On the job, even one bad dress day at the wrong moment can curtail an ambitious employee from moving forward into advancement positions. Because professionalism is partially defined by a worker’s appearance, a lack of attention to appropriate attire can be devastating to an otherwise qualified candidate from job promotion.
Dressing Too Casual at Work is Unprofessional
People make the mistake of equating "casual day" at work with a chance to wear sweat suits and pajama clothes to the office. A savvy worker is careful how she presents herself each and every day. Though it is not accurate to state that a person is what she wears, it is a fact that people do judge others by how they dress.
An employee should dress for the job he wants to be in. That usually means he should dress at least as well as his boss, or the people at managerial level. He will not lose points because he dresses too well for the job, assuming the individual is in an office position.
Don’t Wear and Don’t Tell: Clothes Items to Avoid on the Job
Avoid all of the following items in the workplace: flip flops, sandals, sneakers of any kind, sweat suits, yoga pants or exercise attire, halter tops, bare midriff jerseys, anything sparkly or unbuttoned blouses or shirts. Men should avoid any jewelry except for a watch or ring.
Do not wear low cut or suggestive clothing. Men need to avoid that low rider peak-at-the-boxer-shorts look. Tee shirts with sayings, or rock bands names on them are a no-no even on casual days. Never wear jeans to work, though some dress denim is acceptable, like a denim blazer, vest or jumper.
Details in Dress Do Count at Work
Shoes need to be clean, scuff-free and no toes should be seen at any time in the office. Spend a little extra on a couple of pairs of quality shoes, one in brown and one in black. A smaller heel is fine and spiked heels are always inappropriate at work.
The knowledgeable worker will avoid dressing like she is trying to look ten or twenty years younger. People will laugh and poke fun of those who dress too young for their age. Classic styles are always the best choice.
Good grooming is very important. Even if a man works on classic cars all weekend, his fingernails need to be clean and dirt-free for work. Hair needs to be combed, clean and out of the face area. Avoid strong perfumes and colognes. Smell good but not too strongly. Smelling like soap is fine.
Be careful when purchasing cotton or linen clothes, which require ironing. In the future, buy clothes that will not need to be pressed or steamed.
Jewelry is fine at work, but avoid big or ostentatious pieces, like gold chains or chandelier earrings. The same goes for body piercings. Cover any tattoos while working in the office. A wardrobe should reflect who a person is and who she wants to become, not where she might rather be instead of working.
Fit is Fabulous and Professional in Work Attire
Dress for a comfortable fit. Tight clothes are not becoming on anyone. Even if someone is thin enough not to look fat, very fitted clothing makes him look as if he is wearing the wrong size, another fashion faux pas.
Invest in a few good basics, like nice dress pants and quality shirts or blouses along with a couple of blazers. Most industries do not require men to wear ties any longer, but men should wear them on days when outside visitors like job candidates come in.
Getting prepared for promotion by dressing well, obeying the rules of workplace etiquette and avoiding the prospect of a negative opinion based on unprofessional attire requires vigilance and a modicum of common sense. Don’t be eliminated from consideration for not dressing the part.
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