For new graduates about to start their first jobs or career shifters who are about to step foot in a new company, choosing the right clothes to wear often becomes stressful. Questions like, “Is this too much?” or “Is this appropriate?” starts to arise, and it becomes a recurring problem. But it doesn’t have to be! Dressing up should be a fun and exciting experience everyone should embrace.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to dress to impress at work:
General Tips
- Know what is considered as appropriate in the chosen industry
- Only clothes that fit should be worn
- Clothing that reveals too much must be avoided
- Hair must look clean
- Facial hair should be trimmed and groomed
- Bags used must be the perfect size to hold all of its content
- Strong perfume and cologne must be avoided
- Shoes must be well kept and clean
- Men should not wear ankle socks with slacks
- Pedicures are a must for women who wear open-toed shoes
- Accessories should fit the attire as a whole
- Watch should be paid attention to
- Rich colors can portray authority
- Neon colors are to be avoided at all cost
Don’ts
- Wrinkled, torn, dirty, and frayed clothes
- Shorts (Bermuda and short shorts), tights, and sweatpants
- Shirts with offensive graphics or words
- Leggings and jeans
- Mid-thigh skirts
- Sun dresses, beach dresses, dance club dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses
- Tank tops, cropped shirts, halter tops, tops with bare shoulders, and sweatshirts
- Flamboyant athletic shoes (neon-colored)
- Flip-flops and slippers
Dos
- Clothing with the company logo, sports teams, university labels, and fashion brand names
- Slacks, wool pants, flannel pants, dressy capris, khaki pants
- Casual dresses and skirts with acceptable length
- Casual shirts, button-down shirts, sweaters, polo shirts, turtlenecks.
- Suit jackets and sport jackets
- Blazers
- Neutral athletic shoes or walking shoes
- Loafers and sneakers
- Boots, leather deck-type shoes
- Flats, dress heals, clogs
Mix and Match
Women
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- Monday: Plain white, button-down shirt; white, dressy capris; and printed high-heeled shoes. Accessorize with an understated watch and simple earrings.
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- Tuesday: Plain grey shirt tucked in black pants with a thin belt; black, open blazer; and a black, pointed, three-inch heels. A bold colored long necklace and a simple watch to accessorize.
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- Wednesday: A plain white shirt under a blue or red blazer; dressy, grey flannel pants; and black flats. Accessorize with a gold watch, simple earrings, and a few bangle bracelets.
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- Thursday: A simple, knee-length, printed dress; thick, black belt for the waist, and plain nude heels.
- Friday: Printed sweater vest over a plain, white button-down shirt; black pants; and knee-high, plain black boots. Keep accessories at a minimum.
Men
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- Monday: Striped button-down shirt tucked in black slacks with a light brown leather belt, and brown loafers. A brown leather watch will complete the look.
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- Tuesday: Plain white shirt, black or grey suit jacket, black pants, and black loafers. A silver or stainless steel watch will be the perfect accessory.
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- Wednesday: Black button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves tucked out of black pants, and black dress shoes.
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- Thursday: Plain polo shirt of any color, khaki pants with leather belt, and light brown loafers.
- Friday: Plain black shirt, sports jacket, black pants, and sneakers.
It’s important to look good in the office while maintaining a business-like image. It not only gives professional a confidence boost but it also inspires employees to be more productive.
For new graduates looking to get into the workforce, Resume 4 Dummies houses the best resume templates that can help soon-to-be business people land their dream jobs.
Source: About Money, Executive Style, Emily Post, Style Caster, Sortra