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Editor’s note: Professional dress often varies by company. I’ve had jobs where “professional” was closed-toe shoes and button down and other jobs where a suit was required. Tip: Overdress the first day on the job and see what everyone else wears.
When it comes to the workplace men have it the easiest when it comes to dressing professionally. However, there are still plenty of dos and don’ts when it comes to professional dress for men. Keep the following suggestions in mind when you dress for work and you will always make a good impression.
Dos
These are the Dos when it comes to dressing for work.
- Formal
A full suit is the easiest way to dress formally for work. This includes a dress shirt and tie. Of course, it goes without saying that the colors should all match and complement one another. Many suit shops can help style averse men to buy shirts, ties, and suits that match and complement one another. This is important because if you dress professionally people will assume you are professional. People frequently “judge a book by its cover” so make sure you have the best cover! - Informal
Some days at work may be informal, like casual Fridays. In this situation it is okay to wear dress pants, dress shirt and tie. Or, you could wear dress slacks and polo. In some very rare situations jeans may be appropriate, but in general this is not a good idea. Go for church casual at work and you will always look great!
Don’ts
These are the don’ts when it comes to dressing for work.
- Jeans
More and more people are wearing jeans to work. However, if you work in an office this is not recommended at all. Maybe for casual Fridays once and awhile, but in general save your jeans for the weekends. You want to look your best and many times jeans will take away from your professional capacity.
- T-shirts
Don’t ever wear t-shirts to work. This portrays a casual attitude and that perhaps you don’t really take your job seriously. You might, but your attire will say something else about you. It’s so important for you to look put together that you don’t want to ruin your professional appearance by wearing a t-shirt to work. - Holes/Stains
Without saying, never wear anything to work that has holes in it or stains on it. This will make you appear sloppy and that you don’t care. That is the last impression you want to give so make sure you take care of your clothing.
This post was guest blogged by Laura Ruppert.
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Great post, thanks! Here’s a post I wrote on the
key colours to always feel confident.
My work life changed the day I realized I had to set aside time to iron very piece of clothing I wore to work. Every collar shirt, every khaki, every polo shirt, every dress pant, and every cordoroy. I was originally only ironing my most important pieces, and sometimes leaving it to the last second, meaning that some late mornings I had no choice but to wear that crumpled shirt.
Set aside a time on sunday nights to iron all of your clothes and you will earn respect.
@ Mark,
I too iron every day. Other employees perception of you is a huge part of your career. Also, thanks for the post idea.