First step towards a suitable professional wardrobe
Let’s start at the beginning… What does “dress up” mean?
In the strict sense of the term, dressing is the process of covering your body with clothing that will protect it from the vagaries of the weather and allow it to operate in a defined environment. Dressing therefore involves choosing clothing that is conducive to the environment in which it is worn. Your clothing choices should therefore be based on your sector of activity and on what the person who seems to you to be the role model to follow within your company wears. Your own definition should be based on how you want to be perceived by others and your interest in your development within your company.
Dressing is such a fundamental skill for every individual that it is essential that you see how essential it is for you and your well-being. Knowing how to dress properly will help you look remarkable and give you real confidence at work, day after day.
Before going any further, we think it is important to give you:
the 10 most common infractions of corporate dress rules
- Failing to recognize that the clothes you buy should be bought to last.
- Confusing “casual” or relaxed clothing with “grunge” clothing.
- Wear clothes that are not clean and/or worn on days when your company allows you to wear more casual clothes (Friday wear or Casual wear).
- Wearing clothes that don't go well together.
- Choose clothing that does not flatter your figure.
- Keeping clothes that you haven't worn in more than two years.
- Not realizing that every company or society has a clothing culture, even if it is not written.
- Do not choose a clothing mentor (or role model) within your company.
- Consider tennis shoes suitable for formal attire. Tennis shoes, trainers and sneakers should only be worn with casual outfits!
Your wardrobe and your clothes are an investment!
The most important clothes are the ones you actually wear. How many times have you bought clothes or accessories (jewelry, shoes, etc.) that you only wore once or twice? If you take a look in your closet right now, how many items have you actually worn in the past year? If some of your clothes are not regularly worn, take them out of your wardrobe and give them to a charity or sell them on a site dedicated to the sale of second-hand clothes (Leboncoin, Vinted, etc.). ).
Do you want to have a wardrobe adapted to your business ? Here are some tips you should keep in mind when developing your professional wardrobe:
Your outfit must be correct and appropriate
Your outfit must be adapted to your role and the tasks entrusted to you. As mentioned above, a casual (or relaxed) outfit does not mean you have to have a grunge look at work. If you are supposed to wear a suit or suit, jeans will definitely not be appropriate. Fitted pants and a blouse or blouse will certainly be more suitable.
Your outfit must be impeccable
Make sure your clothes are perfectly clean, stain-free, odor-free and immaculately ironed. Likewise, remember to check the condition of your shoes and make sure that they are properly maintained and polished.
Your outfit must be perfectly put together
When buying new clothes, make sure each new piece can match at least two items already in your closet. By doing this, you ensure that the clothes in your wardrobe match easily and your professional wardrobe will be more reassuring, adapted and functional .
Your outfit must fit perfectly
Make sure your clothes fit your body and flatter your figure . Avoid wearing clothes that are too trendy like tops that are too close to the body, skirts that are too short, etc.
Is your wardrobe a mess?
You find it difficult to part with clothes that you have never worn or almost never worn. Do you want to know if there is an effective way to sort?
Obviously. On the next rainy day, treat yourself to a moment of spelunking in your wardrobe...
How to sort effectively in your professional wardrobe?
Separate clothes, shoes and accessories into two parts: pieces that you have worn at least once in the last two years and those that you have never worn in the last two years. Pack all the items in the second category and entrust them to a charitable association (Secours Populaire, Emmaüs, etc.) or donate them if you do not have the time or the need to put them on a clothing site. occasion.
Now take a look at the clothes that are left in your closet and drawers. Chances are you will have even more coins than you need. Take stock of the clothes in front of you and classify them according to their use. A pile for clothes intended for your work , another intended for your days of rest, one for your leisure, your shopping trips...and finally one for the days when you are at home in absolute cocooning mode (you know those clothes in which you would not wish to welcome your family or friends).
Now that you've completed this exercise, you can look at the items you chose to keep a little differently. Instead of holding on to clothes that you are emotionally attached to, you now view them from a functional point of view. You've given them a use, a purpose that they can hold on to instead of just occupying a piece of the shelf unnecessarily.