Now that everyone is slowly returning from vacation, the sand has been washed out of their hair and the flip-flops can go back into the closet, it’s time to think about clothes for the last quarter of this year. Business-wise, the last quarter often means lots of deadlines and goals you want to meet, as well as social gatherings to end the year on a good note. So it’s time to take another look at your office attire, because after a year of hard work, now begins the harvest: Dress for success!
First impressions count…
The clothes you wear to work largely determine how others judge you. Choosing the wrong clothes can cause people to get the wrong impression of you. In the business world, this can have very detrimental consequences during a job interview, meeting or sales call, for example.
What is appropiate officewear?
By business clothing we mean suits, jackets, pantaloons, shirts and ties. But these days, the line between business attire and more casual clothing is slowly blurring, so chinos are also increasingly accepted in the workplace.
What you wear and when you wear it depends on your company’s image. Large companies often have a prescribed dress code. If your company doesn’t have one, pay close attention to the corporate identity and the image that your company portrays. Always keep in mind that you need to present yourself professionally and reflect the image the company wants to convey.
Casual look, when and for who?
Do you have no direct contact with customers? Do you work at a young and innovative company? In that case, a casual dress code is ideal. Choose a good pair of jeans, trendy sneakers and a stylish polo shirt or sweater. This look is perfect for the creative among us, wonderfully relaxed, trendy and urban cool. And gentlemen, just between us: Leave your jeans with holes and worn-out sneakers in your son or daughter’s closet, from a business point of view this is not going to score you any points.
Business casual, when and for who?
Does your preference, or that of your company, go for a more dressy style? Then opt for a stylish chino combined with a shirt. To still distinguish yourself a bit, you can go for a trendy print shirt or a shirt in a trending color. Give this outfit a twist with a waistcoat. Totally hot and it gives your outfit just a little more cachet. This look is perfect for casual Friday with connecting drinks.
Suit up, when and for who?
For managers, account managers and people in the banking industry, this is the dress code when it comes to office attire. This style of clothing helps you naturally command respect and in a way gives just that authoritarian look that helps you achieve your goals. Go for a suit with a slim-cut silhouette in a stylish color like navy or anthracite. Choose a stylish shirt with it, a matching tie and you are good to go.
Of course, it is possible to experiment and combine different styles. Besides the right clothes, self-confidence is the key to success.
