Starting a new job can be exciting and nerve wracking. Every office culture is different, which can make it challenging to know exactly what to wear. If you’ve been working from home or you’re returning to the workforce after some time, you may also be concerned about prioritizing comfort while looking professional. Here are some tips on dressing professionally for your new job.
Assess the Office Culture
Until you start working and see for yourself, it’s challenging to know just what to wear to work. For a first day or first week, it’s better to dress up than down. Stick to neutrals and modest cuts until you know what’s appropriate for your office. Once you’ve been in your office for a bit, you can bring out your more exciting pieces, if they feel appropriate.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have any style while at work. Choose accessories that show off your personality. Or choose neutral colors with one brightly colored accessory. As you see how others dress, you can reassess and add in pieces with more flare and personality.
Focus On Layers
Some offices are cold and some are on the warm side. Be ready for both by dressing in layers. Layer leggings under a skirt. Wear a short sleeved or light long sleeved top. Bring a light jacket or sweater of fleece fabric to go over top if your office is chilly.
Similarly, wearing something that layers well with a blazer can be a good call. If you’re worried about being underdressed, bringing a blazer is an easy way to layer for warmth and quickly dress up a casual top. Blazers come in many colors, cuts and patterns. If you’re entering a new office environment, choose a blazer that matches your unique style but is geared towards the modest side so you’re dressing professionally.
Focus On Comfort
Another important aspect of work dress is comfort. No matter how formal your new office setting is, comfort is still important. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to focus on tasks and accomplish goals.
More and more often, it’s easy to find comfortable clothes that look professional too. Look for pants with a little extra stretch in them. Find shirts made of soft, comfortable fabrics. Wear shoes that make your feet feel good all day.
There are times when you might need to compromise on comfort. For instance, you might need professional heels and a starched blazer for an important meeting. But, bring a pair of sneakers and a cardigan along too. This will give you something comfortable to change into for an afternoon walk or while working hard on a project in your office.
Makeup, Hair, and Accessories
While finding ways to be comfortable and fit in a new office, you should also think about makeup, hairstyle and accessories. It’s important to assess your office culture in these areas as well. Are others sporting blue hair dye or facial jewelry? Stick to modest looks until you know what’s appropriate in your office setting.
Then again, if you have brightly colored hair, tattoos or piercings during an interview and you were hired without being told to cover tattoos or take out piercings, you don’t need to worry when entering a new office sporting these looks. Just wait to make any significant changes to your appearance until you’ve had a chance to scope out office culture.
Look Your Best
No matter what, it’s important to look your best on your first day or week of work. This is your chance to make a good first impression. Even though it shouldn’t, appearance can come into play when others assess your ability to fit into the office and your work. Put your best foot forward and think carefully about what you’ll wear and what sort of impression you want to make.
Dress Professionally
Congratulations on your new job! Prioritize comfort and look professional as you work in a new office environment.
