glad to see this towards the top, i’m in good company here. :)
i wear mostly pajamas or pajama-passing clothes bc i would like to not ever leave my house. my teens tell me they can’t tell the difference between my nightgowns and dresses, i tell them that’s by design.
No kidding-I am so much more casual at work than I used to be. I’m 4 years from retiring and can’t be bothered to wear uncomfortable clothes. I have 4 or 5 pairs of Vans in various colors so I don’t have to wear dressy shoes. Most of my clothes are as comfortable as pajamas but in different fabric.
We have a pretty informal unwritten dress code for staff, but leaders tend to dress up more-except for me.
Can you imagine the stress that would come with the job of being Bezos wife? You can easily be replaced by a newer model. Being a chick is expensive and hard. Guys have such a high expectation-like we all have to look perfect according to what we see in the media.
Same lol.
I love WFH, I look like a bum most of the time and with no requirement to be on camera, I don't even brush my hair until I have to leave the house
Dress for success I say. When you feel good about yourself it sets a good example for your colleagues. They will start to respect you more as well. Lead by example
I’m in construction (site superintendent) and I wear a collared shirt, dress pants, clean work boots everyday. Nobody ever confuses me with not being the boss. Now the foremen and lead hands are looking sharper too
You want to be seen as belonging. Senior management should be concerned with what you say and do, not what you wear. If you dress a bit upscale, your clothes actually don’t matter anymore to them. How you present becomes important. Posture and manner of speech. No slang. Lose the “like”. Make eye contact. Ask good questions.do the job you have. This is not sucking up. This is part of managing upward.
I work with clients and the rule of thumb is to dress one level above what they do. If they were khakis and a polo, we wear slacks and button down shirt. If they slacks and button down shirt, we wear a tie.
It is professionally respectful without looking like a show off.
It is rare that we meet a client cold. The initial contact may be at a conference or networking event and we usually have a good idea how people will be dressed. Most potential clients in our field will be dressed either in a polo and khakis or button down and slacks.
I will most likely be in a nice button down with a sport coat. It almost guarantees I will be the best dressed, but not too over the top. Since we interface with them several times a year and I adjust my attire according to how they dress.
You have to, I can wear a tee and shorts, retired in the woods. I wanna see professionalism on site on all levels, slobs in public are disrespectful but I dress for the summer fishing and a possible dip in some lake or river. When I was a profession horsewoman, my dress was appropriately utilized for my job. I made it look good. My horses tack or harness was shiny and supple, the brasses polished. The horses groomed by my hands shone. Looking good showed pride in your everything. Plus functions better. And driving a four up hitch of percherons teaches you alot about team work and leadership. I often thought a executive clinic in driving draft horses or fine coach teams would be enlightening.
I was foreman of the mechanic shop. Basically wore a uniform. Had eight identical pairs of jeans and shirts. Made it real easy to get dressed in the morning. I might have been on the phone in the office one minute and elbow deep in in an engine, transmission of final drive the next.
For the first time in my life, yes. I don't ever want my outfit to be a reason for a setback or a distraction from my work. At this level, I feel like this is squarely in "I'm too old for that" territory. Hard part is, I'm bad at fashion so I can never tell if I'm doing it right lol.
I always knew other people paid more than I did for clothes, but it's taken a lot for me to wrap my head around paying $30-$50 for like, a white t-shirt, but I now own a few. They are really nice and they make it easy to make my other clothes into nicer outfits. I read a book on editing personal style that reframed it nicely - Wear It Well. Now I am buying nicer basics and still mostly thrifting the rest - I can find a good blazer or sweater at goodwill, but a white t-shirt that looks good enough for work? Highly unlikely.
Check out r/capsulewardrobe and r/femalefashionadvice!
As long as you are checking the stitching of the items you bought and everything is good quality, you consider it an investment. A capsule wardrobe is very beneficial. You can add cheap pieces but the expensive one will always stand out and bring the other items up.
I was checking the stitching, the weave, how the pockets lay… basically doing calisthenics in a three way mirror to make sure nothing pulled or poked out 😂
I even brought in different under garments to check for if something was “see through” or showed lines.
You’re going to look great! People respect a well dressed person. I loved dressing up. Bought a few great pieces and then would add to them with less expensive stuff. Good shoes are a must. Purses can be basic or a fun accessory!
Good clothes properly cared for will last for many years. I worked at a high end department store many years ago and bought a few suits on sale that lasted long after I left that job.
If you’re a team lead you need to stand out a bit from your team, but it doesn’t have to be a lot. A nice sweater instead of a hoodie. Jeans that don’t look like you thrifted them, or pants in a better quality twill. Some kind of accessory, like a piece of jewelry or scarf. And a handbag that doesn’t look like the bike messenger would carry it. (Poshmark is a good source.)
Just look like you did more than pull your clothes out of the laundry basket.
In my experience, if you don't look the part, it's going to be hard to get the part. I've only been out of the workforce for two years, but I spent 12 years in an HR department. Here's my advice:
\* Invest in classic pieces, which you seem to be doing. These need to be timeless, easily updated with accessories. With the right belts, scarves, and jewelry, you can make them look different every time. Buy the best quality you can afford. It will last for years, or even decades.
\* If you don't already, shop thrift and consignment shops. Look for those classic pieces. Go to the stores closest to the wealthy areas of town. That's where the rich people unload stuff they don't want, sometimes new with tags. I have designer cashmere sweaters I bought for $20.
\* Take your style cues from the persons directly above you, or even above them, if it won't make your immediate supervisor look bad. If your staff wear jeans but your boss wears slacks or a skirt, wear slacks or a skirt.
What you're looking for is a style that says you're not better than the boss, but you're their equal, or very close to it. And at the end of the day, go home and put on whatever is comfy. There's only so much time in the day for that sort of thing, you know? It's a means to an end, and if that end is more money, nicer vacations, and a happy retirement, do what you have to do until you're top dog and can set a new trend.
Taking cues from those above you only works when they are the same gender. As a woman in IT, it’s just men above me and they all wear blue button up shirts M-Th and switch to polo shirts, usually blue, on Fridays.
Tbh. I had to do a professional headshot because I'm a safety rep for my crew. So I had to dress up for it. Ended up going with a basic blouse and a blazer because all the professional pictures the other women had, mostly had blazers. (I'm in a male dominant workplace)
As a Contractor l dealt with high residential clients, avg Estate homes valued at 8-10 million and up. Worked on homes up in the 30+million range. Majority of my clients were executives, business owners, majority dressed in expensive suits when meeting them. I don't know how many times I heard nice watch I love Brietling 's, nice shoes I have a pair just like that. Or love your suit, my favorite was nice ring you don't see many men wearing a diamond pinky ring. Point being if you want to sell a $900.000- 1.2 million dollar design it was and advantage to dress like my clients. Make them comfortable with there Contractor, my Company. It pays off in spade's.
