Dressing professionally doesn’t have to mean boring suits or having to hide your personal style. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you stay true to your style while being work appropriate at the same time. Looking for a job? All these tips still apply and are vital to keep in mind when assessing the culture of a potential employer.
1. Professional vs. Business Casual
“Professional dress” is often the most conservative and means a pant or skirt suit or a dress and jacket. For those not used to this type of attire, it can seem a bit stifling at first. Try infusing your own style with a statement necklace or bold lipstick. “Business casual,” on the other hand, is a bit more relaxed version of “professional dress.” Sweaters, blouses, khakis, etc. are acceptable in this environment and allows for a bit more personality to shine through. Note: This attire can be a little harder to define, so watch what coworkers wear and dress accordingly.
2. Dress for Your Job
If you’ll be interacting with customers or clients, your job might require you to wear polished attire. However, if you have a more labor-intensive job, you can get away with a casual look. Sitting at a desk all day? Make sure you wear clothes that are comfortable. Spending eight or more hours on your feet? Choose shoes up for the task!
3. Jeans in the Workplace
If you get to wear jeans to work, consider yourself lucky. But don’t take it for granted - there is a wrong way to wear jeans. To make sure your denim is still office-appropriate, choose a dark wash and avoid ripped jeans. Don’t pair them with too casual tops such as t-shirts, and wear grown-up shoes (no sneakers allowed).
4. Work Wear on the Road
Most jobs include traveling at some point. Whether it’s for a quick business meeting or a more extended stay, make sure you find out what events you’ll be attending so you can pack appropriately. Another thing to keep in mind is choosing clothes that will still look sharp after a day’s wear - or a few hours in a suitcase. Wrinkle-free shirts and materials such as cotton or microfibers are safe bets.
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