What do you wear to work? Chances are you probably don’t pay much attention to it, because you have ended up in a so-called wardrobe routine. Of course, if you are Steve Jobs, you may have created a work uniform that is always the same. At the same time, many women do pay a lot of attention to their clothing.
However, many men do dress up in the morning with personal taste and the latest fashion trends in mind. After all, your clothes reflect your personality for the rest of the world. But when it comes to work, there are some other considerations to keep in mind.
First of all: your position
Working is about being able to do a job. That means that in a perfect world, your clothes should help you with your work instead of bothering you.
Take military personnel, for example. Their job requires a lot of tactical equipment, gloves and military combat boots. The same is true for police officers and firefighters. If unlikely to be equipped, it can lead to serious consequences for the job. Their clothing and accessories also help communicate that they are authoritative figures used in their work.
While most scenarios are not that extreme, the concept is the same for all tasks. The top priority is to get the job done and do it safely. If you dress to go to work, you should dress for the occasion.
Comfort level
This plays a large role in functionality, but comfort is important for your own well-being. If your clothes are uncomfortable, it becomes a distraction. Even if you feel uncomfortable, nobody can help you if you want to make a good impression. A comfortable and nice shirt is therefore a must in business settings.
Fit and choice of material are both important in terms of comfort. Clothes must be able to be put on without being too tight. You will also have to watch out for materials that are uncomfortable or cannot breathe properly. Synthetic materials have a tendency to retain heat, which can lead to dreaded sweat stains as the stress at work subsides. You better stick to natural materials such as cotton and linen.
Work environment
As much as fashion is a personal choice, what other people wear also applies in the workplace. In addition, your company may have unstated (or established) workwear standards.
Always follow the dress code guidelines. It is a matter of respect for your employer. If you have a huge problem, look for a different job or think of ways they can stretch the rules a bit to give employees more freedom.
If your clothes are similar to your colleagues, they can establish a direct connection. So if you want a promotion, start by looking at what your managers are wearing on the job. In most work environments, conservative and professional is the way to go. However, adding a little bit of personality to the look is never a bad choice. Wearing shoes in an unexpected color or a bold tie can help you stand out without being “annoying.”
Your feeling
What you wear can affect your confidence. If you feel like you look good in what you wear, you get a confidence boost. And a boost in confidence can increase your success at work.
People with more self-confidence perform better, take more initiative, advocate for themselves and are effective decision-makers. Trust is a matter of knowing what you are good at and acting in a way that radiates confidence without arrogance. One of the easiest ways to do that is to dress your best. Good luck!
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