I’ve often envied individuals who need to wear a uniform to school or to work. I shudder to believe of all the hours I’ve wasted staring into the depths of my closet on weekday mornings, attempting to pull together a presentable outfit from my limited selection of drab, monochromatic alternatives. Each now and then, I’ll size up an item from the “fun” or “going out” section of my wardrobe, attempting to choose regardless of whether this blouse is as well shiny or that skirt is too fitted to the office, but I often wind up erring for the side of caution. I can’t say the similar for several of my fellow female commuters, though; once I’ve finally gotten myself dressed and seated on the train heading downtown, I often discover myself transfixed through the garments some ladies perceive as appropriate career attire.
Within the twenty-first century, dress codes vary drastically from workplace to workplace; although power suit–clad executives appear forward all week to casual Friday, the sweats-wearing self-employed folks plus the scruffy staffers at start-ups don’t own a single shirt with buttons among them. But most American offices fall somewhere inside middle of this spectrum, and for that workers who populate them, acquiring ahead professionally demands steering clear of any fashion missteps that could reflect poorly on them.
Too Much Skin, Too Little Breathing Room
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it” may be an empowering attitude up inside club, but leave it at house when you are heading to work—your boss and your coworkers won’t take you seriously in the event you show up for any meeting putting on a down-to-there V-neck or even a skintight pair of pants. No-nos contain:
* Micro-miniskirts and short shorts
* Anything spandex
* Ripped jeans (or, at some corporations, any kind of denim)
* Camisoles/spaghetti-strap tank tops worn on their own
* Any top that reveals your bra straps
* Sheer blouses and sweaters with no undershirt
* Slinky cocktail dresses
* Workout clothes (yoga pants, hooded sweatshirts, sports bras)
Do Sweat the Small Stuff
The little details you pick to complement your work wear at times make as lasting an impression on your officemates as your clothes themselves do—for greater and for worse. Polished self-presentation is a head-to-toe endeavor, so everything from your hair accessories to your jewelry to your footwear for your bag involves thoughtful consideration. Really don’t get caught putting on or carrying these items:
* Facial jewelry
* Oversize, bejeweled earrings and necklaces that look as if they belong either on a beauty-pageant contestant or in a museum display
* Purchasing bags in lieu of purses
* Fishnet stockings
* Rubber flip-flops, hiking boots, Birkenstock-type sandals, or athletic shoes
* Sky-high stiletto heels (particularly Lucite, bedazzled, or patent leather)
* Thigh-high boots
Set the Bar Substantial
One particular rule of thumb that countless career coaches cite would be to dress for the position you want, even if that means wearing a lot more formal garb than your current role calls for. So if you are angling for a promotion—or even if you merely want to establish your credibility as a new employee—keep those goals in mind as you strategize about your wardrobe choices. Buying for party clothes may be a lot more fun than buying daytime basics, but if you’re spending forty hours or a lot more at the office, you will rely heavily on these building blocks:
* A handful of pairs of nicely tailored, flat-front slacks in dark or neutral colors
* A variety of fine-knit sweaters (nothing as well baggy, ski lodge–esque, or low-cut)
* A few crisp collared shirts, plus mix-and-match shells to layer under sweaters
* Knee-length or longer dresses that will be worn under a blazer or cardigan (in muted colors or soft patterns—not too bright or fussy)
* A single or two straight skirts hemmed just below the knee
* A flattering french coat, as well as a stylish all-weather coat
* Classic pumps and flats, kept effectively polished
* A well-made, all-purpose purse that matches most of the work clothing
Assess the Situation
From the moment you enter the workforce, your professional-fashion possibilities speak volumes about your sense of propriety as well as your career aspirations. When you are just starting out at a new firm, pay unique attention to how the other employees dress. If the ladies around you wear skinny jeans and T-shirts most days, breathe quick and enjoy the casual environment. Through the same token, if they’re dressed to the nines in matching skirts and blazers, you’ll need to follow suit. And bear in mind, in today’s ultra-competitive job marketplace, each and every small bit of effort counts when you are vying for a whole new position or a part with more responsibility. To play the part, you have to dress the part—so keep your blouse buttoned, your pants pressed, as well as your shoes shined, and save your fishnets and your bustier for Saturday night.