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Last Updated on March 17, 2025
Over the past few decades, workplace attire has undergone significant transformation. While some industries maintain traditional business wear, such as tailored suits, others, especially startups, embrace more relaxed dress codes. Historically, men have followed straightforward guidelines, often wearing suits and ties.
In contrast, women have navigated a complex landscape influenced by evolving fashion trends and societal expectations. The debate over skirts versus pants, appropriate heel height, and makeup application reflects women’s ongoing challenge in balancing professionalism with personal expression.
If you are wondering how to dress for work, here are a few things to consider when choosing your wardrobe.
What This Article Covers
- Evolution of Workplace Attire: Learn how office dress codes have shifted from formal business wear to more relaxed and flexible styles over the years.
- Understanding Company Dress Codes: Discover why company policies are crucial in defining workplace fashion and how to adapt to different dress code requirements.
- How to Dress for Client Meetings: Explore strategies for balancing personal style with professional expectations when meeting clients and business partners.
- Prioritizing Comfort and Practicality: Find out why choosing comfortable and functional workwear is essential for
productivity and confidence. - Expressing Personal Style at Work: Learn how to stay true to your personal style while maintaining a professional appearance in the workplace.
- The Future of Office Dress Codes: Understand the ongoing shift away from strict dress codes and how businesses embrace individuality and inclusivity.
Company Policy
The main direction should come from your company’s dress code. Some professions require you to wear a uniform, so you don’t have to put much thought into how you will dress. Click here to see a range of workwear options. Some sectors still require formal office wear such as suits and dress shoes. This is becoming far less common now but is still found in professional services companies in particular.
What is considered acceptable workwear is a hotly contested topic. Some sectors still prefer formal business wear (think power suits) while newer, start-up businesses have an anything-goes ethos. Click To TweetIf you are starting at a new company and the dress code seems open to interpretation, err on caution and dress smart. You can always move to a more casual look later. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Consider Your Customers
If you work in a job requiring you to visit customers and prospects, consider what they might think of your clothes. You may work for a company with a very relaxed dress code, but it may put off your more conservative clients if you stroll into a business meeting in flip-flops and jeans. It’s not a very enlightened attitude, but it is still prevalent in some businesses. Don’t completely change your style; go for something brilliant. Business casual is your savior in these situations.
Be Practical
Comfort and functionality are key when choosing work attire. Ensure your outfit allows for ease of movement and keeps you comfortable throughout the day while maintaining a professional appearance.
Be Yourself
Even if you work for a company with a strict dress code, try to be true to yourself and your sense of style. If you have a relaxed dress code, then go for it and express yourself in your clothes, accessories, and makeup.
Some people prefer to dress up for the office, making them feel more confident or delineate work and home.
By being yourself, you’ll feel more confident in your skin, which is worth much more than an outfit.
Next Steps
- Review Your Company’s Dress Code: Check your employer’s official dress code policy to ensure your wardrobe meets workplace expectations while allowing personal expression.
- Observe What Others Wear: Pay attention to how colleagues dress, especially in
leadership roles, to gauge the appropriate level of formality for your office environment. - Invest in Versatile Pieces: Build a work wardrobe with adaptable essentials like blazers, neutral-colored trousers, and comfortable shoes that suit formal and business casual settings.
- Dress for Your Role and Industry: When choosing work attire, consider the expectations of your profession and clients to ensure credibility and confidence in all professional interactions.
- Stay Updated on Dress Code Trends: Monitor evolving workplace fashion norms to maintain a balance between professionalism and modern workplace attire standards.
Final Words
Workplace dress codes continue to evolve, allowing professionals more flexibility in expressing personal style while maintaining professionalism. Finding the right balance between comfort, practicality, and workplace expectations is key to feeling confident and making a great impression.
By understanding company policies, considering client expectations, and investing in versatile workwear, you can easily navigate office fashion. The key is to dress in a way that reflects your personal brand while aligning with professional norms.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
