The way you present yourself to your team and your colleagues can make a big difference to the impression you make at work. In most professional settings, it’s simply not enough to perform well – you need to look the part too.
If you’ve just got a new job or a promotion or you’re looking to advance your career in any way, it’s a great time to elevate your professional look.
Giving your workwear wardrobe an overhaul can help you to feel more confident, demonstrate your professional attitude, and show you mean business.
Here are a few ideas of how you can make an impression with your outfits in the corporate world:
1. Invest in Some Quality Statement Pieces
You don’t need to be dressed head-to-toe in designer labels to make an impression at work. But focusing on quality for some of your most-worn basics or accessories like your shoes or handbag could make all the difference.
For example, investing in a classic luxury piece from the Celine bags edit will help you to present a certain image at work, and as you’re paying for high quality, it will last you for years (unlike cheap fast fashion).
Opt for classic styles that won’t go out of fashion and choose neutral colours or black to go with most of your outfits.
If you think a designer item is out of your budget, it’s worth putting aside a little money every month to save up. Or put your bonus or raise to good use. Investing in these high-quality pieces is sure to pay off over time with the boost they give to your professional image and the amount of use you’ll get out of them.
2. Prioritise Fit
Well-fitting clothes always look more expensive and professional than badly-fitting outfits. Make sure you try on outfits before you buy them, and avoid wearing clothes that are slightly too big or too small.
Finding a skilled, affordable tailor can be well worth the effort to make small adjustments to your off-the-peg outfits and make them more tailored.
If you have the budget for it, a custom-fit suit will always make a great impression. A made-to-measure suit is a more affordable option than a completely bespoke suit, and several tailors are now embracing modern technology to make custom-fit tailoring even more affordable.
3. Take Inspiration from Your Superiors
In the Netflix series Better Call Saul, public defender Jimmy McGill uses bribe money to recreate the signature look of his ex-boss, Howard Hamlin, right down to the Super 170 Tasmanian wool suit and sea island cotton shirt with French cuffs and real mother-of-pearl buttons.
The lookalike outfit would eventually serve as a critical plot device, but initially, the show’s infamous star was definitely taking the advice “dress for the job you want” to heart.
It’s not advisable to copy your boss down to the fabric and colour choice. But it certainly won’t hurt to take some style inspiration from your superiors to give the subtle impression that you belong on their level.
Paying attention to the general company culture and unofficial dress code is also advice you’d be sensible to follow. The outfits that fit right into a corporate law office might seem very out of place in a young and trendy startup, for example.
4. Add Some Personality
Upgrade your outfits and try to create a signature look by adding your own unique twist. This might be adding pops of colour in the form of a scarf or pair of shoes, using interesting accessories like belts, ties, or cufflinks, or mixing up a formal outfit with a leather skirt or a print shirt.
Knowing how to dress your body shape and choosing cuts that flatter it is also an important part of developing your personal style. Avoid blindly following fashion trends and stick to what you know you look good in.
5. Aim for Clean and Polished
Creating a professional look goes beyond your choice of clothes. You should also pay particular attention to your hairstyle, makeup, and even the fragrance you wear.
A stained blouse or bobbly jumper is never a good look, so always make sure your workwear is laundered carefully and free of creases and lint.
Shoes should be polished regularly, and well-worn clothing should be discarded before it starts looking shabby. This is where buying high-quality pieces can really pay off in the long run, as they’ll stay looking like new for much longer.
Even if you can’t stretch for designer labels, try to buy better quality natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, wool and linen, rather than polyester blends, which can look cheap.
Comfort is also important. Breathable fabrics will help you to stay cool and avoid embarrassing sweat patches or itchy fabrics that can can negatively affect your focus at work.
Building Your Workwear Capsule Wardrobe
Even if you’re not keen on the restrictive nature of a capsule wardrobe when it comes to casual wear, building a professional wardrobe around a few simple, high-quality pieces is a great way to ensure you always look your best.
Stick to a basic colour scheme and avoid impulse purchases when it comes to workwear. Instead, it’s better to invest in some good-quality basics and slowly add new pieces when you can afford them.
Shopping well in sales and at outlet stores can also be a good way to upgrade your office outfits without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, if you feel confident and successful when you put something on, it’s sure to be a winner for your career. By slowly switching out your lower quality and less loved workwear with pieces that make you look and feel great, you’re sure to end up dressed for success.
