How to Dress for Work: Impress for Success

For many people, work clothes become routine, boring and almost uniform-like. Think I’m wrong? How many times have you turned to your closet to dress for work and pulled together the same combination as the week before?

How many of you, intentional or not, have a ‘Thursday outfit’ or a, today is Tuesday and I do ‘x’ after work so I’ll wear…?

How many of you have wardrobes filled with basic blacks, greys or neutral beiges so one day’s attire blends seamlessly into the next? How many of you never get compliments on the clothes you wear to work? Is it possibly because your co-workers see the same things day after day?

If you answered yes, or couldn’t definitively answer no to any one of these questions, today’s blog is for you.

Don’t be embarrassed if this sounds like you. Don’t consider your situation hopeless. I go into hundreds of people’s wardrobes and find exactly the same situation exists far more often than you would imagine.

Instead of thinking you’re stuck, take some advice on how to shake things up and move forward. Take a look at these simple options I’ve found in the shops. Let them inspire you to refresh your look at work a bit, to start your day with a more positive skip in your step and to rethink work clothes.

Most of us spend the majority of our week at work. Consider the number of hours you spend at work, time getting to and from work, activities at the end of the day before you can change out of your work clothes… Now think about the number of hours you spend outside of this (not counting pyjama time or time spent in leisurewear) and the figure is likely much lower.

Many people will invest more money in their weekend/ evening wear than they do their work clothes, despite the difference in the numbers of hours spent in each. What if you reversed this and paid a little more attention and invested a little more time in the clothes you wear the most?

The old saying ‘the clothes make the (wo)man’ is true on so many levels. Dressing well and knowing you look great improves your confidence and the message you send to other people. Changing your wardrobe to avoid the same-old every day is likely to get you noticed. Compliments about your new looks and how great you look will add an extra boost.

Whether it’s fair or not, the people who make an impression are often the people who get the promotions and the recognition for a job well done. Would you rather be the person hiding in the shadows or the one person (a.k.a. your boss) remembers because you stand out (remember stand out as in a good impression not stand out as in, oh my goodness, what was she thinking wearing that to work?).

I hope these photos will inspire you to put your best self forward and to pay as much attention to your work clothes as you do your leisure clothes.

How do you avoid going stale with your workwear? 🙂