Shopping for Work Clothes: English Vocabulary, Phrases and Dialogue

Key words and phrases

business casuala semi-formal dress code, less strict than a full suit but neater than everyday wearThe office dress code was business casual.

wardrobethe range of clothes a person owns or wearsHe needed to build a proper work wardrobe.

try onto put on a garment to see how it fits before buyingHe tried on three different blazers.

fitting rooma small room in a shop where customers try on clothesHe waited outside the fitting room while she tried on a dress.

tailored fitclothing cut to closely match the shape of the bodyThe shirt had a tailored fit that looked sharp.

matching accessoriesitems like belts, ties, or shoes chosen to go well with an outfitThe attendant suggested some matching accessories too.

return policya store's rules about exchanging or refunding purchased itemsHe checked the return policy before buying anything.

dress codea set of rules about what clothing is acceptable in a particular settingHis new company's dress code was fairly relaxed.

budgeta planned amount of money set aside for spendingThey set a budget before entering the store.

mix and matchto combine different clothing pieces so they can be worn in various combinationsShe showed him how to mix and match a few basic pieces.

size charta reference table showing measurements for different clothing sizesThe store had a size chart near the fitting room.

iron-friendly fabricmaterial that is easy to press smooth and doesn't wrinkle badlyHe picked shirts in an iron-friendly fabric for travel.

presentablelooking neat and appropriate for a formal or professional settingHe wanted to look presentable for client meetings.

capsule wardrobea small collection of versatile clothing items that can be combined in many waysPriya suggested starting with a small capsule wardrobe.

Useful sentences

Ask What's the dress code at your new office?
Answer Business casual, so nothing too formal or too relaxed.
Ask Did you try on many blazers today?
Answer About four, before finding one with a tailored fit.
Ask Did you set a budget before shopping?
Answer Yes, we agreed on a fixed amount for the whole wardrobe.
Ask Did the store attendant suggest matching accessories?
Answer Yes, a belt and a couple of ties that go well with the shirts.
Ask Do you know how to mix and match these pieces?
Answer Priya showed me a few combinations already.
Ask Did you check the return policy before buying?
Answer Always, in case something doesn't fit right at home.
Ask Are these shirts made of an iron-friendly fabric?
Answer Yes, which will help a lot on busy mornings.
Ask Do you feel presentable enough for client meetings now?
Answer Much more than before, honestly.

Dialogue

RahulI have no idea what counts as business casual, honestly.

PriyaLet's start with a small capsule wardrobe. A few shirts, one blazer, two trousers.

store attendantWould you like to try on this blazer? It has a tailored fit.

RahulSure, where's the fitting room?

store attendantRight this way. I can also show you some matching accessories.

RahulThat would help, I don't really know how to mix and match yet.

PriyaDon't forget to check the return policy, just in case.

RahulGood idea. And let's stick to our budget too.

store attendantThese shirts are also in an iron-friendly fabric, great for busy mornings.

RahulPerfect, I finally feel presentable for the client meetings now.

Common mistakes

Saying "business casuals" as a plural, better as "business casual" (uncountable style term).
Saying "try the blazer" instead of "try on the blazer."
Saying "tailor fit" instead of "tailored fit."
Saying "match accessories" without "ing," better as "matching accessories."
Saying "policy of return" instead of "return policy."
Saying "present-able" incorrectly stressed; it's pronounced pre-ZENT-uh-bul, meaning "presentable."

Quick quiz

1. What does "business casual" mean?

2. What does "tailored fit" mean?

3. What does it mean to "mix and match"?

4. What is a "capsule wardrobe"?

5. What does "presentable" mean?

6. What is a "return policy"?

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