perfect example of this. The founder and CEO's laid-back style, which subsists on basic gray tees, hoodies, and jeans, is totally kosher for work (he is the boss, after all). You'll find it's the same at a host of other young tech ventures and up-and-coming organizations.
If you're thinking about trading in your corporate lifestyle for a startup culture, then you're in luck. Below, we're sharing nine essentials every startup employee should have in his closet for summer. If your current place of business is strictly suit-and-tie, there's always casual Friday.
The Zip-Up Sweatshirt
Basics — like a solid zip-up hoodie — are A-okay every day of the week. Just ask Mark.
1. Banana Republic Piped Hooded Zip Cardigan, $80, available at Banana Republic.
2. UNCL French Terry Knit Zip Sweatshirt, $72.49, available at Nordstrom.
3. John Varvatos Raglan Sleeve Zip Hoodie, $168, available at Amazon.
The Crew-Neck Tee
Stand alone, layered under a sweater, dressed up with a sports jacket — the sky is the limit with classic tees.
1. Buck Mason Slate Crew Slub Tee, $24, available at Buck Mason.
2. Dana Lee Double-Needle Tee, $62, available at Need Supply.
3. U.S. Polo Assn Men's V-Neck T-Shirt, $10.50, available at Amazon.
The Low-Top Sneaker
No oxfords or loafers necessary at the office, unless you decide to wear them.
1. Vans Old Skool, $55, available at Amazon.
2. Nike Free Flyknit 4.0 Running Shoes, $77.45, available at Amazon.
3. New Balance ML574 Pique Polo Pack Classic Running Shoe, $79.95, available at Amazon.
The Dark-Wash Denim
The secret to looking put-together in jeans is all in the rinse.
1. Levi's 511 Slim Fit Jean, $39.99, available at Amazon.
2. Hudson Byron Five-Pocket Straight-Leg Jean, $123, available at Amazon.
3. AG Adriano Godchmied The Matchbox Slim-Straight Jean, $169.95, available at Amazon.
The Throw-On-&-Go Backpack
Backpacks are by far the easiest means for transporting your stuff from point A to point B. You'll look cool wearing the ones below, too.
1. Poler Drifter Pakc, $64.95, available at Amazon.
2. Herschel Supply Co. Little America, $66.99, available at Amazon.
3. RVCA Barlow Backpack, $44, available at East Dane.
The Quirky Socks
We'll see your Hanes 6-pack and raise you the funkier, graphic pairs listed here.
1. Barney's New York Palm Tree Mid-Calf Socks, $40, available at Barney's New York.
2. Paul Smith Striped Cotton-Blend Socks, $30, available at Mr Porter.
3. Happy Socks Men's 1 Pack, $9.79, available at Amazon.
The Casual Button-Down
Subtle prints and short sleeves are ideal for the warm weather; they look polished, too.
1. Reiss Sebastian Short Sleeve Printed Shirt, $145, available at Reiss.
2. Steven Alan Men's Short Sleeve Single Needle Shirt, $94.80, available at Amazon.
3. Obey Journey Woven, $64, available at Need Supply.
The Leather-Less Watch
Ditch leather bands for a cool canvas.
1. Mondaine Evo Big Date Stainless Steel Watch, $245, available at Mr Porter.
2. Daniel Wellington Classic Glasgow Analog Two Tone Watch, $110.72, available at Amazon.
3. Nixon The Mod Patterend Canvas Strap Watch, $80, available at Nordstrom.
The Knee-Length Short
Shorts at work? Don't mind if we do...
1. RVCA Marrow Short, $16.03, available at Amazon.
2. Volcom Frickin Static Plaid Hybrid Short, $15.99, available at Amazon.
3. Kenneth Cole Men's Cargo Short, $59, available at Amazon.
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