Trust Us, People Care What You Wear to Work

You’ve probably heard the saying, “look good, feel good.” It’s true, especially when you’re saddling up for a new career adventure. Looking good means you feel better about yourself and you stand a little taller. You want to feel confident going into an interview and then at work once you land a job!

Then, you start the job and for a few weeks you dress your best, alternating between your nicest tops, polos, and pants. But before you know it, you’re comfortable and your job isn’t so new. You fall back into old habits and start wearing your comfiest yoga pants and hoodies. You may feel relaxed, but your outfit tells your boss and coworkers that you have low drive and opportunities in the workplace may pass you by. Don’t make this mistake! Here’s why you should put some pep in your step with your style choices at work.

Look good, feel good, do good.

You may not realize that what you wear and your job performance go hand in hand, but think about it: When you feel good about yourself you project good out into the world, and ultimately, your work space. If you’re confident about the way you look then you’ll be more confident in yourself and the work you do. According to an article published by NPR, a study found that wearing formal clothing makes employees think more like a leader.

But what if your workplace is more laid back? Maybe you don’t need to wear a suit to the office every day. That’s fine, too. Just make sure what you’re wearing is neat, fits well, and is stain free. Don’t wear anything with holes in it, make sure your hair is done, and you look presentable. Also remember, a positive attitude can go a long way! Looking like a professional – and acting like one – is the first step towards success.

Dress for the job you want.

Has anyone ever told you “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? Remember this saying as you get ready for work. If you look like you don’t care then your bosses, coworkers, and customers are going to assume you don’t care, too.

You should treat every day like it’s an interview, a Forbes article advises. Since you’re more than likely being evaluated by your peers at any given time, it’s important to dress your best to show you’re serious about your role.

If you work somewhere where you’re required to wear a uniform, it’s probably easier for you, right? Wrong. If you work in retail or the service industry, it’s equally important to put effort into what you look like. While you may have to wear a uniform, you should make sure that it’s stain and wrinkle free without any frays or tears. Make sure you’re well-groomed and any non-uniform parts of your outfit are crisp and professional.

People care what you wear.

Trust us, your coworkers, bosses, and even customers care what you wear. Whether you like it or not what you wear on the outside has a lot to say about the person or worker you are. Putting some effort into what you wear can go a long way. You may not get a promotion right away for wearing a blazer to work every day, but you will build your self-esteem and be more comfortable with yourself. This is equally as important as career growth.

Even if no one says this to you, your managers are evaluating your appearance each day. Dressing in a way that impresses them, or even better, impresses their superiors, means a lot. Each day is an opportunity to put your best foot forward and put a little extra time into you. When you show yourself some love, it shows. Not sure where to begin putting yourself together? All skills can be learned. Check out our Personal Style Career Program to learn more about how to package yourself like the gift you are.

Believing in yourself and being comfortable with who you are and in what you wear is the key to furthering your career journey. Take the time to make sure your clothing choices reflect that you’re hardworking and ready for opportunities that lie ahead.