Figuring out an outfit for each working day can be quite a challenge. It’d be time-consuming to try piecing out clothes from your wardrobe so that you can wear something that’s comfortable and stylish at the same time. You don’t want to wear the same outfit each time, but you also don’t want to wear an out-of-style work dress. While you can take some inspiration from celebrities or popular influencers that you follow, you may want to consider the following tips when dressing up for the office:
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1. Dress Professionally
When dressing up professionally, you need formal business clothes. It’d be better if you can find ones from top designers because they’re of high quality. These should not be revealing, but they must suit you. It means avoiding outfits that are distracting and provocative, like the following:
- Skirts that don’t cover your thighs when you sit
- Skirts with slits that increase the view of your legs or center-back slits that extend higher than the back of your knees
- Undergarments showing, such as the hems of slips or seam lines
- Clothing that’s too loose or too tight
Some workplaces allow bare legs during the summer. However, bare legs seem more casual, so you may need to wear hosiery when your work requires formal business attire. When wearing a hose, it’s best to avoid those with patterns and go with the solid-colored ones. You can also go with the most conservative choice, a sheer hose. While you may have to go away with opaque hosiery, dark ones matching your shoes or suit would be appropriate.
When it comes to formal business attire, you may want to go for a conservative one. You don’t have to wear too formal dresses—ones that are too long. It’s enough that it extends to your mid-calf or knee, especially if the weather is warm. Short-sleeved and sleeveless dresses are acceptable, but avoid ones with plunging necklines or spaghetti straps, or backless dresses. Wear a coordinated jacket if the weather is cool, or go for a long-sleeved dress. Regarding color, brown, navy, grey, camel, ivory, black, and other solid-colored neutrals are perfect for business formals.
2. Wear A Tailored Shirt Or Blouse
You can also opt for a shirt or blouse with a pants suit or skirt. It’s also best to choose a blend of silk, cotton, and other high-quality fabrics when pairing it with your suit. You can also wear a sweater set, knit sweater, and a sleeved or shell top as long as it’s not low-cut, tight, or sheer.
A suit with a flowy blouse could be a good option if your style is more romantic and feminine. If your style is chic and put-together, you may want to go for a structured top with a square boat neck. The cut of your blouse can help you wear your style while still sticking to a formal business setting. With such, you must avoid party dresses, such as those with shimmery or velvet fabrics.
3. Go For A Pants Suit
Wearing a pants suit is also a good choice for women working in the office, especially if you’re not a dress or skirt type. A pants suit can be comfortable and allow you to move quickly. It means it shouldn’t be tight across your thighs or hips when you sit. It should also fall to the tops of your footwear. Most importantly, it’s also better to go with heavy-weight synthetics, wool blends, wool, or any other quality fabric.
To make it look business formal, you can wear a tailored jacket on top of a nice blouse, ensuring the blazer hits above your hips. The coat should also match your shoes if you’re after a more professional look.
4. Squeeze In A Skirt Suit
Another alternative for a dress is a skirt suit that can make you appear professional, feminine, and dressy all at the same time. It means wearing a blouse underneath a jacket that matches your skirt. To ensure it’s business formal, wear a skirt that covers your thighs and extends to your knees when you sit.
Skirts that are longer are preferred, but they shouldn’t be billowing or so narrow that they limit you to walking comfortably. Moreover, go for dark colors, like black, for a more professional appearance.
5. Go Business Casual
You can also wear business casual attire for work, especially if your workplace doesn’t require formal business attire all the time. In business casual, you can wear pencil skirt, chinos, khakis, or slacks with a sweater, polo shirt, or button-up collared shirt instead of a suit and tie. You also don’t need to wear a custom-tailored suit jacket; a sports coat or blazer will do.
Regarding footwear, you can choose oxfords, mules, loafers, flats, heels, and boots that are closed-toe and professional-looking.
6. Stay Comfortable While Looking Professional
Your office may not have a dress code, but it’s still best to dress to impress. It means not going to your workplace in lounging or workout outfits, like leggings. Jeans in good condition are a good option, especially if you’re working in an informal workplace. However, frayed, tattered, or ripped jeans aren’t good options when working in a corporate or semi-casual setting. You can stay comfortable while keeping specific professional standards in mind.
Especially when you’re a rookie at a company, wearing formal clothes could be a better option until you get what the dress code is. Also, by wearing a more professional attire, you’ll look neat and well-put-together.
Conclusion
Planning an office outfit is easier if you understand your work’s nature and your company’s dress code. If they require formal business attire, you may want to comply with the tips mentioned above. But, if they didn’t give you a specific dress code, it’s safer to go for workwear basics, such as tailored pants, pencil skirts, business dresses, tailored shirts, and suits, because, at the end of the day, whatever you wear to work matters. You should also stick to neutral colors and only use other tones and prints when required. Most importantly, make sure that you’re comfortable with your outfit.