We’ve heard it before—dress for success—but what exactly does that mean? How can we ensure that our workplace attire is supportive of both our in-office look and overall career development? If you’re looking for these answers, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are four workplace wardrobe hacks to help you dress for success:
Benefit from Blue Light Glasses
It doesn’t matter if you normally wear prescription glasses or not— blue light blockers are for everyone. Not only are they a stylish accessory to add to your workplace wardrobe, but they’re also beneficial for preserving your eye health. From remote learning, zoom calls, and everything in between, it’s no wonder why so many of us struggle with strain on our eyes from digital displays.
Too much screen time means excessive exposure to blue light, which can be damaging to our eyes and overall health. This is because the blue light emitted from our technological devices makes it difficult for us to focus on the screen, causing our eyes to become fatigued in an effort to concentrate. Hence why it’s imperative to take preventative measures to stop this from happening. So if you don’t already own blue blocker glasses that protect your eyes from screens, now is the time to invest. With or without a prescription, blue light glasses are sure to be an effective way to upgrade your workplace style and success.
Dress Up Your Style with Blazers
Nothing emulates a boss babe quite like a blazer. Whether you’re sporting a business casual look or something more formal, blazers can be used to enhance and define any outfit. In fact, this piece of clothing is becoming so popular in the fashion industry, even for those who are not solely wearing them as part of their workplace wardrobe. Style icons like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid have proven just how versatile a blazer can be. Whether it be an oversized t-shirt and biker shorts, or a snazzy pantsuit— they go with everything. This item of clothing has become so iconic that it’s actually expected to be an ongoing trend for the new year, so it’s best to get ahead of the game and stock up while you can.
Especially as you put together your workplace wardrobe, blazers are a necessity. Whether it’s fitted or oversized, there is a quality about blazers that can make you feel powerful from the inside out, which is something that helps to aid success in your place of work. The more powerful you feel, the more your confidence will develop, and confidence is imperative when it comes to productivity and leadership skills. And the best part? They aren’t too pricey. Although some labels can be expensive, second-hand stores like ThredUp make it easy to find a chic blazer at an affordable price.
Wear Simple Accessories
Accessories are one of the best, most effortless ways to enhance your outfit as they’re specifically designed to complement your look. Still, there are some accessories out there that don’t always serve to support your in-office fit. This is usually because they are either a statement piece that becomes the focal point of your look, or they’re inappropriate for the workplace. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to opt for more simple accessories when putting together your workplace wardrobe, with the exception of a few bold items as well.
If you wear a patterned dress with bright-colored flats, try to choose accessories that are subtle and dainty. This could look like a lot of things, but a few examples may include a classy pair of pearl earrings, a neutral-colored headband, or even a small necklace and a matching bracelet. On the other hand, if you’re wearing a more basic outfit that’s made up of browns, blacks, whites, or other neutral colors, consider dressing it up with statement accessories. A chunky necklace with a funky design, for example, can be incorporated into this type of outfit because it’s not taking away from the clothes you are wearing, it’s adding to it. Remember that whatever accessory you wear, it’s meant to add to your look, not take away from it. Balance is key!
Develop a Personal Style
Close your eyes and think about successful CEOs. What are they wearing? If you’re thinking of the Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, you’re probably picturing him in a plain short sleeve grey t-shirt…right? This is no coincidence, it’s intentional. This is something Zuckerberg clarified himself when asked about having multiples of the same t-shirt in a 2014 interview with Insider. In the interview he explained:
“I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything, except how to best serve this community,” Zuckerberg has said of his ‘choice minimalist’ wardrobe selections.”
Zuckerberg is one of the many CEOs out there who is known for their personal style. Other examples include Apple founder Steve Jobs and his infamous black turtleneck, Tom Ford and his trademark 70s sunglasses, the list goes on and on. So while it may be tempting to stick to industry trends, it’s important to not shy away from who you really are and what you really like.
By learning how to develop your personal style you’ll be able to narrow down your search for the perfect workplace wardrobe, feel more comfortable in your own skin while you’re on the clock, and most importantly focus on what really matters— the work in front of you. As an added bonus, it’ll also make it easier to stand out amongst the crowd, giving something for your colleagues, supervisors, and clients to remember you by.
The Takeaway
Like it or not, your appearance does matter in the world of business. Although it may seem like a small factor that plays a role in the ability to thrive at your job, there is no denying how impactful your appearance can be when it comes to making impressions in the workplace. As you continue your path in the workforce, don’t forget to reflect on these wardrobe hacks. Following these tips will guide as you create the foundation for your visual personal branding and promote positive triumph for you at your place of work. Use these at your leisure and add on as you go— you’ll be successful in no time!
Photo by Alexander Suhorucov from Pexels
