6 Reasons Why It Is Important To Dress Professionally At Work

Plus the one that actually works

A few weeks ago I attended a meeting with important managers in the company I work for. Everybody was dressed for the office, except for one colleague, who, on these occasions, always wears a sweater and blue cotton trousers.

I thought it was an act of rebellion or of self-affirmation: I am who I am, I am not like other people who adapt. Or it was a way to show independence and power, maybe suitable for key figures like a famous Italian manager Marchionne, who used to wear a blue cashmere jumper.

When asked, my colleague honestly said it was just to be different and to be remembered. In a group of people all wearing suits and ties, he was actually the only one with a sweater.

I tend to adapt to social rules and I think that in special occasion you need a formal dress: that’s why I felt it was some kind of disrespect. The concept of looking good for work might be seen as conformist, but it also allows people to express themselves.

In fact, what you wear, how you communicate, and your body language can all impact the image others have of you.

Here are some reasons why I find it important dress professionally in your workplace:

1.To make a good first impression

Your appearance is the first thing others notice about you. Dressing professionally can help form a positive impression, especially for interviews and when meeting upper-level managers who make hiring and promotion decisions. The initial judgments about you can influence their long-term opinions.

2.To communicate that you take your job seriously

Dressing professionally shows that you are serious about the work, that you spend time and effort on your appearance, that you care. It helps others see you as someone to respect and take into consideration. If you look good in the workplace, people will know that you take the time to produce things to a high standard.

3.To represent your company

As a member of your organization, you are a representative of the company to the public. Dressing professionally helps you present a positive, professional image of your organization to others. You are a company ambassador.

4.To give you confidence

Dressing professionally can help you feel confident to take on new challenges, meet new people and progress in your career. You can control how you present yourself, and use it to your advantage. When you dress in clothes that you feel good in, you’ll boost your confidence and feel more capable in your job.

5.To help you feel part of the team

Dressing professionally can help you feel like you belong with your peers and supervisors. Your colleagues may include you in important discussions and projects if you appear professional and committed.

6.To enhance your credibility

When you look professional, people respond more positively to you, and trust you. You will get more more credibility with coworkers, managers, and clients.

If you are one of the persons who decided to dress professionally at work like I do, here are a few easy tips to improve your workplace look:

1.Respect your company’s rules

Every company has a different set of rules and policies, if it has a dress code policy you need to respect it.

2.Dress one level above your position

Most professionals should dress for one level higher than their current position. For example, an entry-level employee may dress appropriately for an intermediate level position. Middle managers may dress in line with directors.

3.Show your personality

Your clothing can be a way to show your unique personality. You can differentiate yourself through colors, patterns and accessories. This can be especially important in creative professions, like design.

4.Plan appropriately for casual days and events

Make careful selections also for these days, to show a professional image. Even in casual environments, there are occasions when you might need to dress more formally, like networking events, meetings with clients or company executives and job interviews.

Yet, I must admit that my colleague, despite wearing the sweater and cotton trousers, or maybe — who knows, just because of it, got promoted earlier than expected, and his career is improving every day.

Is it because of his personality? Or is it because he is good at his work? Or is it the sweater? What worked for him?

I don’t know, I decided I will find out, but I have just remembered my pair of vintage orange shoes that go well with all my black office dresses, I think I will wear them soon, and see if they work, too!

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