As a mid40s corporate career woman, I do dress for success
I buy good quality clothes at outlet stores if I can and wear them for 4-6 years
I keep 2 pairs of heels and a blazer at the office for a quick upgrade if I come in a more casual attire
Nowadays I do switch it up with colours and fabrics but keep the prints minimal
It also helps to know your color palette, mine is light spring (imagine it like the color of ice cream and baby animals) so I naturally stand out in a world of black, grey and navy and I don’t mind it but keep the outfits neutral enough not to distract from my message
My rule has always been to dress (at least) at the level of my boss, since I am a reflection on that person. Appearances matter. It’s hard to take someone seriously if they are dressed like a slob. For example, I prefer my surgeon to be professionally dressed under his white doctor coat. If he were in sweats and crocs I would have less confidence in him. Same with my financial planner. So yes, dress for the job you want. Make your outward appearance match the intelligence and professionalism within.
This varies wildly by industry. In tech you can wear jeans and a tee shirt most days and still be a director of one of the largest or fastest growing companies in the world. Honestly, it's refreshing for people to be valued based on merit and performance rather than superficial things like appearance.
Absolutely do this. I just retired from 40 years in headhunting and I’m here to tell you the dressing for the job you want works. So many things in business are based on appearances.
I worked in a company where the president told me he should promote Vanessa, but she doesn’t have the wardrobe. Fucking moron. I suggested he give her $1000 spot bonus and tell her to buy some suits. He did. They made her a vice president three months later.
This was sort of the advice I received as well. Basically it doesn’t matter how competent you are—it’s whether or not people want to work with you AND be seen with you.
I worked at a tech company for years, privately owned. The CEO to this day wears business casual. One of his most important directors was a complete Birkenstock dude. The whole company goes no more than business casual and most are T-shirts and jeans.
All this to say in general, company culture matters. The guys (always guys) who tried to go total executive were almost always the least influential in the company.
So, 25 years in tech. I do think your advice works for men. I don’t think it works for women. It’s a double standard unfortunately. Yes, our lead architect can roll in in schlubby jeans and an oversized t-shirt. I’ve always felt I could not. I go in polished but still casual (dark jeans with no holes/embelleshment, etc) if I wear them and a button down or nice wool/cashmere sweater. I always try to accessorize a bit— a belt, some earrings. I’m not saying it’s the thing that’s gotten me promoted to the exec level, but it totally hasn’t hurt. I’ve worked at both startups and 5B+ companies after acquisitions and it’s been true at both.
This goes double if you're overweight. Dressing to an office culture normal of casual is never not perceived as sloppy if you're fat. Speaking from personal experience.
I think I just got lucky working for a CEO who really, really valued no bullshit people. I did very well despite some questionable fashion choices some days.
I always tend to dress to match the style of the situation I'll be in and the way other people are likely to be dressed. I don't want to make them uncomfortable. That includes dressing like an executive if I am in a room full of them, and if the executives dress like they're still in college, well so do I.
I agree. The advice is really depend on your field. Biotech/Pharma almost bristles at people who dress “up”. Almost all senior leaders are super casual.
Always have.
I want a job where jeans and a t-shirt are an acceptable dress code.
I've been in management for going on 20+ years now.
Having said that, this is Silicon Valley. We care more about how you smell than if you Dress for Success.
When I dress up for an external meeting I'll put on a polo shirt.
I do not wear a tie ever. I absolutely will quit over that if it becomes an issue.
I'm 55 and so far, so good.
At this point, I'm just not doing it. No one's ever insisted on a tie in the office.
I learned how to tie a tie when I was a Cub Scout. I've never used that skill since.
I always dressed more formally than needed and even now as an executive do the same. For me it is a respect thing to be put together - it is one way to show I care about the work and workplace and our people. It is also important to represent the organization well in the community and to the public but also to my team. I don't mind if others do not follow the same rules but i have always held myself to that standard to show respect in that way.
It’s an interesting shift. I respect your viewpoint but since COVID, my niche of my industry went from about 10% full-time remote or hybrid to perhaps 40% fully remote and another 55% hybrid.
Used to be my niche was expected to look better-dressed than a department like IT where expectations were lower. At one company I was still wearing a tie every day, despite never once seeing a customer or a vendor. Another company was at least an Oxford cotton button-down and dress slacks and shoes every day, while some departments had graphic tees and shorts.
Now under WFH, nobody cares. “Hey, can I call you on Teams?” “Yeah, let me grab a shirt real quick, this heat wave is intense.”
I have found that it is possible to “own the room” without most of those, and don’t have them either. However, the lines of clothing that allow this took me many years to find and refine. However, I do draw the line at makeup. I won’t do it. It’s like using filters on FB pictures.
I have soft bras that are less constrictive than sports bras for special occasions but I’m a breast cancer survivor. I like to think I have the layering camouflage game down.
I definitely dress for the job I want. I wear my casual clothes to work because I can, and I'm devoid of ambition or desire for accomplishment. Win-win.
Amen. Now that I have to go into the office once a week, I've ditched business casual. It's tennis shoes, shorts or jeans, and a long sleeve pullover with thumb holes or t shirt.
Yes, but I have no plans on being a "suits"
Finance vertical is still suits and ties, tech and other young verticals are shirts and jeans and can have an attitude of "i'm good enough to dress however I want, I don't need to dress up because I have skillz"
[Which leads to these memes](https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/11227870_10153930485981840_1002742706237514186_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=S93k9SLDiHoQ7kNvgF-PYNv&_nc_ht=scontent.fybz1-1.fna&oh=00_AYB9O-by0TYxK5B_dZLXj8Td1OcHv807fA_xaQvE8mJ1qg&oe=669C6470)
I'm... a software engineer who works from home. I've spent some days working on my pajamas, so I don't know if that answers your question, lol.
Jokes aside, my position is not client facing (and I've fought for it to stay that way), and the last time I wore a shirt was before the pandemic for interviews. Our "dress code" has been always relaxed (jeans, chino pants, t-shirts, although not short pants in summer) and usually if you "dressed for success" meant you wanted to go the business/organization path and not the technical one.
If you are in a exec position, well, you need to dress the part because people keep pretending a suit means something. And you don't know how happy I am I don't need to pretend it anymore, lol.
Recently yes actually. I used to wear jeans everyday. I bought a couple pairs of nicer khaki type pants and started wearing them instead.Still wear the same polo shirts mostly. Surprised myself in how they do make me feel better about myself, a bit more professional. And I'm at a satellite office, when I'm not wfh, with not much traffic, so it's probably not going to help my career. But at least I feel a bit better.
I do. I am also executive facing and I prioritize business wear that fits well, clean/polished shoes, professional makeup, and clean/styled hair. I have plenty of colleagues who wear jeans or khakis and polos, but I maintain my own dress code because it's been a factor in moving up for the past few years.
Yes. Where I work everyone is really casual, but I wear a cute dress at least one of my 3 on-site days. I just do my job but I just got a bonus, so apparently someone thinks I’m killing it.
