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When did casual Fridays bleed into the whole week? The famous author James Laver once wrote, "Clothes are never a frivolity: they always mean something." Although we all know that muscle shirts and belly tops are just too inappropriate for the office, the trend of dressing down leaves many wondering what to wear to work? Here are some tips on how to dress for success at work.
1) Go traditional: One of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting their work wardrobe is under-dressing. Not understanding the corporate culture may equate to career suicide. When in doubt, dress conservatively. Leave the cutoffs and flip flops for the beach yet don't show up to sit at your desk in a three-piece suit. Use the brain that your momma gave you. Put a little more thought into your attire and making the right impression is surely to follow.
2) Presentation counts: This doesn't just apply to what you'll find on your plate at fancy restaurants. Presentation counts in your appearance as well. Business casual is fine but that doesn't give you license to look sloppy. It also doesn't mean that you have to spend a fortune on designer clothes. Just use your common sense, invest in an iron, and always remember that what you wear and how you look does say something about you as an employee or client.
3) Dress as you want to be seen. If you want to be seen as a clown, dress like one. Likewise, if you want to be seen as professional, promotable, and successful, dress like it. You want to be taken seriously, upward-bound, and ready to meet clients at any given time. Check out what your counterparts are wearing. Scope out other successful colleagues in your position and see what they're wearing. Then imitate it. All great ideas are copied.
4) Follow the code: If your office has an official dress code, then follow it to a T (and we don't mean t-shirt). But even in this environment politics can play a big role. Elegant and stylish will always beat out flash and trash. So don't dress like an aspiring rock star or Paris Hilton. Rather, aim for CEOs or Directors because their business style will never lead you astray.
5) Tips for the guys: Often labelled fashion-impaired, men get a bad rap for the way they dress. But if you are unsure, or just need a refresher, here are some suggestions. Button-down shirts, and a black, blue, or gray jacket are musts. Make sure your slacks compliment the jacket and a conservative tie never hurt anyone. Don't forget the socks! Yes socks are important too. Buying a dozen black or blue dress socks is never a bad idea. Blue and white shirts have been around since the dawn of time. It's a safe bet and there should be several in your closet. But the occasional green or yellow shirt wouldn't hurt either. You do have a personality after all. And a word or two about shoes. Guys, mothers always tell their daughters to look at a man's shoes. There is nothing worse than seeing a sharply dressed man only to notice that their shoes are not even fit to give away. Black polished shoes are always versatile but must be worn with a black belt to match. Shoes should be clean, comfortable, and compatible. Only professional athletes can get away with wearing sneakers.
6) Tips for the ladies: In the arena of fashion, women rule the roost. But, it never hurts to 'just make sure'. Skirts are traditional but should hit just above the knee. No higher! Save that for the clubs. Casual shirts, dress shirts, and even a nice polo top the 'good' list. Dressy capris, slacks, or a nice pant suit scream corporate power as well. Wear simple jewelry, nothing too gaudy. A hint of makeup can make all the difference but too much can have you looking like Tammy Fay Baker (not a good look at all). Go easy on the perfume or skip it altogether. Nobody needs the headache or allergic reaction. Polished flats or moderate heels are a staple and if pantyhose are the office standard, wear them.
In the end, you want to make it easy for people, especially those employing you, to see your good qualities. Dressing appropriately, and not sloppy, helps that. You want to make a good impression but not draw negative attention. You are highlighting your professionalism and you want to do that straight off the bat. Overcoming a bad first impression is difficult. Whether you realize it or not, you are always being sized up and evaluated and what you are wearing has an impact. It may not come through on a performance appraisal but it does in how you and your work is perceived. Mark Twain said it best, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
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