Your clothes define your personality in the minds of those around you.
In the first few years of my career, I made it a point to dress formal, but recently I let go of that habit. However, working with new age companies like Google and The Times Group forced me to the question the ‘necessity of dressing formal in order to be dressed well.’ I soon realised that outward appearances play an elemental role in creating an individual’s brand. It also allows us to get our foot in the door. As Leo Tolstoy said, “Upon meeting, you’re judged by your clothes, upon parting you’re judged by your wits.”
Here are the 10 things you must always keep in mind when getting dressed for work:
Respect the situation
While dressing always take into consideration your work environment, the people you are meeting and the impression you want to create. Even though Google allows for casual work attire, I would always carry a blazer, in case of client meetings. While saris and business suits have been the accepted norm for women’s formals, they can also wear well-pressed salwar kameez or cotton trousers / jeans along with smart jackets as business casuals. Your clothes are a visualisation of how you think and operate in the eyes of people around you. Whatever you wear, wear it smartly.
Be Comfortable
Standing out tends to make people uncomfortable, as pointed out previously. Many sales roles require you to be o your toes most part of the day. Same goes for people working in events. Always dress for the situation. Do not forgo comfort for fashion; wearing tight clothes will make for an uncomfortable workday. Wearing high heels can make the outfit look beautiful on women, but can eventually cause backaches, cramping and aching feet. If you feel so strongly about heels, you can always keep a spare pair under your desk and wear them to meetings, as needed. Similarly men have options for formal shoes with comfort of a sports shoe that have become popular choice for footwear for work. Functional yet stylish is the way to go; it makes a personality statement.
Wear the right fit
Always wear clothes that fit you right. Clothes bigger than your size make you look sloppy, whereas tight clothes look revealing and awkward. Your clothes create impressions, by which others create a perception. You may be a smart executive, but your sloppy dressing may make those around you think otherwise. Fashionable clothes can make you feel better and will initiate a positive manifestation within yourself leading to self confidence. It is essential to know your body type and dress appropriately to what looks good on you, than blindly following trends.
Match the right footwear
Many times we forget to give enough importance to our footwear. Your footwear, like your clothing, must match the situation and environment within which you operate. I would not trust a lawyer who shows up in flip-flops or sports shoes when he / she comes for a critical meeting. Even for business casual wears there are smart semi-casual shoes that go well with jeans and chinos that cover formal, semi-formal and casual situations. Choose appropriate footwear that makes you look sharp for the role you have at work or the business you are in.
Pick the right socks
I have seen people wearing white sports socks with formal shoes and black suits. Be mindful of the socks you choose. Your socks and the way you wear them can make or break your impression. For men, ensure black, blue and brown socks are part of you wardrobe.
Replace jeans with Chinos
When you want to be casual but sharp, replace your jeans with smart chinos. Chinos are informal yet acceptable business wear. Coupled with stylish jackets they create an impression of a knowledgeable and astute individual. Even within the most casual work environments, well fitted chinos can elevate your position in the minds of people around you.
If you must wear Jeans
Some colours are relatively more formal than others. Sticking with traditional colours like navy, grey or black allows you to fit into a formal setting even when wearing jeans. However, for women wearing bright colours like red, yellow and purple can look proper, when paired with formal shoes and accessories.
Keep a blazer handy
Unplanned meetings are a reality. Keeping a formal blazer accessible allows me to go from casual to business casual with ease. Navy or black jackets usually go well with almost anything. They can even be worn on top of jeans. For women it goes well with slacks, skirts and I have also observed women wearing it with black work out pants.
Overdress rather than underdress
Sometimes the dress code is unclear. For such situations, I have noticed being overdressed is better than being underdressed. Being underdressed usually portrays an air of indifference, which can lead to a negative image of both you and your company. Additionally, dressing well promotes confidence and self- assurance.
Be consistent
Dressing consistently allows you to create a style statement for your self. While ties are too formal for me, I have replaced them with pocket squares. It allows me to fit into both formal and casual business settings.
These are a few things that I try and keep in mind while I dress for work. At first glance, your outward appearance is what defines you; thus, dressing well is essential to creating your personal brand. I strongly feel that your clothes and how you carry them leave an impression about who you are, and needless to say that is important for your work.
If there is something that you feel is important to add to the above 10 things / suggestions, please do feel free to share in the comments box.
