Yes, it’s like high school – what you wear to work can define you, gives your boss and co-workers an inkling to your attitude.
Image by Steve Wilson via Flickr
The old adage about first impressions couldn’t be more important than in the office, at your job. If you’re well-established in your employ, you want to continue the trend by always dressing, not only appropriately, but professionally, with your image and reputation at the forefront of your mind.
Alas, there is truth to the notion that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have (which you can do by choosing workwear suppliers). That said, there are definite “must-haves” and absolutely “never wears” when it comes to choosing your work wardrobe. You always want to give the impression that you would rather be in the office than anywhere else, even if it isn’t true.
Let’s start with the Never-Wears:
Caps: We don’t care if you’re having a bad hair day, or if you ran out of your favourite product. Never wear a cap to work. If your cap or hat is a necessity to block out the cold or sun, wear it – but only on your way to work. Take it off and put it in your briefcase when you enter the building.
Shorts: Do we even have to tell you this? No one (no matter how much a co-worker is crushing on you) wants to see your legs at work. If it’s summer and hot, consider linen pants.
Polo or Henley Shirts: We don’t care how good you look in them. Don’t wear them to work. Golf shirts should be reserved for the greens.
Cargo pants: What? Is this 1996 and you’ve just graduated from college? Just don’t.
T-shirts: Should only be worn when you’re picking up your final pay check; never, ever, at any other time.
Anything other than close-toed dress shoes: No one wants to see your feet. And before you say it, yes, women can get away with more variety in footwear. But you, as a man, cannot.
Must-Haves
- Standards — In addition to a general air of confidence, if you are amenable to consultation prior, you can be a standout if you carefully select out-of-the-box tie and shirt combinations. Must-haves are a commitment and an investment. And this means, opt for quality clothing, which can translate into certain brands.
- Collars – do not, we repeat, do not wear pointed collars, which are totally passé. Get collars with a spread, it’s the current fashion standard.
- Pocket Squares – Yes, Manny on Modern Family wears them and you should, too. Choose bright colors.
- Ticket pockets – an old-school, but oh-so-cool now addition for your tailor
- Side Part – For your hair. Because you’re classy like that.
- Get framed – These days, a chunky specs frame are the shiz.
- Briefcase – Yes, it’s easier and more convenient to carry a backpack, but get a briefcase.
- Time card – Win by wearing a watch. A really nice one.
- Socked – There’s nothing like a colourful pair of socks to offset a more traditional suit.
- ‘Tude – Just have one.
So, what makes for a successful employee? Clearly, we’ve outlined the musts and the nevers in terms of a businessman’s work wardrobe. Follow the above suggestions and you’ll have a leg over any of your colleagues and/or competitors. Once you’re armed with a closet full of the right stuff, you do have more to do – things managers, directors and supervisors admire, according to Time magazine:
- An entrepreneurial spirit – take on projects outside of your job description. That said, be sure you are a wiz in your current position, and that any project doesn’t take away from the job you were hired to do.
- Participate in professional-related activities outside of work – join professional organizations and social groups. Take classes, seminars and workshops. Look for volunteer activities.
- Do not Facebook friends people at work, unless they are a very solid outside work friend. Even better, so there are no hurt or weird feelings, open a professional Facebook account reserved just for work associates. That way, you have close control over what anyone sees.
- Become the go-to person in a certain area, a “subject expert.”
- Have a firm grasp of “soft skills” — prioritizing, communication and interactions.
- Don’t rely on instant-messaging or e-mail to communicate with your boss – get face time in there.