Dressing professionally is critical to success in the office or academic environment; showing up in shabby clothes likely won't get you the job or raise you hoped for! While what constitutes a “professional” varies from office to office, there are some key style guidelines to follow.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Deciding How Formally You Should Dress
Step 1. Consider the event
You should always dress according to the occasion, whether you are applying for a job, a typical day at the office, or attending a formal event. Some offices/events provide a dress code (usually business casual, business formal, or tuxedo), but if there is no code, then you should estimate the attire based on the seriousness/familiarity of the event. The daily dress code is usually business casual for less formal jobs (teaching, office work, government work), while business formal is worn for high-profile jobs (government officials, managers, accountants, etc.).
- Tuxedos are usually only worn for very special occasions, and are almost always predetermined.
- Usually, the higher your position/salary, the more professional your attire should be.
Step 2. Dress according to the weather
Just as you change your wardrobe according to the seasons, the professional dress code also changes slightly based on the different weather. When the weather is cold, wearing several layers of appropriate clothing and even wearing a nice scarf will be appropriate. When the weather is warm, women can wear knee-length skirts, while men can take off their coats and sometimes wear short-sleeved shirts.
- Keep in mind that the amount of skin you leave exposed will vary in a business casual/formal setting.
- If you choose to remove the extra layer, make sure your skin doesn't expose too much or show any inappropriate parts.
Step 3. Know which colors to wear
While some offices are more open to different color schemes, in general you should choose a neutral color palette. In each outfit, try to wear a tone of classic neutral such as black, brown, gray, beige, or navy. You can also wear bright or bold colors, but make sure they aren't distracting or eye-catching. When in doubt, go for pastel and muted shades.
Step 4. Pay attention to the people around you
If you're not too sure what formal/casual dress should be, try looking at the clothing choices of people in your profession, in your office, or at events like yours. In general, it is better to dress more formally than casually. If you can't get a leak or talk to someone in your field, try searching the internet for your event/job profile picture. Pay attention to how the people in the pictures look, and model people whose style is appropriate for you to imitate.
Step 5. Remember to complete your look for a professional look
If your attire is very professional but your personal hygiene is lacking or your hair is disheveled, the overall impression of your appearance will deteriorate significantly. Make sure you pay attention to your overall appearance, including hair, skin, and body hygiene with the same professional care you would with your clothes. At the very least, good grooming can enhance the impression of clothes that are too casual to wear to work.
Part 2 of 4: Dress Up Business Casual
Step 1. Have the right collection of shirts
For both men and women, business casual usually means neat and clean shirts and neutral trousers. For men, look for long or short sleeve shirts, polo shirts, button fronts, in solid colors, plaid, or stripes. For women, button-down shirts (long or short sleeves), silk blouses, and knee-length dresses are great choices.
Step 2. Choose the right subordinate
When it comes to pants for the office, the theme is the same for men and women. Look for black, navy, light brown, or dark brown trousers for everyday wear. Avoid patterns other than very thin lines; Patterned pants generally look tacky and are not suitable for office wear. As a woman, you can also choose a knee-length or ankle-length skirt in a color palette as above.
- You should avoid white pants or skirts, either before or after Labor Day.
- Patterned skirts can still be appropriate for women, as long as they are not bright or bold. Think small flowers or geometric patterns.
Step 3. Choose a suit or sweater
Cold weather is inevitable, so make sure you have the right clothes for the cold. Men can opt for a cardigan, sweater, or a casual suit over a shirt for a dashing look. Women can wear layered sweaters, cardigans, and fitted coats and blazers for great effect. If you want/need, a pashmina or cashmere scarf can be worn for extra style and warmth.
Step 4. Consider wearing a dress (for women)
Sometimes a dress is appropriate to wear in a business casual setting, as long as it follows a few basic guidelines. Dresses should be knee length or longer, not revealing the skin below the collarbones, and should cover the shoulders. Small prints and solid colors work best, and can be embellished for added visual impact. Wear a cardigan to cover the sleeves, and you're good to go!
Step 5. Choose the right shoes
The choice of shoes in a business casual office varies greatly, depending on the type of work environment you are in. In general, most offices expect their employees to wear closed shoes, both men and women. Men's shoes should always be strapped, and should never be strapless or buckled. Women can wear flat or high heels, but they must be in good condition and quality. In general, choose neutral colored shoes and stay away from patterned shoes.