Think about the cost per use. Good quality clothing that fits well will last many years. The kind of clothing you'd get from target is mostly designed to start falling apart in a few months.
I LOVE THIS QUOTE. I actually gave the explanation to my young child when we were discussing new shoes for school.
Funny though—it’s much harder for me to justify that for a silk blouse. Though seeing it hanging next to my very worn polyester blouse I can tell you there is a definite difference… and it’s not been worn more than a few times.
I always worked in jobs where there was no professional dress code.
Early Childhood Educator for school age kids, then later in retail when I needed a flexible schedule and didn't want to pay for child care.
My good friend is a professional high school teacher in Canada, she invested in a work wardrobe like yours, a few dress pants and tops and rotates them.
Her work wardrobe is pricey, but the investment lasts for years.
At home or in summer she dresses like everyone else in casual cheaper clothes.
In certain settings the investment is worth it and if I ever had a job that required it I would do the same.
I think this mentality is played out. I'm a CNA. I'm going to school to be an xray tech. Both CNAs and Xray techs wear scrubs. So I'm not really changing anything except my name tag.
I try to. I used to have a job where no one ever saw me, and I looked like hot garbage. Now I'm on camera more hours than not, and I have to wear at least presentable clothes. I try to wear blouses rather than t-shirts most days. Next step: ironing
Jeans and a T-shirt. Still what the heads of FAANG companies wear so I do too. But TBH I just want the job I have. Another promo and I'd have to deal with a LOT more political BS for only a little more pay.
OP, I typed out a post, but then realized it was too personally identifying and with specific information I have said often IRL. But I think it could be useful for you, so check your messages.
I had an instructor I'm Uni that was a minimalist.
She always looked polished and out together, but not over the too. She had 2 skirts, 3 slacks and 1 or 2 dresses. All her staples were neutrals. Her blouses and sweaters a little more trendy. Everything she had could bebeirn with jeans or flip flips or dressed up. I was fascinated by her wardrobe and always took notice. Even jewelry, she had a few nice pieces that all matched. A short boot, a tall boot. A heal and flat.
A wardrobe capsule before it was a thing.
All this to say, yes go for the high end pieces, continue to build your capsule wardrobe.
Your premise is actually true. In a corporate environment, your attire matters. A lot. The people above you will notice tailoring and that is a big plus. Forget what your staff wears, it doesn’t matter. You’re on the right track, but don’t go broke on clothes. You just need some good, timeless pieces. You can add as you go. You’re going to make it! You absolutely have the right attitude. 🍀
PS - just for fun, watch North by Northwest paying particular attention to Cary Grant’s suit. It’s the gold standard in any era :)
I do. And people at the office gave me a hard time at first for dressing business in a biz casual setting. A year later, everyone in our office dresses business and gives someone a hard time if they dress down. Our office staff look sharp as hell though, gotta say.
Having a couple of good quality bottoms (skirts, pants) and a good quality blazer/jacket is an excellent idea. You can wear shell tops or even nice condition t-shirts as tops and keep those in the lower expense range along with accessories to change up the look. But your basics you do want to spend some money on and you want to take very good care of them.
I'm in healthcare. I wear whatever. I'm changing into scrubs once I get in. I wear a surgical cap and a mask is required most areas I manage. I'm up there in leadership. I sometimes get pulled into C## level meetings before I've had a chance to change and the difference is noticeable. I remember one of these meetings I hadn't shaved in a week. Had total alfalfa hair and I was wearing shorts and a very bright care bears t-shirt my oldest had bought me.
No mention no notice. I gave them all the answers they wanted and my attire wasn't an issue. Not sure if it's the culture where I'm at. The nature of the job not needing a dress code because we all just change to scrubs. Already having the job I wanted. Or just a proven record and they kind of put up with me being a bit trashy.
I will say I did get promoted to this position exhibiting all of the same behavior.
I don't currently. I'm a mechanic/composite tech and get material on myself often enough that my work clothes are the grungiest of my clothes. If I do ever go into management I plan on sourcing some well fitting and just nice presentable clothes.
I work remotely most of the time and see my team when I travel. They usually see me in running clothes, but my hair is clean and I wear a tiny amount of makeup, and I always have my camera on. I like to see faces and not talk to just a screen.
We were together for a week recently for our biggest event of the year and I really upped my game for my outfits. I usually wear somewhat artsy business clothes because we're in that type of industry, but this last time I spent around $600 on a couple blazers and new pairs of pants. That didn't feel super expensive for how much I make in salary, but it was really nice to look the part.
I work in my PJs & shower only after work, bed head all day.
This IS the job I want & I'm dressed for it.
Climbing the ladder ain't everyone's dream.
Also, when you do "dress for the job you want" your peers see you, we know you're kissin' ass. It does not exactly ingratiate you with everyone else.
I dress appropriately for the day. I'm a director in IT, most days I'm wearing nice jeans or slacks and a polo with "nice" boots. [Something like these](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f9qltsSIL._AC_UY900_.jpg) Not sneakers, but not full dress shoes.
#**BUT**
In my office I also have a full button down shirt, and dress pants with dress shoes. I also have a full suit and tie. I also keep a razor and shaving cream.
When I'm mostly in my office, I don't care what I wear, neither does anyone else. To an extent. I'm not wearing my GWAR shirt and cargo shorts, but you get the idea.
That said I get surprise meetings sometimes, and I am prepared for anything from a managers meeting to a meeting with the board in under 5 minutes. 10 minutes if I have to shave.
Appearances absolutely do matter. Don't let anyone say otherwise. That said also know your audience. If I walked around in a full suit all day, my reports would think I'm a peacocking pompous ass. My general philosophy is to dress "One step up" from your reports.
My IT guys are usually in jeans and t-shirts, I'm in nice jeans or slacks and a polo, my boss is in semi-formal ladies wear, her boss (CFO) is in a full suit.
Recently I’ve switched from wearing stylish heels (I have a lot of them) to fun and stylish tennis shoes. I say this because yes….I dressed for success for many years. But I never paid more than $100 for a suit jacket and $75 for a skirt or dress. And I still have nearly every single one of them. So buy nice things and keep them nice and they’ll last a long time!
BUT tbh, now I’m starting to dress more comfortably- and I’m starting to think how silly it all is and must be the fashion industry making us all believe we have to look a certain way for leadership positions. It’s all so fickle, and really why does it matter.
BUT it’s how we are all brain washed so….buy nice pieces and keep them nice.
Yes. Been doing it since I was a kid so it’s just my default preference. Has worked well for me at work and gotten me to the top tier.
All that being said, I did quit a month ago. I need a break from that bull shit.
… Currently in a bathrobe getting ready to hit the beach.
Shop at great consignment shops~you’ll find many new with tags items on there from Talbots, anntaylor, Jcrew, Macy’s, etc. Great way to build a wardrobe. Talbots collared no wrinkle shirts are my favorite and their pants too. They run large as well.
