Workplaces today are going one of two directions. Either they’re completely regulating dress by implementing a stringent dress code to keep you in business attire. Or, they’re moving in the direction of what has become an increasingly casual environment. And while most of us prefer the ladder in lieu of the former, a casual dress code comes with its own set of issues, namely dressing for advancement. How can you stand out in a crowd at a casually dressed company when everyone around you is wearing jeans and t-shirts?
Under 30 CEO gives us all some great tips in “4 Ways to Dress for Success in an Increasingly Casual Environment.” They advocate things like dressing like superiors instead of peers, and wearing statement pieces because, hell, you can!
An increasingly casual environment doesn’t mean you get to wear jeans and a t-shirt every day. What it really means is having more freedom to express your personality in the way you dress. Rather than that black pencil skirt, go ahead and buy the lavender. Instead of wearing your hair in a bun, try it curly and long. Ditch the heels for some statement oxfords. But still work hard to look put together, stylish, and savvy. To determine your own savvy stylish wardrobe musts, check out one of our previous posts, “Creating Your Own Personal Style.”
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
And in a very, very casual workplace, dress how your superiors dress when they meet clients.