What to Wear to Work (& what NOT to wear)
Getting dressed for the office doesn't mean you have to leave your personal style at home. The trick is to find out which looks give you a polished, professional look and which fashions can be a career killer or which have the ladies whispering in the hallways and the men looking just a little too long.
Your goal to getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image, regardless of your employment level or career path. If you are like me, you love to accessorize down to the T! Just remember, sometimes less is more. However, don't save those gorgeous dangly earrings for a black tie event, you never know what tomorrow holds, wear them today! And Guys, who cares if you bought the shirt and tie off of the mannequin? It looks great! (Here's a hint, men look great in pink!)
The styles, colors, lengths and fit of your fashion choices will speak volumes about your ability to do your job. If you are concerned about your career, you'll be more concerned with looking professional than looking cute or trendy. However, I believe that you can achieve both. It's 2010 baby, and I want to look and feel all of the above. But let's not take the trendy Forever 21 thing too far. T-shirt material is t-shirt material is t-shirt material. Don't get me wrong, XXI has some amazing steals, but not everything is work appropriate there. You know what I'm talking about ladies!
One article said "In general, the more distracting a piece of clothing or jewelry is, the less appropriate it is for office wear." I don't necessarily agree. I have lots of BLINGY jewelry and loud shoes and I feel they are completely appropriate for work. Whoever said that must be an introvert and doesn't know how to take a compliment ;). There is no reason you can't look like a million bucks just because you are going to work. My rule of thumb is to dress in a way that makes me feel great. My 2nd rule of thumb is "I can do whatever I want". I don't have to answer to Joan Rivers. When you feel like you look great, you feel great! Your entire attitude is pleasant and it truly is the root of self esteem, self worth, and self confidence. Not to mention, these are all great qualities of a healthy individual, employee, and coworker. On the flip side, don't ever show up to work in something that looks like it was wadded up in your laundry chute. I think you can purchase an iron for around $7. Make the investment! Unfortunately, it really is hard to overcome a first impression. Furthermore, if you are sloppy in your appearance, what do your work ethics look like?
More guidelines to looking polished:
- Color plays a big part in professional image. Traditional career colors include red (aggressive/confident), navy (trustworthy), gray (conservative) and black (chic/classic). Most of these colors work well in pantsuits, skirts and shoes and mix back with softer feminine colors that are appropriate like ice blue, lilac, soft pink and ivory. Loud colors like hot pink and wild prints are much riskier in the office, but if you are like me, go for it! You only live once!
- Jewelry that jangles (chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles) can be distracting. Opt for stud earrings or single bracelets if you have an important meeting. Otherwise, go for it Sister!
- Most of what constitutes a polished image is in the details: manicured nails, scuff-free shoes, neat clean hair.
Career Killers
Unlike a fashion faux pas, a career killer outfit can do your professional image permanent damage.
Looks to avoid in the workplace:
- Too sexy: see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, sheer sundresses, undergarments popping up out of nowhere....
- Too casual: jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, flip flops, wife beaters (varies from workplace to workplace)
- Too sloppy: wrinkled clothing, too many layers, pajamas. It's never a good idea to wear your pj's to work. (unless you are working from home J )
So bottom line, use your best judgment and DRESS FOR SUCCESS! It is better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you aren't sure, go for the safe slacks and button down. But most importantly don't be afraid to have fun and look great at work!
Mandy West, Account Manager
Unified360