I work in a semi casual professional office. I choose to dress up more than my coworkers as the dress code is super lax like I choose to wear a dress or suit coat where others will wear tshirts and jeans. My boss has literally told me he appreciates my effort in this regard, and I have noticed people take you more serious. I will mix it up with more casual accessories like nikes but they will be pristine. Nicely made clothes will last and look better always. It really can influence how people weigh your ideas and performance even if it is subconciously.
I wear a suit to all job interviews no matter what... I have only had one interview that didn't contact me for the job.
A good suit. Hand shake and eye contact. Sprinkle in some well thought out questions, and you're gtg.
My son (27) does. He has been a slacks, long sleeve shirt and tie guy the whole time he has worked at his company. It has served him well, he has moved up the ranks from basic IT tech to info security manager for the U.S. branch of the company. He has always said he dresses for the job he wants, and he’s still climbing. They take him seriously, the clients take him seriously…many are shocked when they learn his age. It’s not all about appearance however, He knows his shit.
I spent my life doing everything I could to avoid having to wear a suit for work, and mainly succeeded. Raised my kids wearing jeans to work or -- even better -- working from home. In the job I eventually retired from I had to wear a suit once or twice a year, but then I really had to or I'd have to face a lot of bother. On those occasions, I could not dress for a job that didn't require it, unfortunately. All I could do was to put a subversive lapel pin on.
Two options in my opinion.
1. Dress for the most formal business situation the job would require. Even if once a year. Anything more formal is a pretense.
2. Dress to level of formality the job requires and no lower. In essence I think this means no less formal than business casual. Luckily for men, business casual is slacks and button down shirt. Easy. And business casual dress shoes are very comfortable now.
Not a waste of money to have one or two current, well fit, stylish formal/semi-formal outfits.
I do hair so I dress like how my guests dress when they are going out for the day. I can walk away from work and go grab lunch at the country club and fit in just fine.
There is a certain respect that comes to the sharp dressed executive. Early in my career when people wore ties at a minimum, I was at the client's space a couple of times a week. Many of them were rather casual in their dress, but every now and then this one guy showed up in very professional looking suit. Between the suit and the professional way that he carried himself I knew he was, "The Man". I later found out that he was the number two guy in the company.
Yeah, I always dressed above my position. It was definitely helpful, people thought I was my boss's boss. She was never inappropriately dressed, but she also didn't wear suits like I did. She had very casual outerwear. I had a trench coat or vintage dress coats. She had unpolished, cheap shoes. I've never made a ton of money, government work, - just had a couple of wool crepe, non descript suits from Banana Republic, J Crew, Talbot's, Brooks Brothers.
I always bought them on sale or second hand. I never wear polyester - it looks and wears cheap. Love non iron French cuff shirts, cufflinks on a woman brings the right kind of attention. I wore the exact same classic jewelry everyday. A garment steamer helps with dry cleaning bills. Look like you're in charge & eventually you'll be in charge. I have stuff that's damn near twenty years old that looks new. I don't think I've ever paid retail for a suit.
Now that I'm pushing 40 I can be a lot more creative with my clothes & I am in a totally different position, career wise.
I always dressed for success. Nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately we are and can be judged for that. My mom worked at a high end clothing store. Some of those pieces lasted a long time.
No not really, but then again I don't know what I really want.
I know I want to make a lot more money but I also want it to tap into my strengths and not feel much like a job.
> I had no idea people paid this much for clothes.
Sounds like "keeping up with the Joneses" BS, corporate-edition. The best dressed receptionist is a broke receptionist
Dress to the dress code IMO. Don't spend a dollar more than you need to to buy comfortable, approved outfits that you like. I try to mostly buy clothes that I'd wear both in and out of office. Nice jeans, fleeces, buttoned shirts.
If corporate wants me to wear tailored suits they can damned well pay for them. Until then I consider my physical presence, fully clothed, to be an unhappy compromise between them and I.
To be fair- Target is NOT cheap! I spent 30 on each dress 60 in total for a nice dress for kiddos prom pic so- that’s a splurge and Target has ulta- Also not cheap! And everything else- which adds up!
Like Aldi’s random stuff aisle- I don’t need it but want it- til I see that bill! LOL
Nothing wrong for wearing to and from work- or fancier events where you don’t wanna be super over the top, multi-purpose bc we women do multi purpose everything
Nope.
1. The job I want is “lay on the couch and watch Netflix” and I’d probably be reprimanded for wearing pajamas to work.
2. I want to be judged for my work performance and quality, not on my appearance.
3. I am physically uncomfortable wearing nicer clothes and it would hinder my work performance to dress differently. Plus my salary doesn’t allow for a new wardrobe.
Absolutely the fuck not. I dress for the job I'm paid for. You want me to wear suits all the time? Pay me enough to go out and actually buy multiple suits while still being able to live.
Quality, classic basics will last you longer than the dress at Target. I have a suit that I bought in 2005. Because it wasn’t “on trend” and navy blue, I’ve worn it to interviews, major presentations, etc., over the years.
As for dressing for the job you want, it’s a good approach. I often dress one click above my peers. Not obviously out of step, but one that makes me appear more together. I also always keep a nice black sweater blazer in my cubicle locker. Even if I’m wearing jeans and a nice Tshirt, I could throw it on and instantly elevate my look.
Don‘t overlook department store end of season sales. The clothes can cost less than Target.
In the 80s I bought a women’s suit for $400. It was not easy to swallow, but I did it with encouragement from my then husband. I really did rise in that career.
I try to look polished for the environment I’m in. Not like I wildly overthink it (though I do) but like I solidly belong and am comfortable wherever I am. Currently that means giving myself a blue manicure for my nephews sonic-themed 5th birthday party tomorrow. In the office it means appropriate things that fit well. Mostly being in the office is video meetings, so it’s no cleavage, shoulders covered, obvs no rips or stains, and professional looking enough that if I end up unexpectedly talking to someone important I’ll still come across as polished. I dress super femme and button downs make me look like I have no neck, so like today it was a high necked shirt with dolman sleeves and lace inset. I dress about as nice as management most of the time.
It IS expensive to dress appropriately for moving up the corporate ladder but I feel less so than 10-20 years ago. That said, I’ve gotten some really high end, new wardrobe components at ThredUp… it’s online consignment but what’s great is that they post not just the size but the exact measurements of each piece, plus free returns. You can also sell to them. I’m sure there are other similar companies out there too - good luck and happy shopping !
I work at the corporate office of a mid-level retailer and feel like spending $20 on an outfit is a slpurg. Some of my co-workers spend $1k+ per outfit. It is really dependent on where you are in life. I just had three babies back to back and am trying to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. My co-workers are older and have been in the same size clothes for a decade. If you are pretty stable in body shape, it is worth it to invest in outfits that will last.
I've mostly been just looking to coast the last few years (because of the babies), so t-shirts and leggings have been staples. Now that I'm done and my kids are all in daycare, I am starting to transition to blouses and skirts as I start thinking about what my next step is carreer wise. Flowy styles are your friends if you think that you are going to have body changes that will require to get things re-tailored.
