Clothes can speak volumes about attitude, confidence, and more. Here are a few workplace wardrobe essentials and scenarios and how to dress for them.
We all want to be presentable at work. When it comes down to it, first impressions aren’t the only ones that matter. The way you turn up each day, especially when you’re in a high up position, can have a huge impact on the way people perceive you, how seriously you’re taken and how much authority you wield. It sounds odd, but clothes can speak volumes about attitude, confidence and more. Of course, you need to make sure you’re always comfortable and your clothes can express your individual taste and preferences. But the key is always looking smart. Here are a few tips that will help to make sure you dress well for the office every single day!
Day to Day
Day to day office wear needs to be smart. There are some staples that many people have in their wardrobes. A pencil skirt. Some well-fitted trousers. An array of blouses or shirts. Some smart jackets or blazers. A few pairs of shoes – perhaps a heeled pair and a pair of flats. What’s most important is that while these clothes look smart, they remain relatively comfortable. If you’re going to be wearing them for eight hours a day, five days a week, they should fit well, not rub and preferably be made from breathable, high-quality materials.
Dress Down Fridays
Many offices hold a dress down Fridays. This is essentially an opportunity for staff to let their hair down a little, wear something a little more comfortable and finish the week off on a more casual note. Don’t take this concept too far though. You don’t want to roll up to your desk in tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie. Instead, keep it casual, but make sure everything is still relatively smart and professional. Generally speaking, a nice pair of jeans, a nice top, and a presentable cardigan, jumper or another cover-up (if it’s cold) will be great. You may even want to incorporate some subtle jewelry for an extra touch.
Important Meetings
If you have an important meeting lined up, you’re going to want to appear your best. So, have a trouser suit or a skirt suit or two ready and waiting to go for special events like this. Think carefully about color choice. It can speak volumes, as our brains associate certain colors with certain emotions. To be on the safe side, stay relatively neutral. Black, white, grey, navy… muted shades and monochromatic shades of black look great and don’t put up anyone’s defenses. On the day, it may be a good idea to take a spare outfit along, just in case of mishaps such as spilled coffee or food. You don’t want to turn up to an important meeting with your lunch down your front from an accident!
These are just a few workplace scenarios and how to dress for them. Hopefully, this will help you to come across as professional and presentable at all times!
