Making the Best Impression at Work

Finnegan Pierson

Your level of professionalism at work can take you to new heights and present you new opportunities, and your behavior, level of initiative and even your physical presentation can influence how you are perceived. If you have ever gotten the raised eyebrow or side-eye at your ensemble, it is about time that you step up your game at work with your wardrobe and be taken seriously. Consider these tips on making your best impression with your look to get a leg up on your career trajectory.

Pairing the Right Accessories

An area that often does not get enough attention is accessories. While these are often smaller pieces, they make big style statements. Whether you are looking to refine a professional look with chic watches, smart belts or attractive wallets, these are the final touches that truly bring your appearance together. Not only can they embellish your outfit, but they also signal a level of detail orientation that is an important quality in many roles.

Choosing Pants and Fit

Many people may feel confident in their choices of pants, but really be getting it all wrong. Pants should fit snugly at the hips without too much tightness, sagging or discomfort. Whether your office is a bit more casual and you can opt for jeans or it leans to a more formal dress code and you need slacks, there are great options that are comfortable for all levels of formality. It is important to assess what fabrics offer the level of breathability, comfort and formality that you need when assessing your pant choices.

Searching for the Right Top

You should complement a fitted pair of pants with a sharp shirt option that gives you confidence. You need to be comfortable in your own clothes so that they can offer you a sense of confidence. Consider trying different layers if you are concerned about hiding areas of your body that concern you, and this offers the benefit of giving you extra layers for a cooler office.

Selecting Shoes

Footwear can feel like a tricky department, as comfort may be the most important quality for you. While there are certainly uncomfortable dress shoes, comfort and style are not mutually exclusive. Some options look smart and still offer a sense of style and formality. It is also important to note that not all jobs require dress shoes, and there are many more comfortable styles like loafers and leather sneakers that can add to your look instead of your worn out, old sneakers that will certainly detract from your chic look.

Grooming to Perfection

Grooming is a key area that many men may not realize plays into their level of office professionalism. While general hygiene practices tend to be obvious for many, your colleagues will be sure to take you seriously if you make sure that your grooming is at peak performance. Making sure that your look is fully tailored to success from head to toe will be key.

Understanding Style

Men’s looks are not limited to shirts, pants and shoes. While accessories can give added flair, there are options to create a wardrobe that truly showcases a personal sense of style. There are interesting ways to both embrace the office dress code and show off your own style that will be sure to catch the eye of all of those you work with.

Deciphering Dress Codes

Knowing what to wear at work can be a big question for many professionals. Each office culture will have a different dress code that employees need to abide by. From casual to business formal, these looks vary significantly and will require different pieces from your wardrobe to fit in. While your office may air on a more casual side, it is still important to have a well-tailored business formal suit to ensure that you are ready for whatever professional occasions that you may encounter.

Dressing for success can set you up to be taken seriously at work, offering you opportunities to grow and thrive at work. When selecting a look, make sure that you consider all details, from head to toe, to establish a look that truly is you.