Dress to Impress: Workplace Attire
Let’s set the scene: you’re getting ready for your first internship or day at work and you’re wondering, what should I wear? How professional should I look? There are a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to dressing professionally in the workplace. Being mindful of how you dress not only helps you gain respect from others by creating a great first impression, but it will also make you feel smarter, and you may be more productive in the workplace.
First impressions
First impressions are key. They are the foundation of relationships in the workplace and dressing professionally is the first step you can take to have that great first impression. You may want to think about how you want others to perceive you and take that into account when shopping for dress attire. By dressing correctly for a professional setting, others may trust your opinion more and you will more easily gain respect from others around you.
It will make you feel smarter
Not only will you look good by having a large variety in your wardrobe, but you will also feel good and perform better if you are confident in what you are wearing. A study conducted by a group of researchers from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that our work performance can be enhanced by dressing well. They state that people who dress professionally and feel good about themselves make fewer mistakes. This not only increases your self-confidence, but you may even perform better in the workplace and receive a promotion faster.
Building your professional wardrobe
Feminine:
Bottoms: Switch out leggings for a pair of nice trousers in black, beige, white, or cream. Or, other options include a longer skirt or a pantsuit.
Tops: When it comes to tops, there are many different combinations you can choose from. Either a blouse or a button-up shirt makes for a perfect choice.
Footwear: Wearing open-toed shoes is not seen as professional. Instead, opt for wearing closed-toed shoes or heels with pantyhose to take your professional style to the next level.
Blazers: It’s easier to buy a nice, professional blazer than you may think. Local thrift stores often carry an abundance or buy from an affordable store like Zara, my personal go-to.
Image sourced from DesignBundles.net
Masculine:
Bottoms: Invest in a couple of pairs of neutral, tailored slacks. As simple as this may be, it can improve your professional appearance tremendously.
Tops: Collect a wide variety of button-down shirts. You can do both neutrals (grey, white, beige, and black) and in a business casual setting, patterns (micro-check and stripes).
Footwear: Dress shoes are the most classic choice. Or, in the winter, boots made with suede or leather are acceptable, either in black or brown.
Jacket/Blazer: Choosing suit jackets, blazers, sweaters, or even sport coats is a great way to finish your look to look more professional.
Image sourced from Virtual Career Center
Gender Neutral:
In accommodation to gender neutrality, many companies are now requiring that all employees wear a suit to meetings so that there is a common dress code to make sure everyone is included. Some common themes to follow when dressing professionally in the workplace include: wearing earrings that are no more than two inches in diameter or length, closed-toed shoes, no sweatpants, shorts, or athletic apparel. These guidelines help the company maintain a specific brand/image when it comes to the clothing its employees are wearing.
Imaged sourced from FSU Career Center
Making sure you have a professional presence in the workplace will not only make you more respectable but will also change the game when interacting with coworkers. Not only will it boost your confidence and you’ll performance will increase, but you will also gain more respect from your boss figures and coworkers.
About Alexis
Alexis Carpenter is a Junior Standing studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. She loves coming up with creative, out-of-the-box ideas when it comes to APR. Alexis has not had an internship, but in the summer of 2020, started a virtual brand segment in NJ. Using her APR skills, she promoted the business using billboard advertisements, and Instagram/Facebook ads. While also using leadership skills lead the team to success by creating an efficient high profit business. This summer, she continued to expand the business by help opening a second restaurant to grow revenue. This is Alexis’ first year involved in GrandPR and has accepted the position and Media Coordinator. Alexis is excited to grow and develop her skills in the Public Relations world.