How To Get The Right Office Dress?
The rules of what to wear to work have changed. It’s still a necessity to wear a suit to work if you’re in more conservative industries. But with the landscape continually changing in other, less-conservative industries, it’s important to know that the rules have also changed.
So can you wear a hoodie to work? How do you stay casual but still look professional?
Here are some of the rules that you should keep in mind:
Don’t Play The Part
Your work wardrobe should reflect who you are, but never give away what you do. Dress smart and keep the curiosity alive. Unless of course, you wear a uniform or are a lawyer, doctor or serve in the military — where your clothes speak for themselves and also part of team building activity. If you have the freedom to wear what you can, express yourself the way you want others to perceive you. In the hierarchy, seniors are taken seriously if they dress a notch above next level. If you head of the company then your clothes need to reflect it too.
Avoid Cloning
You are what you wear. Observe the colours, styles, prints and patterns that your colleagues and juniors wear. Make a conscious effort to look and dress distinctly different from them.
Never typecast your look — if you are a man, change your tie, shirt and suit combinations as frequently as you can. Women need to do the same with their jackets and tops.
Never Wear Logo or Office Décor Colours
Being loyal to the company is one thing, going overboard with it, is another. Some people make the mistake of wearing colours that are a part of their corporate events. Worse still, they are those who like to match their clothes to the colours of the walls, interiors and office furniture. The message is clear: in the office, you need to dress to stand out and not blend in. Besides black and white, (a hint of) red, subtle shades also fit the mood.
Go For Quality Clothes
Wear clothes that are well-made, fit right and look as good as new. Oversized clothes will make you look and feel shabby. Clothes that are too tight can be restrictive and highlight areas they shouldn’t. These need to be altered or replaced — especially if they are shirts, jackets, trousers or skirts. Make new purchases look the way they do, even after a season of wearing them. Crease free materials or well-ironed clothes, will always send out right signals.
No Style Statements
Work wear needs to look the way it should: smart, sharp and crisp. Stick to conventions and avoid experimenting with new or passing trends. If you wear them at all, T-shirts (full or half sleeve) should be devoid of tongue in cheek messages.
Similarly, refrain from wearing garments with prominent branding or loud and busy prints. Subtle, simple, fuss free and monotone clothing is ideal. Pin stripes and small checks are the only prints that you can wear.
Hair & Grooming
Never colour or streak your hair in shades of red, gold and pink. Brown and black are universally accepted. Never use oil in your hair or at least one that is heavy, sticky or has a strong after smell.
Makeup for women should be simple and never look tarty. A good mascara, subtle eye shadow and a gentle colour for the cheeks and lips is all that you really need. Gloss and sheen will never go down well.
Groom your skin — a fresh and healthy surface is always better than one that is dull and bumpy. Remove hair from where there shouldn’t be any – especially the nostrils, cheeks and ears. Moustaches and facial hair is acceptable, provided it is neat and well maintained.
Women who use no lipstick are less convincing than those who do. Men who don’t have hair falling over the ears and on the back collar of the jacket and shirt are always trusted with ease.
With all the rules above set in place you are good to go in making the right choice for your office!
Related Posts