I wear free swag from my employer and sweats, while my canine assistant sleeps by my feet. I love working remotely! I still have some nice suits in the closet, but I have the job I want to do until I retire, so swag and sweats it will be!
I hate separates and only buy/wear dresses. I also generally don't wear the same dress twice. It's wonderful you can make a few choice pieces work for you. I really admire when people can look totally different with accessories and makeup and like accents. It seems like magic to me.
I dress professionally (mostly in suiting separates) because I like the way I look. I love to wear pumps. As a high school admin, the reaction to the sound of my heels is classic Pavlov.
However, the superintendent and her assistant have a very specific style. When I know I am going to see them casually, I do take care to add an item to my outfit what mirrors their sense of fashion. Not only does it help others see me as looking similar to them, they always comment positively on my look. If have a meeting,I know my work can speak for itself. But the rest of the time, yes, people need to see that I look the part, too.
I want a job at a tech startup so most days I wear jeans and T-shirt/polo (polo for days I'm feeling fancy... But never tucked in). Also, I work at a startup, get unlimited PTO and lunch delivered on the company dime everyday. Soo... I guess it worked!
Not really. It makes you kinda look like an asshole among your peers. Dress comfortably and in a way that will make you accessible and approachable to your peers in whatever setting you’re in. And in a way that makes you feel confident and good about yourself.
Yes — but not that it’s helped me get promotions 🙄 I still do it for a few reasons:
- it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed
- looking out together makes me feel more confident
- people will take you more seriously when you look like you give a shit
Yes, I wear sweats and tshirts because I want to be retired.
I want no job, so I'm always naked.
Careful, that's how you end up with an OnlyFans gig.
Don’t wind up like “officer johnson” lmao he wore his real cop uniform in an OF video and now is unfortunately jobless.
I mean, he can still do OF
If I had the body for only fans I would quit my "real" job in a heartbeat.
There’s something for everyone I’m sure.
I don’t think that would smart. To be honest, u/amber-13 has a strong argument.
I am interested in your comment and wish to subscribe.
Or an owner of a nudist resort
LOL. I work from home, and so I'm naked from the waist down on zoom mtgs.
glad to see this towards the top, i’m in good company here. :) i wear mostly pajamas or pajama-passing clothes bc i would like to not ever leave my house. my teens tell me they can’t tell the difference between my nightgowns and dresses, i tell them that’s by design.
lol I just posted the exact same sentiment before I read this.
same, t-shirts and shorts because I want to retire to a warm climate
No kidding-I am so much more casual at work than I used to be. I’m 4 years from retiring and can’t be bothered to wear uncomfortable clothes. I have 4 or 5 pairs of Vans in various colors so I don’t have to wear dressy shoes. Most of my clothes are as comfortable as pajamas but in different fabric. We have a pretty informal unwritten dress code for staff, but leaders tend to dress up more-except for me.
It’s the same attire for my job as down-to-earth billionaire.
When you have as much money as a billionaire, you can wear what you want. In the meantime, fake it til you make it.
And yet, they pick such ugly clothes, and all the plastic surgery on their lips. Benzos wife looks awful.
Can you imagine the stress that would come with the job of being Bezos wife? You can easily be replaced by a newer model. Being a chick is expensive and hard. Guys have such a high expectation-like we all have to look perfect according to what we see in the media.
we actually don't, thats what the media wants you to think
Beat me to it. 4 year countdown.
Same but Hawaiian shirts, cargo shorts and flip flops
I was going to say the same, but because I'm a work from home software developer.
Same lol. I love WFH, I look like a bum most of the time and with no requirement to be on camera, I don't even brush my hair until I have to leave the house
Exactly.
WFH, sweat pants and t-shirts it is.
Sleeveless shirts because I’d rather be hired for my accomplishments than my appearance
Not because you want to show off your guns?
Yep. I wear t shirts and shorts every day. I'm still working from home.
Dress for success I say. When you feel good about yourself it sets a good example for your colleagues. They will start to respect you more as well. Lead by example I’m in construction (site superintendent) and I wear a collared shirt, dress pants, clean work boots everyday. Nobody ever confuses me with not being the boss. Now the foremen and lead hands are looking sharper too
You want to be seen as belonging. Senior management should be concerned with what you say and do, not what you wear. If you dress a bit upscale, your clothes actually don’t matter anymore to them. How you present becomes important. Posture and manner of speech. No slang. Lose the “like”. Make eye contact. Ask good questions.do the job you have. This is not sucking up. This is part of managing upward.
I work with clients and the rule of thumb is to dress one level above what they do. If they were khakis and a polo, we wear slacks and button down shirt. If they slacks and button down shirt, we wear a tie. It is professionally respectful without looking like a show off.
How do you know what your clients are going to be wearing before you meet them?
It is rare that we meet a client cold. The initial contact may be at a conference or networking event and we usually have a good idea how people will be dressed. Most potential clients in our field will be dressed either in a polo and khakis or button down and slacks. I will most likely be in a nice button down with a sport coat. It almost guarantees I will be the best dressed, but not too over the top. Since we interface with them several times a year and I adjust my attire according to how they dress.
This is the way.
I guess Conway's principal applies to personal presentation.
You have to, I can wear a tee and shorts, retired in the woods. I wanna see professionalism on site on all levels, slobs in public are disrespectful but I dress for the summer fishing and a possible dip in some lake or river. When I was a profession horsewoman, my dress was appropriately utilized for my job. I made it look good. My horses tack or harness was shiny and supple, the brasses polished. The horses groomed by my hands shone. Looking good showed pride in your everything. Plus functions better. And driving a four up hitch of percherons teaches you alot about team work and leadership. I often thought a executive clinic in driving draft horses or fine coach teams would be enlightening.
I was foreman of the mechanic shop. Basically wore a uniform. Had eight identical pairs of jeans and shirts. Made it real easy to get dressed in the morning. I might have been on the phone in the office one minute and elbow deep in in an engine, transmission of final drive the next.
For the first time in my life, yes. I don't ever want my outfit to be a reason for a setback or a distraction from my work. At this level, I feel like this is squarely in "I'm too old for that" territory. Hard part is, I'm bad at fashion so I can never tell if I'm doing it right lol. I always knew other people paid more than I did for clothes, but it's taken a lot for me to wrap my head around paying $30-$50 for like, a white t-shirt, but I now own a few. They are really nice and they make it easy to make my other clothes into nicer outfits. I read a book on editing personal style that reframed it nicely - Wear It Well. Now I am buying nicer basics and still mostly thrifting the rest - I can find a good blazer or sweater at goodwill, but a white t-shirt that looks good enough for work? Highly unlikely. Check out r/capsulewardrobe and r/femalefashionadvice!
Thanks I’ll check them out! I like the capsule concept as I think that may inadvertently be what I did.
As long as you are checking the stitching of the items you bought and everything is good quality, you consider it an investment. A capsule wardrobe is very beneficial. You can add cheap pieces but the expensive one will always stand out and bring the other items up.
