Good Tips for Turning Normal Clothes Into Business Clothes
Businesses rely on dress codes to keep employees looking professional and ready to work. However, appropriate business clothes often are uncomfortable, and wearing formal clothing outside of work carries its own stigma. While some people choose to maintain two separate wardrobes, an inventive person can save money and closet space by learning how to turn their normal clothes into professional business attire. Does this Spark an idea?
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Choose Neutral Clothing When Shopping
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Buying a simple, flattering piece increases the chance that it will fit in both a business and casual environment. Choose clothing with neutral colors and conservative fits. Ignore trendy outfits that are likely to go out of style. Clothing such as khaki pants or knee-length fitted skirts can adapt to formal or informal situations.
Pair Casual Pieces with Formal Pieces
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Formal pieces of business attire can hide or distract from more casual pieces. A simple tank top appears to be a more formal blouse if mostly covered by a buttoned suit jacket. Likewise, a pair of casual pants takes on a professional air when paired with a business jacket. Keep the majority of pieces formal to maintain an overall business-friendly look.
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Accessorize Properly
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Certain accessories transcend casual and business categories. Tasteful studded earrings are appropriate for both work and leisure situations. Likewise, a leather belt looks professional in a suit but casual in a pair of pants. The general rule for business wear is no more than five accessories; for example, a women can wear a watch, belt, studded earrings, a ring and brooch.
Use Common Sense
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Some pieces of normal wear should never appear in a work environment. Sweatpants, cocktail dresses, pajamas and flip-flops are unacceptable even with lax dress codes. Use common sense when shopping or organizing a closet. If the piece is flatly unprofessional, do not waste time trying to make it work. Instead, save it for its proper environment and stick to more professional choices.
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References
- The Florida State University Career CenterDress to Impress: The Secrets of Proper Attire
- Knowledge@Warton University of Pennsylvania; Casual Wear in the Office: Dressing for Success or Dressing for Stress?
- Washington State University; Dress to Impress: A Guide
- University of Missouri College of Business; Executive Wardrobe Tips
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
