You most likely know how to dress professionally by the time you’re out of school. You understand why flip-flops and T-shirts are not deemed proper work attire (unless you work in a very casual office). Perhaps you’ve had (multiple) internships, for which you’ve been required to dress up more than you would for class. Still, shedding your “student” label and becoming an employee for the foreseeable future signifies a shift in your identity—and your wardrobe.
Stock up on the essentials.
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to replace your wardrobe overnight. On a recent graduate’s salary, that could be a daunting—or impossible—burden. Instead, focus on obtaining classic, fundamental pieces. You can slowly add other pieces to your wardrobe as your finances allow.
“Every woman must own a black fitted blazer, black fitted pants (either boot cut or with a slight flare) and two- to three-inch black, closed-toe pumps,” Diana Antholis, a work and life wellness coach, said. “With those three items, you can rotate shirts and take off the blazer for a more casual look.”
Most professionals can easily get away with these staples and a handful of extra options. You can introduce or weed out other pieces according to the seasons and current trends.
“It sounds counter-intuitive, but I clean out my closet every season,” said Rebecca Thorman, a PR professional who runs Kontrary.com, a blog about the digital space, media, gender and careers. “This allows me to really see all the clothes I own—and some that I may have forgotten about—and get rid of clothes that I no longer like or are making me feel like I have ‘nothing to wear.’”
Shop smart.
It may be tempting to shop only at stores with cheaper prices, but it likely will pay off to invest in higher-quality pieces instead. We all have financial constraints, but there are tricks for finding lower prices without sacrificing quality. Be on the lookout for sales and coupons for higher-end stores. Also, outlets tend to have more discounted prices than their traditional counterparts.
“Shop the sale racks at department stores like Lord & Taylor to get higher-quality pieces on sale,” advises Christa Marzan, a graphic designer who runs the fashion blog Fresh-Squeezed. “Even though it might cost a bit more up front, the clothing will last a lot longer, and you won’t have to shop as much.”
Another investment worth making is in footwear. You’ll save yourself many a blister. Carrying your shoes around because they’re uncomfortable is not professional—and neither is crying in pain while hiding in your cubicle.
Regardless of where you make your purchases, the fit of the clothing is paramount. Whether you stumble upon a store with clothes that fit your body particularly well or buy a size higher to tailor the piece to your specifications, fit can play a larger factor in a look than the fabric itself.
“It’s one thing to buy the proper clothing, but it is another thing to actually have it fit you,” Antholis said. “Invest in a tailor if necessary. You can have a really expensive pair of pants that look very cheap if not fitted to your body.”
Express yourself.
Being a professional in your field doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your “look.” You can still maintain your personal style in the workplace, though you have to be slightly more creative about it, especially if you work in a more business-professional environment. The easiest way to express your individual style is through accessories.
“Something I’ve always heard, but [am] only now beginning to understand is that accessories are so important,” Thorman said. “They dress up all your basics and show off your personality.”
Just don’t overdo it. “If you wear a pair of long [or] big earrings, skip the necklace and vice-versa,” Antholis said.
Marzan suggested changing up formal business attire with color and pattern choices. This tip can be applied easily to blouses, shoes and accessories.
Be comfortable … but also cognizant.
Clothes are not the end-all-be-all for your professional future, but your attire can make a difference in how others perceive you. If you’re not sure what is expected of you in terms of wardrobe, turn to your co-workers and the supervisors whom you admire.
“You should look at those individuals in the positions that you want to be in and try to match how dressy they are,” Thorman said.
Everyone has her own horror story about being under- or overdressed. The frequency of changing trends also leads to many a faux pas, even if only recognized in hindsight. These factors make it even more important to find a work environment that fits your style—in respect to fashion, communication and productivity—so you can feel at ease.
“Just be comfortable and choose pieces that make you feel confident,” Thorman said. “Find a job that matches your personal style, and you’ll probably find a job you love.”
Article written by Michelle Bizon for Moxy Magazine, October 2011. Photo credit: Flickr user Flora Powell.