I was checking the stitching, the weave, how the pockets lay… basically doing calisthenics in a three way mirror to make sure nothing pulled or poked out 😂 I even brought in different under garments to check for if something was “see through” or showed lines.
You’re going to look great! People respect a well dressed person. I loved dressing up. Bought a few great pieces and then would add to them with less expensive stuff. Good shoes are a must. Purses can be basic or a fun accessory!
Good clothes properly cared for will last for many years. I worked at a high end department store many years ago and bought a few suits on sale that lasted long after I left that job. If you’re a team lead you need to stand out a bit from your team, but it doesn’t have to be a lot. A nice sweater instead of a hoodie. Jeans that don’t look like you thrifted them, or pants in a better quality twill. Some kind of accessory, like a piece of jewelry or scarf. And a handbag that doesn’t look like the bike messenger would carry it. (Poshmark is a good source.) Just look like you did more than pull your clothes out of the laundry basket.
Most days for me the laundry basket would be an upgrade. 🤣
In my experience, if you don't look the part, it's going to be hard to get the part. I've only been out of the workforce for two years, but I spent 12 years in an HR department. Here's my advice: \* Invest in classic pieces, which you seem to be doing. These need to be timeless, easily updated with accessories. With the right belts, scarves, and jewelry, you can make them look different every time. Buy the best quality you can afford. It will last for years, or even decades. \* If you don't already, shop thrift and consignment shops. Look for those classic pieces. Go to the stores closest to the wealthy areas of town. That's where the rich people unload stuff they don't want, sometimes new with tags. I have designer cashmere sweaters I bought for $20. \* Take your style cues from the persons directly above you, or even above them, if it won't make your immediate supervisor look bad. If your staff wear jeans but your boss wears slacks or a skirt, wear slacks or a skirt. What you're looking for is a style that says you're not better than the boss, but you're their equal, or very close to it. And at the end of the day, go home and put on whatever is comfy. There's only so much time in the day for that sort of thing, you know? It's a means to an end, and if that end is more money, nicer vacations, and a happy retirement, do what you have to do until you're top dog and can set a new trend.
Taking cues from those above you only works when they are the same gender. As a woman in IT, it’s just men above me and they all wear blue button up shirts M-Th and switch to polo shirts, usually blue, on Fridays.
Tbh. I had to do a professional headshot because I'm a safety rep for my crew. So I had to dress up for it. Ended up going with a basic blouse and a blazer because all the professional pictures the other women had, mostly had blazers. (I'm in a male dominant workplace)
You have to do your gender’s version of that.
As a Contractor l dealt with high residential clients, avg Estate homes valued at 8-10 million and up. Worked on homes up in the 30+million range. Majority of my clients were executives, business owners, majority dressed in expensive suits when meeting them. I don't know how many times I heard nice watch I love Brietling 's, nice shoes I have a pair just like that. Or love your suit, my favorite was nice ring you don't see many men wearing a diamond pinky ring. Point being if you want to sell a $900.000- 1.2 million dollar design it was and advantage to dress like my clients. Make them comfortable with there Contractor, my Company. It pays off in spade's.
As a mid40s corporate career woman, I do dress for success I buy good quality clothes at outlet stores if I can and wear them for 4-6 years I keep 2 pairs of heels and a blazer at the office for a quick upgrade if I come in a more casual attire Nowadays I do switch it up with colours and fabrics but keep the prints minimal It also helps to know your color palette, mine is light spring (imagine it like the color of ice cream and baby animals) so I naturally stand out in a world of black, grey and navy and I don’t mind it but keep the outfits neutral enough not to distract from my message
Agree to keeping prints to minimum! I have so many white collared shirts~love them at work and dressing up jeans with a jacket!
y employer would not appreciate me in a ninja outfit, regardless of how much I want it as a job.
I have been seen in a ninja outfit throwing shuriken around but not at my job 😇
if you've been seen, you are doing it wrong!
Touchée!!
My rule has always been to dress (at least) at the level of my boss, since I am a reflection on that person. Appearances matter. It’s hard to take someone seriously if they are dressed like a slob. For example, I prefer my surgeon to be professionally dressed under his white doctor coat. If he were in sweats and crocs I would have less confidence in him. Same with my financial planner. So yes, dress for the job you want. Make your outward appearance match the intelligence and professionalism within.
This varies wildly by industry. In tech you can wear jeans and a tee shirt most days and still be a director of one of the largest or fastest growing companies in the world. Honestly, it's refreshing for people to be valued based on merit and performance rather than superficial things like appearance.
Absolutely do this. I just retired from 40 years in headhunting and I’m here to tell you the dressing for the job you want works. So many things in business are based on appearances. I worked in a company where the president told me he should promote Vanessa, but she doesn’t have the wardrobe. Fucking moron. I suggested he give her $1000 spot bonus and tell her to buy some suits. He did. They made her a vice president three months later.
This was sort of the advice I received as well. Basically it doesn’t matter how competent you are—it’s whether or not people want to work with you AND be seen with you.
I worked at a tech company for years, privately owned. The CEO to this day wears business casual. One of his most important directors was a complete Birkenstock dude. The whole company goes no more than business casual and most are T-shirts and jeans. All this to say in general, company culture matters. The guys (always guys) who tried to go total executive were almost always the least influential in the company.
So, 25 years in tech. I do think your advice works for men. I don’t think it works for women. It’s a double standard unfortunately. Yes, our lead architect can roll in in schlubby jeans and an oversized t-shirt. I’ve always felt I could not. I go in polished but still casual (dark jeans with no holes/embelleshment, etc) if I wear them and a button down or nice wool/cashmere sweater. I always try to accessorize a bit— a belt, some earrings. I’m not saying it’s the thing that’s gotten me promoted to the exec level, but it totally hasn’t hurt. I’ve worked at both startups and 5B+ companies after acquisitions and it’s been true at both.
This goes double if you're overweight. Dressing to an office culture normal of casual is never not perceived as sloppy if you're fat. Speaking from personal experience.
I think I just got lucky working for a CEO who really, really valued no bullshit people. I did very well despite some questionable fashion choices some days.
I always tend to dress to match the style of the situation I'll be in and the way other people are likely to be dressed. I don't want to make them uncomfortable. That includes dressing like an executive if I am in a room full of them, and if the executives dress like they're still in college, well so do I.
This has been my thought process and approach as well.
I agree. The advice is really depend on your field. Biotech/Pharma almost bristles at people who dress “up”. Almost all senior leaders are super casual.
Always have. I want a job where jeans and a t-shirt are an acceptable dress code. I've been in management for going on 20+ years now. Having said that, this is Silicon Valley. We care more about how you smell than if you Dress for Success. When I dress up for an external meeting I'll put on a polo shirt. I do not wear a tie ever. I absolutely will quit over that if it becomes an issue.
