Nowadays, it is trendy for companies to allow their workers to wear casual outfits. As the emphasis on company culture grows, so does the idea that you don’t need to wear a three-piece suit to do your job properly.
In fact, some companies believe that wearing more casual outfits can not only attract better talent, but can also retain them. This is because it can become one of the perks of the company, and other companies won’t offer this to them.
But even if your workplace is casual, you don’t need to succumb to a sloppy tee, Crocs and shorts. We’ll go over how dressing professionally, even in a casual office environment, can still be achieved.
1. Experiment with Your Style
Casual dress codes mean that you have a better opportunity to experiment with your personal style. You can still dress professionally, even while expressing yourself. For instance, if you’d like to add a little edge to your outfit, try some studded boots.
Or, if you want to show off a band tee, but keep it professional, try pairing it with slacks and some nice looking sneakers or even some casual loafers.
People who love fashion like to say that it is the ultimate way to express yourself, but you can’t do so without a little bit of experimentation.
2. Mix and Match Casual and Dressy Elements
A sure-fire way to look professional in a casual environment is to add dressy elements to your outfit. This means pairing a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans or adding a pair of heels to your skinny jeans and top.
This instantly elevates your outfit and makes you look even more professional than you would without that little extra accessory.
3. Be Comfortable
Although you’ll want to look professional, the idea of a casual office vibe is that you’re comfortable, and therefore able to work better. So, always wear clothes that you feel your best in. Whether this means you think you look good in them or they’re physically comfortable is your call, but you’ll be more focused if you feel good in your clothes.
JasperHollandCo.com, for example, offers tees without tags. As you likely know, tags can be ultra-irritating. You can pull out your new shirt, throw it on and not have to worry about whether it’s scratching you at the neck or side.
Trying clothes on before you buy them can also help increase your comfort, as you know how they look and feel on your body before you wear them to work.
4. Dress For Your Job
This may sound like a no-brainer, but you can’t do your job if you’re not dressed for it. For example, if there’s lots of physical work, a dress or skirt won’t do. Or, if you’re constantly on the ground or working with heavy equipment, you’ll need the appropriate clothing.
In these cases, you can still look professional by ensuring that your clothes are bright and ironed. Don’t wear clothes that have holes in them, even if other people get away with it. Make sure your shirt doesn’t look sloppy and tuck it in if necessary.
If you wear a uniform to work, you’ll look professional if you make sure your uniform is clean and ironed before you go into work. Do this the night before to keep extra stress at bay.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Overdress
There’s nothing wrong with being a little bit overdressed or known as the person who goes the extra mile with their wardrobe. Of course, this doesn’t mean wear a tuxedo or ball gown to work if your dress code is casual, but you can go a little bit above and beyond.
If the work you’re doing is in an office, don’t be afraid to wear nice pants or a dress or skirt, even if your colleagues aren’t. You’ll quickly earn a reputation of being someone who cares for themselves, and you’ll always look put together.
Don’t stress out about overdressing if you keep it casual enough. Going for a more professional look than your job calls for can make you look like you not only care about your appearance but how the company looks. It may also help you win points with your boss who sees you’re not afraid to go the extra mile.
6. Stay Well Groomed
No matter the dress code of your office, you’ll always get people who don’t cut their hair often or who may not come in with appropriately clean clothes. Or, they may wear clothes that are ill-fitting, either too loose or too tight.
Make sure you cut your hair at regular intervals if you’re a man, and keep it well styled if you’re a woman to maintain an air of professionalism. You don’t need a full face of makeup as a woman, but making sure your face looks presentable is appropriate.
Your clothes should be clean and actually fit your body. As we mentioned earlier, trying them on will ensure that they’re not only comfortable but have a good fit. If you fall in love with a piece but it doesn’t fit that well, don’t be afraid to go to a tailor.
Dressing Professionally But Keeping It Casual
Dressing professionally doesn’t have to be the polar opposite of casual. In fact, the two can co-exist at the same time. As long as you’re well-groomed and put together, you can pull off any style you set your mind to.
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