If you are new to the work force and you are just starting out at your new job you may have wondered what to wear for work. Don’t dismiss this problem as a frivolous aspect of little importance because your attire at work is a pretty significant to the company. If they specify in the contract that you have to dress to a certain code, it may mean they consider the issue serious enough and in the case you don’t respect it that disobedience may get you a sanction or even fired. But let us not get ahead of ourselves and assume extreme measures and circumstances. Merely consider the fact that in normal cases you should dress according to your work requirements. Dress comfortably or casually if that suits you better and make sure you wear protective gear if your work demands it.

1.      Take care of your general appearance. That means no wrinkly or dirty clothes. It’s only a matter of self respect. This is the first and most basic rule of keeping a decent work wardrobe. They can be ordinary clothes and not necessarily new clothes but they have to be well kept. I think it is part of the work ethic to look entirely respectable in the office. You need to think of your company’s image which you have to preserve. Everybody who knows you and knows that you work for that company might associate unsatisfactory results with your poorly kept appearance. So try to wear only clean clothes which are properly ironed and match them with a closely shaved face and a brilliant smile.

2.      Wear the right size. This is an obvious piece of advice but you would be surprised how many people actually get it wrong. Make sure you learn your correct size in shirts, pants, jackets and shoes and have alterations made when the clothes don’t fit you as they should. It’s another basic principle in learning what to wear for work and it is another way you show your respect for yourself and for the firm you represent. People are much more likely to uphold and trust a person with clothes that are perfectly fitted than someone who was so careless to pick a jacket that is too big or a pair of trousers that are actually too short.

3.      Nothing too revealing or too informal. There is a clear line for what to wear for work and you shouldn’t be too casual or too comfortable to cross it. If you want to keep your professional appearance you will not wear short skirts and high heels if you’re a girl and you will not wear Hawaiian shirts with Bermudas if you’re a guy. It’s something of common sense that you should never go to work dressed for the beach.   

4.      Somber colors and austere design. Knowing what to wear for work most often means keeping it simple. Even if you are a fashion freak or a fashion guru, at work you should exercise some restraint. Choose classic black and white or a palette of pastel colors with a clean cut, brisk design. Make sure the line of the clothes plays to your advantage for there is no rule that says you can’t be attractive while at work, but don’t go overboard.

5.      Attention to detail. Something chic, but not too extravagant might get you noticed and assure you that you will make a good first impression in your circle of business associates. If knowing what to wear for work is an art, it means you should know how to blend your personal style into the office etiquette. If you can manage to bring it to an equilibrium, that would be ideal.

6.      Respect the code. Whether it’s casual, business, smart or elegant. If the dress code is imposed in your work contract you should definitely stick to it. It would be ideal if the employer offered a separate fund from which you could buy the required outfits, but if not you have to buy proper suits, ties and shirts so that you fulfill all the requirements.

7.      On special occasions. Like a Christmas office party or a New Year’s party you should wear more elegant clothes, but you shouldn’t choose funny accessories and definitely not something you would be ashamed being seeing in on any other day of the year. You should make it clear for yourself that your workplace is not where you want to be seen as the clown. So keep it smart and elegant and remember that these social occasions may be opportunities to ease into some business decisions or transactions so it’s still your work persona out there.

These were some really smart pieces of advice for learning what to wear for work. You should take these in consideration and start putting them into practice. Remember that if you make sure you are always presentable people are more likely to trust you with more responsibilities and put more value on your opinions.

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