From Boardroom to Bar: How to Wear Bold Prints at Work (Without Looking Like You’re on Vacation)

Let’s be honest for a second. We’ve all been there.

You’re holding that stunning, hand-block printed Dey & Vibe shirt in your hands. You love the intricacy of the motif. You love the soft, whisper-light cotton. You can already see yourself wearing it on a Sunday brunch or a beach trip to Goa.

But then, the "Monday Morning Doubt" creeps in. You ask yourself: "Can I really pull this off at the office? Or will my boss ask if I forgot to cancel my holiday leave?"

Here is the truth: The days of the "Corporate Drone Uniform"—stiff blue shirts and boring grey trousers—are fading. The Modern Raja doesn't leave his personality at the door when he clocks in.

If you want to bring the "Vibe" to your 9-to-5 without losing your professional edge, here is the secret art of styling bold prints for the workplace.

1. The "Blazer Buffer" Technique

This is the oldest trick in the book, and it works every time. A bold print is like a strong spice—it needs a base to balance it out.

If you’re wearing one of our vibrant Web Batik or Tribal prints, throw a solid, structured blazer over it. A navy, charcoal, or even a beige linen jacket frames the print effectively. It allows just a "pop" of personality to show through the center, turning a "loud" shirt into a sophisticated accent piece.

The Rule: If the shirt shouts, the jacket must whisper. Keep the blazer solid and unpatterned.

2. Anchor with "Boring" Trousers

We mean this with love: let your trousers be the designated driver of your outfit.

When you rock a Dey & Vibe print on top, your bottom half needs to be serious business. We’re talking crisp Chinos in beige, olive, or classic navy. Avoid distressed denim or shorts (obviously). By anchoring the outfit with tailored, neutral trousers, you signal to your colleagues: "I am creative, but I am also grounded."

3. The "Zoom-Ready" Mandarin Collar

In the era of video calls, your neckline is the only thing most people see. This is where the Chinese (Mandarin) Collar is your secret weapon.

Unlike the floppy collars of standard casual shirts that can look messy on camera, a Mandarin collar looks sharp, intentional, and clean. A structured Mandarin collar shirt in a subtle Indigo or Geometric print looks distinctively executive on a Zoom screen, separating you from the sea of crumpled polo shirts.

4. Master the "Forearm Roll"

There is a psychology to sleeves. Long sleeves buttoned at the wrist say "Formal." Short sleeves say "Casual."

But long sleeves rolled precisely to the forearm? That says "I’m getting work done."

Take your long-sleeved Dey & Vibe shirt and execute a neat "Master Roll" up to just below the elbow. It instantly tones down the "vacation vibe" and ramps up the "busy professional" aesthetic. Plus, our breathable 60s count cotton ensures you stay cool even when the deadline heat is on.

5. Grooming is the Tiebreaker

Here is the harsh reality: You can wear a wild print and look like a CEO, or you can wear a wild print and look like you just woke up. The difference is usually grooming.

If your shirt is relaxed and flowy, your hair and beard need to be sharp. A well-groomed look tells the world that the bold shirt is a stylistic choice, not a result of laziness. It elevates the entire ensemble from "messy" to "maverick."

The Verdict: Own the Room

The workplace is changing. Confidence is the new currency. Wearing a piece of art—like a hand-crafted block print—shows that you are comfortable in your own skin.

So next Tuesday, leave the stiff blue shirt in the closet. Grab your favorite Dey & Vibe, throw on that blazer, and walk into the meeting like the Modern Raja you are.

Ready to upgrade your work wardrobe? Shop the "Work-Ready" Collection here