Did you know that when wearing red athletes can lift heavier weights than when wearing blue? No worries, we didn’t either. But it shows that the way we dress affects our performance and self-esteem dramatically. Likewise, what we wear to work can improve or decrease our performance.
‘Dress for success’ is not just a phrase. We’re sure that you’ve noticed a boost in your confidence and productivity when you’re wearing something special for work. A blazer and a pencil skirt make us sit taller, speak louder and feel more important. The best part about this is that you’re not the only one to experience this change in work attitude – your colleagues and boss notice as well. The least you’ll receive is a compliment but, who knows, a promotion might follow as well!
There’s also a deeper meaning to dressing up like a CEO even if you’re onlyin an intern position. Scientific American studies prove that formal outfits lead to higher abstract thinking and better productivity, which certainly won’t hurt when you need to come up with a great strategy or a new outstanding project for your company.
But what exactly do we mean when we say you’re not just ‘dressed’ for work but actually ‘dressed up’? Gone are the times when every professional, no matter his or her industry, simply put on a suit each morning. Today we have so many options to choose from and with office dress-code becoming less strict it’s very easy to get confused. Without going into too much detail, here are a few general outfit rules that will help you to succeed in business:
- If you’re dealing with client’s money, dress a bit more conservatively and traditionally. That increases their trust! This rule stretches to financial officers, lawyers and accountants.
- If nothing special is planned for the day but you’re still aiming to perform well, while feeling confident and relaxed, opt for crisp sharp lines with well-ironed trousers or denim, a well-fitted T-shirt or blouse, preferably in one colour – colourful patterns will distract both you and your colleagues – and elegant shoes.
- In an office with a stricter dress-code, break the boredom of traditional business attire with unexpected cuts and bright colours. For example, instead of a traditional pencil skirt, wear your blouse with a black bell-shaped or draped skirt. Or pick a business suit in a red, green or on-trend ‘millennial pink’ colour. Experimenting with colours is a great way to boost confidence, by the way. For example, did you know how awesome a yellow pencil skirt looks with a baby blue blouse? A little twist to a traditional outfit makes you stand out from the crowd while still following the rules.
- Business dresses are always a win! They make you look like a boss no matter the actual position 🙂
P.S. And vice versa, dressing down is one of the most crucial mistakes you might make while networking as a current employee of the company or when making a first impression in a new company. So, no casual clothing at a job interview next time!
