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When you’re on the job and meeting someone for the first time, one of the first things that they’re going to evaluate you on is the way you’re dressed. It’s a tough truth to handle, but if they don’t have any prior knowledge of your technical skills, looking polished (or sloppy) will definitely make an impression.
Treating every day at work like you’re at a job interview is one of the key things you should do to succeed, according to advice from top entrepreneur Bernie Klinder. As an IT professional, he used to wear the typical laid-back khaki and polo-shirt uniform, but as he started dressing better, he noticed that he started being treated differently. In his case, making the switch to “nicer slacks, more formal shoes, and wearing button-down long sleeve dress shirts,” eventually resulted in his promotion. It may be uncomfortable at first, but dressing better earns you more respect and authority in the long run. Everyone you work with will rapidly take notice of your upgraded wardrobe, and see it as a sign of your commitment to the job. Like Klinder states, “If you’re truly dedicated to excelling in your chosen career, cutting corners—whether in your actions, attitude or attire—won’t get you there.”
To get you started on making a positive impression at your job, here are some wardrobe essentials that may be worth replacing or purchasing:
- Slacks
Arguably the most basic piece in your workweek wardrobe is a pair of black slacks. It immediately makes you look more polished and can be paired with just about anything. J. Crew’s Easy Pant collection comes with an elastic back waist for added comfort and is made with a drape fabric that makes it a versatile piece. It comes in a variety of lengths depending on your height, and can even hide smudges of dirt if you accidentally spill something on yourself. Note that when you’re purchasing a pair of slacks, the key thing is to ensure that they fit you well. If they’re too long, tight, or loose in some areas, they’ll have the opposite effect to what you intended.
- Coats and/or Jackets
A coat or jacket is definitely an investment piece that you can continue to keep wearing season after season. While it should be top quality and reliable enough to keep you protected from the elements, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be stylish at the same time. The range of coats and jackets on Woman Within showcase that there are styles for any occasion (and any career). There are funnel-neck coats for more formal offices, denim jackets in different prints for a more casual vibe, and even leather shrug jackets in different shades for dressy occasions.
- Dresses
Dresses can be appropriate for your workplace depending on their length, fit, style, and color. It’s always best to be more conservative than you have to be, so choosing a solid neutral color is your best bet. The Off Mercer’s Hudson dress ticks all the boxes and suits every body type. If you’re running late to the office, throwing on a dress is all you need to do to look like you put some thought and effort into your outfit. What you have to be aware of is the thickness of the material and whether you’re able to sit and move comfortably in the dress. Any material that’s overly clingy, sheer, or has a zipper in the wrong place can make your workday a misery so it’s always best to check this in the fitting room to prevent buyer’s remorse. When you finally find the one, you can keep repeating this sophisticated look with no problem, changing up your shoes or accessories as you go along.
Now that you’re equipped with the key pieces that you need to elevate your workday wardrobe, what do you do when you realize that your job isn’t the one you’ve wanted all along? We previously discussed the possibility of ‘Switching Your Career Path’, and the good news is that if you do the research and put in the necessary effort, you can alter the trajectory of your journey.