Part 3 of 4: Business Formal Dress
Step 1. Have various settings
In some ways, business formal wear is easier than business casual, as it's usually just a matter of blending in. Both men and women are expected to wear suits in neutral colors. Hence, both of them should have some matching suits and pants. Women can also choose a skirt suit, if they want. Suits should be sewn snugly, in solid colors or light stripes, and in good condition. Skirts should be knee length and not too tight.
Step 2. Choose the right boss
Similar to the guidelines for suits, shirts to wear with a suit should be a solid color or light stripes, sewn to fit, and in good condition. There's a bit of leeway for the color of the top, as it doesn't show much from under the suit. Men should match shirts with ties, and women can choose shirts of any color as long as they are not too revealing or tight.
Step 3. Choose a tie variation (for men)
There are many ties available in the market, but not all of them are appropriate for a formal business dress code. The tie must be a solid color, or with a small pattern (no more than a quarter of it). Avoid ties that have more than 3-4 colors in total, and with pictures or scenes. Keep in mind that the tie must match the shirt and suit, so don't buy a tie that is too crowded and doesn't coordinate with your overall outfit.
Step 4. Wear different types of overalls (for women)
Dresses can be easily worn in a formal business setting, but only if the style of the dress is appropriate. Choose dresses that are knee-length or longer, and in subtle patterns or solid colors. Dresses should not be too tight and revealing. So that the dress becomes more formal, add a suit or blazer on it and a little quality jewelry.
Step 5. Choose the right shoes for work
All formal business jobs require quality shoes, usually made of leather (or similar high-quality material). Men should always wear closed leather shoes, usually baroque or oxford styles. Women should wear high heels or flat heels without much decoration and made of high quality materials. Usually shoes should be in a neutral color zone, but sometimes they can be in other very dark shades of color (such as burgundy or dark green).
Part 4 of 4: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Step 1. Never wear jeans
This is a trap that easily knocks us down, especially in a business casual office. However casual your office may seem, never wear jeans to work. Jeans are meant for leisure time and outdoor work, and give the impression of being lazy or frivolous at work.
Step 2. Minimize accessories
While it's fun to stock up on jewelry (big or small), handbags, briefcases, belts, scarves, and hair ornaments, wearing too many accessories can give you a youthful appearance. Both men and women should avoid accessories that are more than a necklace, a pair of earrings, and one ring for one hand at a time. Only one handbag or briefcase (never a waist bag!) may be brought to work, and hats are never accepted in the office.
Step 3. Try masking body modifications
While not all offices state that they prefer clean-skinned individuals, most workplaces expect employees to be as natural as possible. If you have large tattoos in obvious places or piercings other than the earlobe, you may need to adjust your clothing slightly to cover it up. There's nothing wrong with tattoos or piercings, but in keeping with the traditional dress code, it's best not to display those modifications during business hours.
Step 4. Keep your clothes in good condition
We've all had days when we got up late and rushed to leave, but there's no reason to wear dirty, stained, or wrinkled clothes. Make sure you always wear clean and tidy clothes, otherwise you will give the impression of being slovenly. Get in the habit of arranging clothes the night before, so you're never confused about what to wear. Also, wash clothes once a week (ironing them if necessary) so you don't run out of clean clothes and have to wear dirty clothes.
Step 5. Do not repeat clothes in the same week
Wearing the same clothes in seven workdays shows low taste, whether it's because you're late or you just really like the outfit. While it's okay to mix and match several pieces of the same outfit, wearing the same mix multiple times in the same week will give the impression of being frivolous and lazy. Try the two-week rule, where you only wear one set of clothing (each piece is repeated) only once in a two-week period.
Step 6. Make your entire outfit fit from top to bottom
If every piece of your outfit is just right, that's great, but if you don't mix it up, your whole look will be a total flop. Make sure tops and bottoms blend in the same color palette, and avoid mixing multiple shades at once. As long as you mix all the neutrals and add one that stands out more, chances are you'll be safe.
Tips
- Always use deodorant, but avoid very strong scents
- Don't wear clothes that are too loose or too tight.
