Wearing appropriate business attire can go a long
way in getting the job, getting the client, or moving
up the corporate ladder. However, knowing what
an appropriate work wardrobe is can be confusing,
as it can vary depending on the industry, the
company culture and your job. Before deciding what to wear to work, consider the following:
LOOK AT THE INDUSTRY
Some industries are considered more traditional or
conservative, while others are more progressive or
contemporary. There may be a traditional business
dress code for your industry.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY BRAND?
The industry may be the same, but the company
and product culture may be different. Even though
your industry may have its standards for
professional dress, your company may have an
attitude of its own that sets it apart as a brand
differentiating itself from the pack.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY CULTURE?
Is it formal, laid back, fashion-
forward or fun? Who will see you and how will they be
dressed? As a representative of your company, consider how
you want your clients, co-workers and employer to
react to you. Do you want to come across as
Authoritative, Creative, Formal, Functional, Credible,
etc.? The way you are dressed will have a direct
impact on the way you are perceived, and how others respond to you and your company. Maintain a consistent image Some of us wear many hats: in any given day you
may be at sales calls, a business mixer or a
construction site; and you may feel you need to
dress differently for various business-related
activities. This can be challenging when getting
dressed in the morning, and hard on the wardrobe. Although it is important to dress appropriately for
where you will be and what you will be doing, it is
still important to maintain a certain level of
consistency. If one day you are wearing a matched
suit and the next day jeans and a casual top, this
can send mixed messages and confuse your client or your employer. Suppose that someone is meeting you for the first
time. What would a potential client or employer
think when they first meet you? Do you fit their
expectations for the industry, products and skills
you are offering? Plan your work wardrobe with
careful consideration. The image that you project is vital to establishing a business relationship quickly,
and maintaining that relationship over time.