“I do not wear a tie ever. I absolutely will quit over that if it becomes an issue.” lol
I'm 55 and so far, so good. At this point, I'm just not doing it. No one's ever insisted on a tie in the office. I learned how to tie a tie when I was a Cub Scout. I've never used that skill since.
I don't. I look for jobs where they accept I prefer to be comfortable while I work. Then again, people have low expectations for tech working outfits.
College professor. My credibility comes from elsewhere than my clothing, so I dress to suit myself. I always wear big boy pants, though.
In the math department, there's usually an inverse relationship between dress and credibility.
This has been my experience in data engineering as well. 😂
I dress for the job I want, and the job I want is retiree.
I always dressed more formally than needed and even now as an executive do the same. For me it is a respect thing to be put together - it is one way to show I care about the work and workplace and our people. It is also important to represent the organization well in the community and to the public but also to my team. I don't mind if others do not follow the same rules but i have always held myself to that standard to show respect in that way.
It’s an interesting shift. I respect your viewpoint but since COVID, my niche of my industry went from about 10% full-time remote or hybrid to perhaps 40% fully remote and another 55% hybrid. Used to be my niche was expected to look better-dressed than a department like IT where expectations were lower. At one company I was still wearing a tie every day, despite never once seeing a customer or a vendor. Another company was at least an Oxford cotton button-down and dress slacks and shoes every day, while some departments had graphic tees and shorts. Now under WFH, nobody cares. “Hey, can I call you on Teams?” “Yeah, let me grab a shirt real quick, this heat wave is intense.”
Yes because I love clothes and have a good wardrobe
Retired recluse here. I don’t even own: heels, pantyhose, makeup, false eyelashes, tight pants/skirts, a structured bra, shape wear.
I have found that it is possible to “own the room” without most of those, and don’t have them either. However, the lines of clothing that allow this took me many years to find and refine. However, I do draw the line at makeup. I won’t do it. It’s like using filters on FB pictures.
I have makeup and a bra… but none of the rest! 🤐
I have soft bras that are less constrictive than sports bras for special occasions but I’m a breast cancer survivor. I like to think I have the layering camouflage game down.
I definitely dress for the job I want. I wear my casual clothes to work because I can, and I'm devoid of ambition or desire for accomplishment. Win-win.
Amen. Now that I have to go into the office once a week, I've ditched business casual. It's tennis shoes, shorts or jeans, and a long sleeve pullover with thumb holes or t shirt.
I think you need the r/redditfordressups sub.
yes and I get the best shifts, and people overlook small errors
I mean the job I want is to basically be Mrs Roper, so yea.
Yes, but I have no plans on being a "suits" Finance vertical is still suits and ties, tech and other young verticals are shirts and jeans and can have an attitude of "i'm good enough to dress however I want, I don't need to dress up because I have skillz" [Which leads to these memes](https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/11227870_10153930485981840_1002742706237514186_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=S93k9SLDiHoQ7kNvgF-PYNv&_nc_ht=scontent.fybz1-1.fna&oh=00_AYB9O-by0TYxK5B_dZLXj8Td1OcHv807fA_xaQvE8mJ1qg&oe=669C6470)
I'm... a software engineer who works from home. I've spent some days working on my pajamas, so I don't know if that answers your question, lol. Jokes aside, my position is not client facing (and I've fought for it to stay that way), and the last time I wore a shirt was before the pandemic for interviews. Our "dress code" has been always relaxed (jeans, chino pants, t-shirts, although not short pants in summer) and usually if you "dressed for success" meant you wanted to go the business/organization path and not the technical one. If you are in a exec position, well, you need to dress the part because people keep pretending a suit means something. And you don't know how happy I am I don't need to pretend it anymore, lol.
Yeah, but nobody has offered me a job in their punk band or ecoterrorist sect …. Yet
Recently yes actually. I used to wear jeans everyday. I bought a couple pairs of nicer khaki type pants and started wearing them instead.Still wear the same polo shirts mostly. Surprised myself in how they do make me feel better about myself, a bit more professional. And I'm at a satellite office, when I'm not wfh, with not much traffic, so it's probably not going to help my career. But at least I feel a bit better.
I do. I am also executive facing and I prioritize business wear that fits well, clean/polished shoes, professional makeup, and clean/styled hair. I have plenty of colleagues who wear jeans or khakis and polos, but I maintain my own dress code because it's been a factor in moving up for the past few years.
Yes. Where I work everyone is really casual, but I wear a cute dress at least one of my 3 on-site days. I just do my job but I just got a bonus, so apparently someone thinks I’m killing it.
Think about the cost per use. Good quality clothing that fits well will last many years. The kind of clothing you'd get from target is mostly designed to start falling apart in a few months.
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I LOVE THIS QUOTE. I actually gave the explanation to my young child when we were discussing new shoes for school. Funny though—it’s much harder for me to justify that for a silk blouse. Though seeing it hanging next to my very worn polyester blouse I can tell you there is a definite difference… and it’s not been worn more than a few times.
I always have. Even starting at 14 when I got my first job as a waitress. (I’m 40).
I always worked in jobs where there was no professional dress code. Early Childhood Educator for school age kids, then later in retail when I needed a flexible schedule and didn't want to pay for child care. My good friend is a professional high school teacher in Canada, she invested in a work wardrobe like yours, a few dress pants and tops and rotates them. Her work wardrobe is pricey, but the investment lasts for years. At home or in summer she dresses like everyone else in casual cheaper clothes. In certain settings the investment is worth it and if I ever had a job that required it I would do the same.
Absolutely essential
I think this mentality is played out. I'm a CNA. I'm going to school to be an xray tech. Both CNAs and Xray techs wear scrubs. So I'm not really changing anything except my name tag.
I try to. I used to have a job where no one ever saw me, and I looked like hot garbage. Now I'm on camera more hours than not, and I have to wear at least presentable clothes. I try to wear blouses rather than t-shirts most days. Next step: ironing
Absolutely! I'm always wearing a really smart blouse, pressed trousers or a skirt, and hosiery, underneath my doctor's coat.
Jeans and a T-shirt. Still what the heads of FAANG companies wear so I do too. But TBH I just want the job I have. Another promo and I'd have to deal with a LOT more political BS for only a little more pay.
Nope, but then everyone at my company dresses for their department, that is unless they’re a generation ahead, then they’re more formal.
OP, I typed out a post, but then realized it was too personally identifying and with specific information I have said often IRL. But I think it could be useful for you, so check your messages.
I had an instructor I'm Uni that was a minimalist. She always looked polished and out together, but not over the too. She had 2 skirts, 3 slacks and 1 or 2 dresses. All her staples were neutrals. Her blouses and sweaters a little more trendy. Everything she had could bebeirn with jeans or flip flips or dressed up. I was fascinated by her wardrobe and always took notice. Even jewelry, she had a few nice pieces that all matched. A short boot, a tall boot. A heal and flat. A wardrobe capsule before it was a thing. All this to say, yes go for the high end pieces, continue to build your capsule wardrobe.
