Historically, women’s workwear has been relatively straightforward: stiff blazers, pencil skirts, and heels dominated the office floors. But as workplace culture has evolved over time, so have the norms surrounding office attire. These days, traditional business suits are no longer the order of the day at every company. With the rise of startups in fields like tech and digital marketing, remote worksetups, and creative workspaces, the rigid rules governing workwear have since receded, giving professionals more room to dress comfortably and in ways that express their individuality.
Naturally, this more relaxed approach to workwear presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Some might find the wide array of options now available to them rather overwhelming. Others might be confused on how to convey authority through their outfitswithout appearing too intimidating. But while it may seem particularly hard to strike this balance between approachability and professionalism, you’ll have the world on your side once you do so.On top of looking the part, you’ll also open yourself up for more sincere, genuine interactions with your colleagues—an essential ingredient for productivity and successful collaboration.
Here are five ways to achieve perfectly balanced work outfits, every day of the week:
1) Choose Clothes That Fit Well
While fashion trends come and go, the importance of well-fitted attire is an essentially timeless, universal key to looking good. Wearing well-tailored pieces send the message that you’re aware of what looks good on you and that you pay attention to detail. Think of a blouse that sits perfectly on the shoulders, or trousers that hug in all the right places. These details, while subtle, communicate that you take yourself and your work quite seriously.
But the significance of fit goes beyond just appearances. Wearing clothes that fit well also impacts how you feel throughout the day. Ill-fitting clothes can be a source of constant discomfort and may detract from your daily tasks or from organic interactions with your colleagues.
On the other hand, a well-fitted outfit will make you feel more confident—and, in turn, allow you to bring this confidence to your interactions with others. If you feel your best in your ensemble for the day, you’ll likely look and perform at your best as well, and this energy is sure to spread to the people you work with.
2) Accessorize Thoughtfully
Don’t overlook your accessories, even if your busy day-to-day might make it easy to do so. They have the power to transform an outfit from mundane to memorable, from common to captivating. If you’re looking to show off a new pencil skirt in the best possible way, for instance, shop tights for a sleeker and more streamlined silhouette. Want to dress up the seemingly simple combination of a blazer, a white tee, and jeans? A pair of pearl earrings or a sleek leather belt can add the touch of elegance you need.
However, in a professional setting, there’s a fine line between making a statement and shouting. While a bold necklace might be the perfect piece to elevate a simple dress, an armful of bangles might be too distracting in a board meeting. It’s all about context and balance. Choose pieces that complement rather than compete with your outfit and allow you to express your personality in subtle, yet intriguing ways.
3) Take Advantage of Layers
Layering has long been a tried-and-true way to balance an outfit and make it more versatile, and that’s just as true in the workplace as it is anywhere else. Beyond the practicality of dealing with temperamental office air conditioning, layering is one of the easiest strategies you can use to make a work look more dynamic. A well-chosen layer can elevate an outfit, rendering it appropriate for a surprise client meeting, or be easily shed to suit a more casual brainstorming session.
Consider the blazer: this classic piece can instantly professionalize even the most casual of base layers, such as a soft cotton tee. Blazers will make any outfit look more structured and formal, but they’re also easy to remove, making them ideal for navigating functions with varying levels of formality throughout the day. Similarly, a relaxed cardigan can soften the harsh lines of a more structured blouse, bridging the gap between professionalism and comfort.
Layering also gives you a chance to play with textures and colors. Pair a silk blouse with a textured tweed jacket, or juxtapose a monochrome outfit with a vibrant scarf for some additional depth and dimension. These thoughtful combinations can make you stand out in the right way, projecting a confidence and creativity that’s sure to make anyone want to approach you.
4) Dress According to Your Role
Your calendar and anticipated interactions for a particular day can serve as helpful guides for what you should wear. If you’re looking at a day full of internal team meetings, a more relaxed ensemble might be fitting. Conversely, if you’re meeting potential clients or presenting a proposal, you’ll need to dress up a little more.
But dressing according to your role goes beyond just day-to-day tasks. It’s also about understanding the culture of your industry. For instance, what’s considered casual in a tech startup might be viewed as too relaxed in a law firm. To show respect for the conventions of your profession, find creative ways to adapt your style instead of stifling it. If suits are absolutely required at your workplace, for instance, forgoing traditional neutrals in favor of more unusual colors and patterns could be a feasible compromise that still allows your personality to shine through.
5) Wear What Feels Good
Though dressing professionally inevitably comes with myriad considerations, don’t forget to prioritize comfort. And comfort isn’t just about the physical ease that comes from a soft fabric or a well-fitted pair of shoes, either. It’s equally important to pay attention to your emotional and psychological comfort. Feeling authentic and genuine in what you wear can make a marked difference in your interactions and self-perception.
Every individual has a unique comfort zone. You might turn to a pair of sleek heels for an extra boost of confidence or incorporate a cherished heirloom pendant into all your outfits. These items, imbued with personal significance or simply aligned with your personal style, serve as touchstones of authenticity.
Moreover, when you feel good in what you wear, it radiates outward and makes you seem more approachable. People tend to gravitate towards individuals who seem self-assured and at ease—and in the workplace, this can foster open dialogue and organic rapport-building.
As work culture continues to evolve, what you wear on the job does more than dictate your appearance. It also serves as a statement of intent, reflecting your adaptability and understanding of evolving norms. As long as you’re choosing work outfits that feel authentic to you and that you can carry with grace, you won’t go wrong!
