A guide to looking professional without losing your personal style!
In what felt like both a blink of an eye and the longest four years of my life, I’ve finally reached the last few weeks of my undergraduate degree. While graduation brings up mixed emotions, I’m excited about the future, and all the new opportunities ahead.
As I step into more professional environments, it’s important that my wardrobe is making that transition with me. After all, the way you dress says a lot about you and it’s important to appear professional, trustworthy and competent. That said, professional attire can feel dull at times. As you rotate through pair after pair of trousers and button-down shirts, it can be easy to lose your personal sense of style.
So, how do we maintain professionalism, without losing our individuality?
- Assess What You Already Own
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Many of the pieces that you already own can easily pass as professional attire. The key is to understand what you have and determine how you can use it in a new environment. For instance, the button up you bought to wear with jeans can easily be worn with a pair of trousers too! Try to find pieces that are multi-functional, this way, each piece gets used more often and you’re not buying a completely new wardrobe.
- Understand Different Dress Codes
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The way you dress may differ depending on your work environment. By understanding different dress codes, you’re able to navigate the boundaries, while still expressing creativity and professionalism.
− Business Casual: Blouses, trousers, midi skirts, loafers.
– Business Formal: Blazers, structured dresses, heels, or polished flats.
– Creative/Startup Workplaces: Stylish blouses, jeans, sneakers.
– Remote Work: Polished loungewear, clean and simple tops for video calls.
When in doubt, it’s easier to over-dress for the first few days and then adapt your wardrobe to whatever seems appropriate.
- Invest in Staples
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This part of the process doesn’t need to happen overnight. Take the time to find versatile pieces that you really love. Focus on quality and durability, so that whatever you buy is able to last long within your wardrobe. Also, choose pieces that align with your personal style. If you’re someone who loves bold colours, opt for a vibrant coloured blazer instead of a traditional black one. This way, you can keep professional silhouettes whilst staying true to you.
Transitioning your wardrobe doesn’t mean having to lose your personal style- it’s about elevating it. Focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to show your personality through accessories and color choices. Your work wardrobe should empower you feel confident and comfortable, so you can focus on achieving your goals!