Ever since I was a little girl, I always strived to look my best at all times. My motto was, “you can never over-dress.”
But, I still stayed within some standards; like I wouldn’t wear a ballgown to school, or an evening gown to a casual office party. I wanted to stand out of the crowd, but not in a way that’d make people look at me strangely, or what have you. I just wanted to portray the inner-confidence I had externally by how I dressed and how I carried myself.
Mainly, my outfits are an extension of my personality and confidence. And, as I’m launching my career, I am discovering that how I present myself in the workplace is more important now than ever before. If you’re starting in your career, then you’re probably one of the youngest employees at your workplace, which is the case for me.
So, dressing a tad bit better than your elder coworkers can often earn you the same level of respect as they receive. Remember, this is one the first times in your life that you’re probably not among other people who are only from your age group. This is precisely why it might be a good idea to put in a little more effort into how you present yourself than you may have in the past.
Whether you are on the job hunt and still going through a round of interviews, or have been working at your company for a few years, how you present yourself can make all the difference in your success. No one should feel pressured to do or wear something uncomfortable, so always be true to yourself, and be confident in your appearance.
Look Good, Feel Good
I remember when I was in high school and college, I’d never let myself go into an exam wearing sweats and a messy bun. I’d dress like it was any other day, which was often business casual. And, this gave me an extra boost of confidence when going into an exam. The same still stands true in my professional life. I always put on an outfit that makes me feel competent and confident, and that helps me do better at whatever I’m doing. Looking good on the outside leaves you feeling good on the inside, which can lead to a productive, successful day.
Don’t Overdo It
Keep it simple. Unless you work in fashion or entertainment, you don’t want to dress too flashy. Going against the norm at your office can warrant unwanted attention and negative impressions. Dress modestly. Also, have your makeup look as natural as possible. If you’re anything like me, you’re not a morning person. Keep your makeup routine as simple as possible. If you fill in your eyebrows every day, you might want to try microblading, which can save you significant time in the mornings. Simple, quick, and clean; that’s the way to go!
Send the Right Message
Putting the thought and time into your appearance indeed shows your coworkers, boss, and clients that you’re serious about your work and passionate about what you do. Plus, you never know who you are going to meet on a day-to-day basis, so be always ready by dressing well.
Maintain Your Clothes and Shoes in Prime Condition
Many people don’t read washing instructions that are on the tags inside of clothing. It sounds obvious, yet this is the leading cause of clothes wearing out quickly. Before throwing that blouse into the washer, make sure it’s not supposed to be hand washed or drycleaned. Also, get your good shoes repaired and polished frequently. Work attire can be expensive, so maintaining them well will help you get the most out of them.
