No matter who you are or what situations you find yourself in, first impressions matter. The ways you dress and carry yourself help the people you meet form initial judgments about the sort of person you are. This is especially the case in the office, where a professional appearance tends to command respect. Maintaining a clean-cut and put-together work look can also help you feel more confident as you go about your duties.
Always looking professional in your day-to-day doesn’t need to be rocket science, either. In fact, as long as you’re willing to take the time for it, it’s relatively simple to do. Just follow the list of handy tips below and we guarantee you’ll soon be looking and feeling like a boss.
Clothes Make the Man: Wearing the Right Clothes
Before you can start putting together a styling work outfit, it’s always best to consult your company’s dress code. Does your office favor the traditional business suit, or lean more business casual? Be mindful as well of the engagements you have lined up for a particular day as they can affect your outfit choices. After all, you may just want to step up your game a notch for important meetings with clients or company executives. Whatever your particular situation, though, rest assured that the following fashion tips will have you covered:
Socks and Underwear
It’s important to put a lot of care into every part of your outfit, even the parts of it that other people won’t see. Invest in good work socks, such as Burlix men’s casual socks, and quality underwear. These will form a solid foundation for any ensemble and also keep you feeling clean and comfortable all day long.
Colors and Patterns
Depending on your company culture, it might pay to play it safe with the colors and patterns you wear. That’s because a bright palette or bold prints might distract your colleagues during meetings and presentations. Instead, consider solid, neutral colors for a classic look, as well as subtler patterns like pinstripes. Darker shades, in particular, will lend you an extra air of gravitas and authority, which is perfect for client-facing days.
Ironing and Storage
A neat and wrinkle-free outfit will always make you look more put-together and ready to take on the demands of the day. Make time to iron your clothes every night before bed or first thing the following morning if you’re an early bird. If you’re a pet owner, it’s also a good idea to hang up your outfit out of your pet’s reach. This will keep your clothes free of any unsightly fur or dander.
Beyond the Outfit: Keeping Yourself Well-groomed
Fashion and grooming go hand in hand. After all, you can’t look the part if you don’t actually look your best. Depending on the strictness of your company’s dress code, it’s best to check with your human resources department regarding grooming concerns like haircuts and manicures, among others. In any case, read on for some more specific grooming tips:
Hair
Hair should be properly cut and combed. Apply styling products such as wax and pomade to keep every follicle in place if you have to. As for long hair, you may want to double-check with your human resources department as to whether it’s allowed at your workplace. If it is, make sure that your long hair is combed and properly tied in a neat ponytail.
Facial Hair
Make sure your beard is trimmed with the edges nice and aligned. Neat facial hair will give you a cleaner, more approachable appearance on the whole.
Nails
Nails should always be short and manicured. Whether you opt to go for a manicure is entirely up to you. At a minimum, trim your nails at least once a week to match the cleanliness of your watch or cufflinks. Regularly making the effort to take care of your hands and keep them clean will lend even more polish to your overall look.
On Body Modifications: Staying Presentable
Tattoos and piercings are permissible in the workplace on a case-to-case basis. Because more companies these days are more accepting and don’t discriminate against forms of expression, your office may provide some leniency towards these body modifications. That said, looking like a professional is still your safest bet. If you have tattoos or piercings, keep the following in mind:
Piercings
Most piercings can be easily removed, so be sure to take out any nose rings or earrings before you return to work. If your workplace does allow you to keep them on, keep your work accessories simple and understated. Plain studs or hoops will express your personality just as well without looking untidy or distracting.
Tattoos
If you happen to have tattoos, it’s best to cover them up with long-sleeved polo or dress shirts, especially if your office environment calls for business formal. If sleeves aren’t an option, try your best to cover up with accessories such as scarves or large watches instead.
At the end of the day, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Be upfront with your human resources department about any body modifications you may have. That way, both you and your company can clarify any potential concerns and prevent any misunderstandings from occurring. They may even be able to give you some tips on covering up or perhaps even offer to make the dress code a little less strict to accommodate your needs.
Make no mistake, investing time and effort into how you dress and groom yourself for work will surely net you some abundant returns. A professional appearance will take you a long way toward earning the trust and respect of your clients, higher-ups, and co-workers alike. And, best of all, the confidence boost you get from looking good will have you feeling good as well, enabling you to work at your best every single day of the week.
