Dressing For The Office

Dressing For The Office

Does your performance at work relate to the good job you do or is your performance dictated by your dress style?  

 Does your boss you take your job seriously or is he more concerned about the length of your skirt or the name of the brand you are wearing or worse still by the size of your boobs?  Are you confident enough in your own abilities to make a fashion statement of your own at work? Do you take your role seriously enough and believe in the good job you are doing or do you dress to impress your boss at work?

Now while in the Western world it is best to dress modestly, a corporate wardrobe does not have to be boring, or of poor fit or even attention avoiding. There are definite standards which need to be considered when dressing for work, but there are many ways you can express your own personal dress style and make a statement about who you are so that you are still taken seriously in your job.

There is nothing worse than being stuck in a job you do not like  while not being able to wear the clothes that make you feel comfortable. You can be creative whilst still dressing appropriately for the office. The additional confidence you will exude when wearing something that makes you look and feel good will show up in your performance and really make your boss sit back and notice you. It is OK to dress to impress at the office so long as it is done tastefully in the right way.

Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts when choosing a wardrobe to wear to the office:

Don’ts

•  Don’t have your  hemline too short – you need to be able to sit down or bend over without showing your knickers
• Don't wear clothes too tight so you cannot move properly - they are too restrictive and may affect your performance
• Don’t bear too much skin by having the neckline too low or strapless dresses or low backlines or sheer see through fabrics
• Don’t be too flamboyant and look like a Christmas tree
• Don’t overdress or under dress. Formal outfits or party gear are not appropriate for the office, and on the other end of the scale nor are shaggy jeans or beach shorts unless specifically specified.
• Don’t wear unclean or unkempt clothes to work

Do’s 

• Do dress to impress in a business or professional way
• If new to the office access what everyone else is wearing and fit in with the general style. Business or Casual or Uniform?
• If on the road visiting clients find out what the clients expect from a supplier and dress accordingly
• Do wear dresses, skirts and pants made of quality fabrics which give you a look of wealth and success. Cotton, wool, linen are always good.
• Do keep your wardrobe well maintained and laundered and ironed
• Accessorize your business attire with jewellery and scarves which make a statement but are not over the top
• Do wear bold colors or patterns such as hounds tooth, plaid or minimalist floral which are ideal for work
• Do wear pastel colors with earth tones or suits
• Do mismatch blazers and pants but be sure that the tones complement each other. 
• If wearing shorts or ¾ pants team them up with a blazer or jacket and tights and trendy shoes or boots to make them look more corporate.
• Do choose blouses which are feminine and made of silk, cotton or satin which do not crease too much during the day.  
• Do wear looser silk blouses which are more feminine than stiff white button downs ones and big sleeves look great. A tie at the collar always adds extra elegance.
• Do wear jackets and blazers with unique contours, structures, padded shoulders, belted waistlines which are well cut and fitted
• Do wear trendy well cut skirts which flow well and are both feminine and corporate. Pleats or inserts are fabulous as well as A line or straight skirts.
• Do have your pants tailored to fit – whether straight legs, skinny legs or pants with a flare
• Do wear knee high leather boots which  really good look  under skirts or worn over skinny pants
• Do  keep your look tailored and professional - wear belts and scarves
• Keep a pair of high heel shoes at work to wear if you suddenly need to go out visiting clients or suppliers, or attend a board meeting etc

Whatever you do, dress appropriately for the office  - you want to be known for your intellect not for you sex appeal.