While some corporate organisations will supply all your workwear, others give their employees a bit more flexibility when it comes to their dress code. For some workers, this flexibility comes with stressors when trying to coordinate a corporate wardrobe that’s modern, aligned with company culture and also professional.
If your company doesn’t provide standard corporate uniforms and you’re struggling to get the right look, read on. Use our tips to help you get your outfits just right, so you can dress to impress all the time.
6 Tips to Coordinating Your Corporate Wardrobe for a Professional Image
1. Find Out What the Dress Code Policy Says
Most business entities will stipulate how employees should be dressed in the workplace. This prevents any misunderstandings around what clothing to wear while avoiding inappropriate outfits in the work environment. Dress code policies also prevent discrimination among employees.
In certain corporate settings, dress codes are often stricter, ensuring all employees are dressed smartly to create a professional image. While uniforms are used in many industries, some businesses allow their employees to coordinate their own corporate wardrobe. By finding out what’s your company’s dress code policy says, you have a starting point to create the right looks.
2. Invest in Coordinated Clothing That Can Work Together
When building your corporate wardrobe, invest in good quality, coordinated clothing items that can work together. It’s recommended to have at least one good professional outfit for each day of the week. But, if you can extend to 10 or 12 coordinated outfits, where single items can be interchanged, you can look different every day while still being professional.
Coordinating your outfits means mixing and matching trousers, skirts, shirts, jackets and shoes for a unique but smart look every day of the week. When looking at your existing wardrobe, make a list of clothing that would be appropriate for smart workwear and can be coordinated neatly with other outfits. Then, start investing in them one by one.
3. Start With the Basics
If this is your first corporate wardrobe, start with the basics. Professional workwear items include the following:
- Black or navy jacket
- Ties
- Black or navy skirts and trousers
- White shirts
- Tailored dress
- Smart office shoes
Separates work well in a corporate wardrobe, giving you the flexibility to add accessories and other clothing items as and when you’re able to. Do this to add your personal flair to each outfit.
Stick with solid colours and styles to play it safe, especially in a professional office environment.
4. Dress Appropriately for Credibility
If you’re an accountant, you don’t want to dress like a hippie! While this may be your personal brand on weekends, bringing it to the office may not be appreciated by senior management. When coordinating your corporate workwear, use the workplace’s dress code policy to guide you. Also, observe how other people in your industry are dressing for credibility and professionalism.
Your outfit will make or break your credibility especially when dealing with clients. Your outer appearance is often the first impression of you, so make sure you get it right from the start. Clients are reassured when the person they’re dealing with dresses the way they expect them to. If you know people in your industry expect to see you wearing a suit, make sure your corporate wardrobe includes this clothing item.
5. Find the Right Cut
If a garment fits properly, you’re going to instantly look and feel more professional. Vendors offer a range of business wear in various cuts and styles for different body shapes. Take your time and try on the different outfits so you can find the right cut for your body.
6. Factor in the Costs
Creating a professional image can be costly if you decide to only buy designer workwear. If your budget allows you to buy more expensive clothing, then go for it. But, for many employees, especially those starting their first job in the corporate sector, budgets are determining factors on what will end up in the closet. However, this needn’t stop you from coordinating a professional corporate wardrobe.
When buying your basic clothing items, pick good quality over quantity. If it means only getting two good suits instead of a cheaper one for each day of the week, go with it!
Helpful tip: find out about tax deductions for non-compulsory office workwear. This way, you can claim the costs of coordinating your corporate wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
Coordinating your corporate wardrobe for a professional appearance when working at the office, attending meetings or dealing with clients is simple when you use these tips. This way, you can have peace of mind you’re always looking and feeling your best, while keeping to the rules!
