How to Dress for Office or Workplace

“Dress for success” used to be a catchphrase for those wishing to advance up the corporate ladder. In these less formal times, there is not as much emphasis on this; at least, not officially. If you are person interested at all in your career, there are some things you should practice when dressing for work.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Common sense
• Knowledge of your corporate culture

1. Know who you are working for and what the boss likes as far as grooming and personal appearance. He or she more than likely mirrors your company’s attitudes and wishes concerning this.

2. Another old adage is that a person should dress for the job desired, not the one currently engaged in. If you wish to be the boss, dress like the boss. An exception to this may be if you work out of doors.

3. It will be to your benefit to be the best dressed and best groomed person in your workgroup. Be careful, however, not to put too much distance between yourself and those you work with. You do not wish for them to feel you are putting on airs or bucking for promotion.

4. Dress according to your circumstances. If your work clothes are tee shirts and blue jeans, be certain they are neat, clean and fit well. If your job entails getting filthy dirty everyday, be sure to start the day fresh and clean. No matter what your job may be, you can look professional with a little bit of effort.

Tips & Warnings

• In today’s more casual environment, many workers pay less attention to personal appearance. More people than you may realize, especially those above you, will secretly or not-so-secretly admire your efforts to dress professionally.
• Have enough clothes in your wardrobe, both for the workplace and out. Not only will your wardrobe items last longer, you won’t be caught having to wear something rumpled or dirty to work.
• If you follow your supervisor’s lead in dress and personal appearance, be careful not to overdo it. You do not wish to look like your superior’s superior!
• In some professions, you will be dirty and disheveled at the end of the day. Do not show up at the office or work center in yesterday’s clothes. Start each day looking as professional as possible.

[Meri]

on 6/17/2008 Our society seems to not only be "dumbing" down but becoming sloppy in our appearance. There was a time when people knew how to dress to show respect at a funeral or to go to church. Good thoughts.