Sometimes, opening a shirt, adding a layer of knitwear or changing shoes is enough to create a different look. When dressing a team, the same idea lets you distinguish dining staff, maître d’ and reception while working from a shared wardrobe.
The key is to choose a base that works on its own and change just a few elements. Here, we use sage green and navy to show three combinations you can adapt to your space’s style.
Choose two colours and repeat them
Start with navy trousers and a sage green shirt, such as the TEO poplin shirt. Navy works as the foundation, while green brings light near the face. Repeating both tones in T-shirts, knitwear and accessories helps the outfits feel connected.
Tip: keep the palette and adapt the cut to each person. Straight-leg and wide-leg trousers can work together perfectly within the same team. Coherence comes from colour and how you combine garments, rather than dressing everyone in the same silhouette.
For dining staff: an overshirt and an apron that connects the colours
Wear the shirt open over a navy T-shirt and pair it with trousers in the same tone. The T-shirt and trousers create a continuous base; the shirt adds a light layer and a more informal feel.
To turn it into a waiter’s look, add a simple knee-length waist apron for both men and women. It can be plain green or have green and blue stripes. Tip: if you introduce a pattern, repeat colours already present in the outfit and keep the other garments plain. Finish with trainers suitable for service.
For the maître d’ and sommelier: a tucked-in shirt and trainers
For the maître d’ and sommelier, in both the men’s and women’s looks, button the shirt and tuck it into the trousers. Pair it with trainers and, if you want another layer, a navy jumper. The tucked-in shirt defines the silhouette; the trainers keep the look relaxed, using the same palette as the rest of the team.
Tip: use the placement of knitwear to change proportions. In these styled looks, we tie it at the waist or drape it over the shoulders; during service, wear it in whichever way is comfortable and allows freedom of movement. A small layer can change the whole feel of a look.
For reception: a cleaner silhouette
For both the men’s and women’s reception looks, tuck the shirt into the trousers and choose black shoes, such as loafers. Revealing the waist and replacing trainers with shoes gives the same base a more formal feel for reception or guest service.
Tip: before adding accessories, check the trouser length, the drape of the shirt and the sleeves. A good fit makes a real difference. Then choose footwear that suits both the image and the hours and tasks of the working day.
A shared wardrobe simplifies operations
The same shirt style can serve dining staff, maître d’ and reception; trousers can also be repeated, in the cuts the team needs. What changes is the combination. This reduces the number of different styles to buy, fit and replenish, and lets you organise a shared reserve by garment and size across departments.
Working with in-stock wardrobe essentials offers flexibility: you can prepare for new starters and replacements without waiting for a new production run. Check available sizes and colours, and plan separately for accessories made to order, such as a special apron.
A useful exercise: list the shared garments and note what changes for each role. Dining staff: T-shirt, open shirt, apron and trainers for both men and women. Maître d’ and sommelier: tucked-in shirt, trainers and a touch of knitwear. Reception: tucked-in shirt and shoes. You will have three clear looks and a simpler shopping list.
Before adding another garment, try another combination. Often, the variety you are looking for is already in the wardrobe’s foundations.
