Finding appropriate attire for your professional life can sometimes be a struggle. You want to look your best, but what’s appropriate and where do you draw the line?
Miami-based stylist Nikole Powers shares three tips on how to look professional, polished and chic at the office or wherever your day job lands you.
Tip #1: Layers are essential
Got a top that you absolutely adore but don’t think is office-friendly? Make it work-appropriate by layering up with tanks or camis. “A neutral camisole is essential to office dressing for any body type,” says Powers. Adding layers helps your wardrobe go that extra mile by being appropriate for work and play without giving you a reprimand on the job.
Tip #2: Check your hemlines & necklines
An office environment is very different from that of a high school or college campus. While you can get away with wearing pretty much anything while you’re at school, your clothing choices — and how appropriate they are — will be put into consideration once you reach the professional world. That means more than just modifying your outfits with a long tank top to cover up — it might mean investing in some more work-appropriate clothing.
For general length guidelines to stick to, Powers suggests, “Any [skirt or dress] more than a half inch above the knee is inappropriate and should not be worn.” In regards to neckline, she insists that “necklines should never show cleavage [and your] back and bare shoulders are [mostly] off limits too.”
Tip #3: When in doubt ask yourself…
“…Would my boss wear this?” Use this question as a guide whenever you find yourself wondering if your choice of clothing is appropriate or not. Keep in mind, this can be different for every sort of job; some office environments are more casual than others while others require strict guidelines on a daily basis. See if your workplace offers fun incentives like casual Fridays for employees who donate to a worthy cause, or wearing the company’s logo T-shirt for a day if you reach a certain milestone.
The best way to learn how to dress appropriately for your job is to follow the example of others. And, at the end of the day, always dressing to impress never hurt anyone!
> For more career tips and tricks, visit NextStepU.com to start your path to success today!
