Dress for Success: 5 Tips and Tricks for Office Attire

The way you dress up at work affects how others perceive you. So, in a way, how you dress and carry yourself can play a role in your networking at the office and could even put you in line for a promotion! 

But your dress is not the only thing that can make you look professional or fashionable. The accessories you wear, including your shoes, bags, and jewelry, and the way you do your hair also contribute to your overall look. This helps you boost your confidence, which greatly contributes to your professional success. 

So, your overall look might have a little direct correlation to your success, but it is certain that it directly contributes to your confidence, which is, in turn, key to success. 

5 Tips and Tricks for On-point Office Attire

Because dressing is an important contributor to your work, the idea of maintaining a professional appearance at the office can be a daunting task. 

At work, you want to look fashionable but strike a professional appearance too. With bold colors and large patterns in fashion these days, you don’t know where to draw the line to maintain the balance of being well-dressed and professional. 

Lucky for you, we are here with some tips that will help you maintain professionalism in your office attire while making sure that you look fashionable. 

1. Wear Well-Tailored Outfits

Fashion has always been an expression of personality and identity. But the tricky part is that fashion is always evolving. The changing fashion trends are what make it difficult for women to grasp exactly what is considered fashionable. 

However, some key trends in formal fashion attire have made it easier for women to maintain professionalism in the workplace for a long time. 

The most important rule when dressing up for work is wearing well-tailored outfits. Outfits that are baggy or too tight fail to look professional. So, you can wear a bright red suit to the office or a muted grey one according to the latest fashion or your personal style. But if it’s not well-tailored, it will not be appropriate for work. 

Additionally, make sure your clothes are clean and neatly pressed. Wrinkled or stained clothes can give off an unprofessional look, no matter how well the style suits your body. 

2. Maintain a Handbag “Wardrobe”

Handbags are one of the most important “accessories” you carry to your workplace. Compare a person carrying a drawstring bag to work with one who carries a well-maintained leather bag. Even if both are dressed the same, there is a ton of difference in the look because of a mere handbag. 

Even if you’re not a handbag person, you should inculcate a habit of carrying an appropriate handbag to work to look professional. 

If you don’t have a handbag wardrobe, start small. First, purchase 1-2 neutral-colored bags in your wardrobe like black and beige. As you start investing in more bags, learn about the different features of handbags that make them long-lasting and look professional. 

For example, handbags with sturdy lining can make your bag look elegant and even make it last longer. You can learn more about how handbag lining can elevate your bag’s look before you invest in your next handbag. 

Once you perfect the art of investing in handbags, you’ll have a range of handbags to choose from to complement your work look every day. 

3. Accessorize Modestly

Jewelry can really elevate your overall look, whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or for a professional setting. But the kind of jewelry you wear speaks volumes about how you are perceived. 

At the workplace, it’s important to keep the jewelry subtle so it doesn’t overpower your outfit or look very bold. Delicate necklaces, simple earrings, and a couple of rings can look quite elegant paired with office attire. On the other hand, statement jewelry pieces, lots of rings, and chunky bracelets give off a casual and non-serious look in the office. 

4. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Shoes

Just as handbags and jewelry can contribute to your look, your shoes also have the power to make or break your look. Old, unpolished, or worn-out shoes with a new dress can really undermine the look of your dress, no matter how expensive it is. 

The same goes for shoes in the office setting. However, for the office, your shoes should not just be clean. In the professional setting, shoes say a great deal about your personality. You can’t wear stilettos or casual sneakers in the office as they are not professional. 

Polished flats, muted kitten heels, and sleek pumps are great picks for women for office wear. 

5. Go for Neat Hairstyles

Last but not least is your hairstyle. The way you keep your hair also contributes a lot to your office attire. Unkempt and greasy hair can make you look unclean. Make it a point to wash your hair before you come to work, especially in the summer. 

Dry your hair out before coming to the office so you look put-together and composed rather than dishevelled and unorganized. But if you don’t have time to do your hair in the morning, you could always wash it at night and let it air dry before bed. 

If you have short hair, you can keep it down. But if you have a long length, it is important to make sure that your hair is well-styled. You can follow these tips to keep your hair looking well-maintained without heating tools. If styling is not possible, you can always tie it in a neat bun or a ponytail to keep it looking neat throughout the day. 

Final Words

Your performance at work has a lot to do with your talent and networking abilities. However, the way you dress speaks volumes about your personality and can subtly contribute to how you network with people. That being said, the way you dress correlates with your performance and growth in the workplace. It’s a well-accepted opinion, whether you like it or not. 

Our guide covers 5 tips and tricks that are a must-follow if you want to look professional at work. We hope these dress-for-success tips will help you to look your best and stay confident as you navigate through your workday every day.