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? 🙂
sally says
Hi Cindy, where are th eblack shoes from in the last outfit with the veronica maine skirt?
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Sally, Unfortunately we have used one of Veronika Maine’s photo and are unsure what brand of shoes they use! Sorry we couldn’t be more help!
Kim Kennedy says
They all look beautiful Cindy. I would love to work in an office where everyone was that stylish. Some beautiful fashion around at the moment. Love the withcery skirt with CR top and that forever new cardi and FCUK trench would be great staples for anyone’s wardrobe xx
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Kim, great staples to rotate with outfits in the wardrobe! x
Lisa says
I’ve found that even just mixing up the accessories on the same-old-same-old outfits is enough to get the comments flowing.
I’m a total addict to changing my jewellery now – and there tons of really great, interesting and dirt cheap options in second-hand shops. I will often get comments on my outfit sparked by a new piece of jewellery I’m wearing … and most of the time it cost me less than $5!
Cindy Newstead says
That’s perfect Lisa!! 🙂
Rhi says
Hi Cindy, I totally agree with this. I love adding an interesting twist to my corporate wardrobe and other get comments as a result. Although I find it hard to pay less forleisure and ocassionwear – I am working on it though. Old habits are hard to break! Rhi
Cindy Newstead says
Yes Rhi, but at least you can acknowledge this!!! xox