Are you dressing for work or to keep house? AND, now it's even worse after the COVID-19 shutdown!
I know you’ve heard it – dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Seems a little old fashioned and obsolete? Maybe. But look around…
As our dress has become increasing casual, so have attitudes regarding how we dress at work. I’ve never heard anyone, in 30+ years of recruiting tell me, “I’m happy with being at my current level the rest of my career.” You want to advance, right? Take your queues from the executives around you.
Think of how your boss, your manager, your VP, president, or CEO looks – even on “casual Friday.” He or she may be casual on casual Friday, but is definitely not dressed as casually as most in the office.
Dressing for the job you want?
You will not look like everyone else!
YOU WILL STAND OUT!
The thing is, if you dress too casually you may think you’re getting ready for work, but you look like you’re getting ready for anything but work. You look like you are getting ready to clean house, go to the gym or the beach, or hang out with friends.
The bottom line, is you look like you’re getting ready to do anything but work and your attitude is reflected and affected, and not positively.
It’s not difficult – for everyone it means neat, clean, pressed clothing with no rips or tears (distressed jeans – I love them too, but save them for social occasions). No hair colors that don't grow naturally - no blue, green, or pink, purple. Work-appropriate jewelry - no tongue piercings (nobody wants to see that!), cheek, chin piercing - blah, blah, blah... If you look in the mirror and think you would be okay in a tattoo parlor - go get a job there!
WOMEN –
I completely agree that wearing of pantyhose is ridiculous (and does anybody even sell those anymore?), especially in warmer climates. But, do you want to wear yoga pants, sweats, distressed jeans, t-shirts, flip flops, sneakers…? Does any of this convey the image you want to project at work?
Women should wear appropriate length skirts or dresses – they don’t have to be mid-calf or even knee length – just not up to your “tutu." Neat slacks (not capris) are appropriate, with a blouse (no cleavage or belly or even shoulders). Shoes should be in good repair and at least a little heel. Makeup should enhance, not cover up, and remember – you are going to work, not the club. If you have to ask – just say “no.”
Ladies, casual Friday does not mean sundresses in the summer – the only way to pull this off is to wear a jacket or cardigan over, which defeats the purpose. The rules are pretty much the same, but you can pull off pressed khakis or dark-wash jeans and a nice blouse. Your shoes can transition to flats (no flip flops or sneakers). I always found casual Friday was a day for my jeans with a sweater and boots in the winter. For summer, a more casual, light-weight dress with a jacket OR jeans with a cute blouse, pumps, and a jacket that I could take off when in the heat.
MEN –
Are wrinkled polos and un-ironed khakis, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals, flip flops, ballcaps – backward or forward, really the message YOU want to convey?
If you have zero desire to advance your career and income, then, by all means dig through the laundry basket or gym bag and find the most comfortable items you can find and get ready for work.
This is easier for you than for the ladies – pressed slacks, a buttoned-down shirt with long sleeves, more formal shoes. If the managers wear ties, you would do best to wear a tie – you gain more leverage. Reserve the khakis or jeans for casual Friday – either with a button-down, polo with the khakis, but never a polo with the jeans. You can wear more casual shoes on casual Friday, but never sneakers.
When you dress more seriously, you will be taken more seriously and see it in your title, level of responsibility, and paycheck.