Dress policy is implemented for a reason. It helps the employees have a consistent professional appearance especially for those who are meeting clients at all times. Customers appreciate it that you took the time to have a positive appearance for them and dressing smart could actually open a lot for doors for you.
Dressing professionally does not necessarily mean you would drain your life savings on clothes. You just need to buy a few basic items and make them work with some of the clothes you already own. You just need to be creative and be patient when you are mixing and matching.
Invest in Staples
When you do your research a lot of fashion blogs would tell you what are the basic staples you must purchase when you are building your wardrobe to look professional. Some would tell you there are 14 staple items, while others would even say 21. Don’t worry. You don’t need to have them all at once and you don’t need to have them all. Decide on what works for you and stick to that.
Some of these blogs would tell you, you need to include skirts. But if you are not comfortable wearing skirts you don’t have to. It would still be wise to have some crepe knit dress in your wardrobe even if you are not used to wearing dresses. There would be important and formal events that you would be invited to. At least when that invitation comes, you don’t need to worry anymore about what to wear.
Stick to What Fits
No matter how professional looking your clothes are if they do not fit you, you’d still end up looking like a slouch. Looking professional means looking smart and if you look like you borrowed your clothes from your older siblings, no one would take you seriously since they’d think you didn’t even take the time to dress properly. Or that you are not worth their time or money because you didn’t even think you are worthy to spend money on your own clothes.
Find Your Style
Even if you are dressing professionally, it does not necessarily mean you would only buy and wear black blazers and trousers. You could still look professional even if you are wearing loud and bold colours (although you must try and not overdo it). You could even channel your personality in accessories so you would look different from your colleagues even if you are all clad in the same clothes.
Buy Nice Shoes
When it comes to clothes, you could shop in thrift stores or second-hand shops. But when it comes to shoes, buy nice ones. Your shoes could either make or break your whole look. No matter how professional you look but if your shoes are dirty and scruffy, it would be what everyone would remember in your whole outfit.
Dressing and looking professional goes hand in hand with confidence. Even if you follow all the above-mentioned tips, but you look uncomfortable and unsure of yourself, no one would give you the time of the day.