The Best Office Desk Drawer Is Stocked for Whatever Disaster Life Throws at You
From meetings to conference calls to scrolling through Twitter to doing some, you know, actual work, Monday through Friday can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. And that’s not even taking into account the personal-care variables—a garlic-heavy lunch, a taxing commute that leaves your shirt swampy before 9 A.M.—that can turn a typical workday into a lesson in grooming etiquette. So here’s our big tip: Clear out a full drawer in your desk and stock it with essential items that will help you maintain your reputation as the most suave guy at the office. Having the occasional off day is normal—being prepared for it is what separates office mortals from superheroes. Here’s a look at everything you should have handy in this magic drawer.
Comfortable KicksNew Balance 1400 sneakers>$170, buy now at New Balance
It’s always good to have a sporty pair of shoes on hand for comfort’s sake, and you can't beat a sleek and stylish classic like the New Balance 1400. Whether you’re a standing-desk guy or just don’t want to run around all day in dress shoes (or bulky winter-commute snow boots), slipping into some sneaks is an easy way to stay stylish and at ease.
The Sartorial SaveBurberry dress shirt>$325, buy now at Burberry
Spoiler alert: shit happens. And that means stains—that even means stains on days when you have a big meeting or presentation or even an after-work date. Which is why you should always have an extra shirt on hand, for just these sorts of dilemmas. Burberry’s slim-fitting, stretch-cotton-poplin shirt is professional and sharp-looking, and effortlessly modern (a.k.a. not stuffy at all), making it the ultimate shirting solution for workday disasters.
Outfit UpgraderRalph Lauren Tie>$185, buy now at Ralph Lauren
In today’s casual workplace, a tie is rarely required. Which means wearing one will instantly make you look like an overachiever. Add a textural knit style to your arsenal, toss it on before meeting with your boss, and you'll immediately be taken more seriously.
The Signature ScentLe Labo Noir 29>$92, buy now at Le Labo
Sadly, you can’t stay smelling fresh-from-the-shower all day. So when you’re running from meeting to meeting or stressful situations get you damp, having a fragrance on hand can be a serious lifesaver. We like a dab of solid perfume—as opposed to a spritz that the whole office will hear and smell, blowing your cover. This outdoorsy, spicy concoction from cult perfumer Le Labo has the right amount of earthy and floral notes to mask whatever odors you're emitting come late afternoon.
The Vision InnovatorHubble Contacts>$30 monthly subscription, buy now at Hubble
While Warby Parker has the millennial e-market cornered on optical hardware, tech start-up Hubble is looking to extend that to the world of contacts. Their meticulously crafted, FDA-approved, and eco-friendly lenses are perfect for popping in and then conveniently tossing at the end of the day.
The After-Lunch Safety NetListerine Breath Strips>$4, buy now at Amazon
There are few things worse than having a sudden attack of breath paranoia while in conversation with a colleague. Keep those doubts (and aromatic reminders of your midday chicken tikka masala indulgence) at bay with these handy breath strips. Evil pro tip: Offer one to your office frenemy before a big presentation to send him or her into a spiral of self-doubt.
The Mouth MagicianHello Toothbrush>Buy now at Hello
Mints are great (see above), but maybe the best post-lunch breath move you can make is to actually brush your teeth—dentists recommend it! Keep one of these toothbrushes handy in your drawer and do a quick dash to the bathroom once you’ve made the lunch rounds. The bristles are infused with on-trend activated charcoal from bamboo, making them a very goth black, and the handles are made from plant-based materials. Hello also offers up fluoride and whitening toothpaste to help your mouth stay minty all day long.
The Skin SaviorSkin Laundry Cleansing Cloth>$15, buy now at Skin Laundry
You may not necessarily think about it, but throughout the day your face comes into contact with some nasty stuff—air pollutants, dust, dirt, smog, you name it. Add to that the natural oils that your skin produces, and it goes without saying that you’d be wise to towel down your dermis from time to time. These wipe-and-toss sheets are packed with ingredients that both cleanse and replenish (witch hazel, salicylic acid, cucumber extract) to help give you that much-needed midday refresh.
The Afternoon Pick-Me-UpDermalogica Eye Lift>$65, buy now at Nordstrom
While chugging a cup of coffee at 4 P.M. might make you feel more awake, your face might not necessarily reflect it. This cream-gel eye mask—which you slap on for just three to five minutes—helps to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles, brightening your skin and increasing its "luminosity" (which is just fancy talk for saying you’ll look rested, alert, and, fingers crossed, younger after wearing it). Consider it a shot of espresso for your face.
The Fresh FactorRecipe for Men Antiperspirant and Deodorant>$22, buy now at Amazon
Because even the best of us have those days when our underarms get a little musty, this is a lifesaver you’ll be so glad you have hidden in your drawer. It attacks the problem from two angles, as both an antiperspirant and a deodorant, giving you an immediate solution as well as a longterm BO fix. Applied with a roll-on applicator, it dries quickly, is made without alcohol and, let’s be real, is one of those things that will definitely come in handy sooner or later.
The Hair HackR+Co Dry Shampoo Paste>$28, buy now at Amazon
You probably already know that you shouldn’t wash your hair every day, and this is the perfect solution for those in-between times, or when your hair gets flat during a long day at the office (or when the weather’s not cooperating). Just rub some of this waxy paste in your mane from root to tip and feel your hair get an instant second life. It’s part styling cream, part cleanser, and 100% kickass.
Max Berlinger is a freelance writer who's based in Brooklyn, NY. He has written for the New York Times, GQ, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Departures, Robb Report, Town & Country, and many other publications. He's interested in the way fashion and culture overlap. He's probably killing time on Twitter right... Read moreXInstagramRelated Stories for GQBurberryNew BalancePoloBest StuffOffice Style