If you’re working in a professional work environment that requires a formal dress code, you’ll need to follow some simple guidelines as you build that wardrobe. A professional work environment calls for an always-clean and polished look, but you need to be comfortable to get through the day with ease and confidence. Making sure your clothes are clean and pressed are a good start; after that, it’s up to you to pull together a look that commands respect but doesn’t leave you feeling stuffy or overdone. Here’s what you need to know when dressing for a professional work environment.
1. Make sure your clothes fit properly. If you need to take a suit to the tailor’s for the perfect fit, do it! Your clothes need to fit you, and not the other way around; a too-tight blazer, a skirt that isn’t cut the right length, or simply wearing a dress that’s the wrong size can make it hard to look polished and pulled-together.
2. Avoid flat shoes. When you want to create height and lengthen your legs, aim for at least a 1 ½” heel. Professional dress codes are very conservative, so aim for no more than 2″ heels to avoid an overly-bold look.
3. Get a basic manicure. Keep nails trim and clean at all times, and save the nail extensions and shimmering nail polish for the weekend. A basic French manicure is ideal for the professional work environment.
4. Keep blazers and jackets buttoned up at all times. Unless you’re safe in the confines of a private office, you need to button up the suits and jackets to create a formal look.
5. Wear pantyhose. Formal work environments often require pantyhose at all times, so pick something that’s one shade darker than your natural skn color, and don’t be afraid to go for all-black during Fall and winter seasons.
6. Skip the glittery makeup. You want to create a neutral look with makeup, so go for the beiges, tans, and matted colors that bring out your best features. Leave the gloss and glam for social hour and weekends.
7. Avoid busy patterns and designs. No matter how attractive the model in the picture looked, geometric designs and floral prints rarely have a place int eh professional work environment. Choose basic color combinations and accessorize with just one or two matching pieces when you need a change.
8. Avoid anything sheer. No matter how many layers you’re wearing under a sheer sweater or shirt, this one’s generally a definite ‘no’ for the professional workplace. At most, wear a sheer shirt under a block color shirt or jacket as a layer.
9. Bangles and bracelets that jingle. Avoid any jewelry and accessories that draw attention to you as you go about your day. This is especially important in generally quiet work environments where disturbances are not appreciated.
10. Patent leather shoes and metallic accessories. Avoid the glitz and glam during the workday, and reach for a matted look instead. This means no glossy black heels, silver purses, or rhinestone accents.
