Whether you're headed to an interview for a new job, or you're getting ready for your first day in a new position, knowing the right way to dress for any type of office and occasion can help give you a step up in your career. Most people do pass some sort of judgment based on your clothing and the way you look, so be sure to put your best foot forward, no matter what field your work is in and the office policies concerning dress.
Interviews
When attending an interview, it is always best to err on the side of being overdressed than underdressed. If you arrive overdressed, you can always remove your jacket to appear more casual. Men should stick to a business suit, or a shirt and tie combination. Pants should be slacks, never jeans. Women should wear a pant or skirted suit, along with a structured blouse to impose a feeling of power. Keep jewelry to a minimum, use stud earrings if any at all, and refrain from using strong perfume.
Corporate Offices
Ask your new supervisor what the general dress code is. If your corporate office has a business dress code, then you must adhere by wearing business-appropriate attire. Suits for men are always a good choice, but if dress code allows, khaki pants with a shirt and tie combination may also be allowed. Women should wear suits, or skirts and blouses. Be sure that the skirts meet your knee and that blouses have sleeves; anything else will be too casual for a corporate office. Shoes should always be closed toe.
Creative Offices
If you work in a field that lends itself to more creativity and therefore a more creatively based office standard of dress, then you can usually relax your formality depending on the general standard for the office. Take cues from your co-workers. Offices like magazine, advertisement and fashion houses may allow you to take more risks in your dress and allow you to wear jeans, shorter skirts and dresses, shoes with open toes and loud accessories. If you are unsure about what to wear, speak to human resources or your supervisor for a better idea of what is acceptable.
Business Casual
A variety of fields and offices allow their employees to dress in "business casual" attire. When business casual is stipulated as the correct dress etiquette, then men should rely on khakis and slacks as their main type of pants. It may be tempting to wear jeans, but leave that for casual Friday. Short-sleeve shirts and ties are acceptable, as are dress shirts without ties, but that have only subtle patterns like pinstripes. Women can also try slacks or skirts made of a more casual material such as linen. Tops may be sleeveless, as long as it is approved, but no spaghetti straps. Flats are a more causal choice over heels.
Casual Days
Some business offices institute days when employees can dress casually, usually on Fridays. On these days, avoid going too casually; no ripped jeans and t-shirts or sneakers. Instead, men should choose dark jeans with sports coats, worn with dressy casual shoes. Patterned button-down shirts are also acceptable. Women should only wear dark jeans, with flats or heels, but not sneakers. Blouses and tops can be more informal, but avoid anything too low cut or showing too much skin. Save your louder jewelry for these days to show off your personality.
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