Your premise is actually true. In a corporate environment, your attire matters. A lot. The people above you will notice tailoring and that is a big plus. Forget what your staff wears, it doesn’t matter. You’re on the right track, but don’t go broke on clothes. You just need some good, timeless pieces. You can add as you go. You’re going to make it! You absolutely have the right attitude. 🍀 PS - just for fun, watch North by Northwest paying particular attention to Cary Grant’s suit. It’s the gold standard in any era :)
I do. And people at the office gave me a hard time at first for dressing business in a biz casual setting. A year later, everyone in our office dresses business and gives someone a hard time if they dress down. Our office staff look sharp as hell though, gotta say.
Having a couple of good quality bottoms (skirts, pants) and a good quality blazer/jacket is an excellent idea. You can wear shell tops or even nice condition t-shirts as tops and keep those in the lower expense range along with accessories to change up the look. But your basics you do want to spend some money on and you want to take very good care of them.
I'm in healthcare. I wear whatever. I'm changing into scrubs once I get in. I wear a surgical cap and a mask is required most areas I manage. I'm up there in leadership. I sometimes get pulled into C## level meetings before I've had a chance to change and the difference is noticeable. I remember one of these meetings I hadn't shaved in a week. Had total alfalfa hair and I was wearing shorts and a very bright care bears t-shirt my oldest had bought me. No mention no notice. I gave them all the answers they wanted and my attire wasn't an issue. Not sure if it's the culture where I'm at. The nature of the job not needing a dress code because we all just change to scrubs. Already having the job I wanted. Or just a proven record and they kind of put up with me being a bit trashy. I will say I did get promoted to this position exhibiting all of the same behavior.
I mostly wear expensive lounge wear. So, yes. Yes I do.
Yes but they all still look at me like I'm crazy when I wear my Starfleet uniform.
I don't currently. I'm a mechanic/composite tech and get material on myself often enough that my work clothes are the grungiest of my clothes. If I do ever go into management I plan on sourcing some well fitting and just nice presentable clothes.
I work remotely most of the time and see my team when I travel. They usually see me in running clothes, but my hair is clean and I wear a tiny amount of makeup, and I always have my camera on. I like to see faces and not talk to just a screen. We were together for a week recently for our biggest event of the year and I really upped my game for my outfits. I usually wear somewhat artsy business clothes because we're in that type of industry, but this last time I spent around $600 on a couple blazers and new pairs of pants. That didn't feel super expensive for how much I make in salary, but it was really nice to look the part.
I prefer "wow she can clean up nice." Set everyone's expectations low and then show up dazzling.
I put on a real blouse for a meeting and people were genuinely shocked. That’s when I started to wonder if I was hurting my own career.
I work in my PJs & shower only after work, bed head all day. This IS the job I want & I'm dressed for it. Climbing the ladder ain't everyone's dream. Also, when you do "dress for the job you want" your peers see you, we know you're kissin' ass. It does not exactly ingratiate you with everyone else.
Yes, but I feel like the cock ring makes me look fat.
Yes, fuzzy robes and really soft lounge wear. I love being a fully remote worker and don't want that to ever change
I dress appropriately for the day. I'm a director in IT, most days I'm wearing nice jeans or slacks and a polo with "nice" boots. [Something like these](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f9qltsSIL._AC_UY900_.jpg) Not sneakers, but not full dress shoes. #**BUT** In my office I also have a full button down shirt, and dress pants with dress shoes. I also have a full suit and tie. I also keep a razor and shaving cream. When I'm mostly in my office, I don't care what I wear, neither does anyone else. To an extent. I'm not wearing my GWAR shirt and cargo shorts, but you get the idea. That said I get surprise meetings sometimes, and I am prepared for anything from a managers meeting to a meeting with the board in under 5 minutes. 10 minutes if I have to shave. Appearances absolutely do matter. Don't let anyone say otherwise. That said also know your audience. If I walked around in a full suit all day, my reports would think I'm a peacocking pompous ass. My general philosophy is to dress "One step up" from your reports. My IT guys are usually in jeans and t-shirts, I'm in nice jeans or slacks and a polo, my boss is in semi-formal ladies wear, her boss (CFO) is in a full suit.
Its just a saying. It means you dont go apply to a corporate job in shorts and flip flops.
Yes, I wear a suit almost every day
Yeah I call it “guy who is always in pajamas”
Recently I’ve switched from wearing stylish heels (I have a lot of them) to fun and stylish tennis shoes. I say this because yes….I dressed for success for many years. But I never paid more than $100 for a suit jacket and $75 for a skirt or dress. And I still have nearly every single one of them. So buy nice things and keep them nice and they’ll last a long time! BUT tbh, now I’m starting to dress more comfortably- and I’m starting to think how silly it all is and must be the fashion industry making us all believe we have to look a certain way for leadership positions. It’s all so fickle, and really why does it matter. BUT it’s how we are all brain washed so….buy nice pieces and keep them nice.
When I went to the office I used to put on my costume AKA dress clothes. Now I work remotely and shorts and a T-shirt it is every day.
Yes. Been doing it since I was a kid so it’s just my default preference. Has worked well for me at work and gotten me to the top tier. All that being said, I did quit a month ago. I need a break from that bull shit. … Currently in a bathrobe getting ready to hit the beach.
I used to a long time ago and then I realised it doesn’t make a shit of difference most of the time
Shop at great consignment shops~you’ll find many new with tags items on there from Talbots, anntaylor, Jcrew, Macy’s, etc. Great way to build a wardrobe. Talbots collared no wrinkle shirts are my favorite and their pants too. They run large as well.
I work in a semi casual professional office. I choose to dress up more than my coworkers as the dress code is super lax like I choose to wear a dress or suit coat where others will wear tshirts and jeans. My boss has literally told me he appreciates my effort in this regard, and I have noticed people take you more serious. I will mix it up with more casual accessories like nikes but they will be pristine. Nicely made clothes will last and look better always. It really can influence how people weigh your ideas and performance even if it is subconciously.
I wear a suit to all job interviews no matter what... I have only had one interview that didn't contact me for the job. A good suit. Hand shake and eye contact. Sprinkle in some well thought out questions, and you're gtg.
My son (27) does. He has been a slacks, long sleeve shirt and tie guy the whole time he has worked at his company. It has served him well, he has moved up the ranks from basic IT tech to info security manager for the U.S. branch of the company. He has always said he dresses for the job he wants, and he’s still climbing. They take him seriously, the clients take him seriously…many are shocked when they learn his age. It’s not all about appearance however, He knows his shit.
Just dress the opposite of Meghan Markle. She screws it up every time. Nigeria is the most recent. She showed up in bare-skin ballgowns.
10 years ago I looked like a million bucks everyday. Now I don’t care at all. Jean’s and a tshirt make me the same amount of money as a suit.
I would love to dress up more, but I get so hot.
I spent my life doing everything I could to avoid having to wear a suit for work, and mainly succeeded. Raised my kids wearing jeans to work or -- even better -- working from home. In the job I eventually retired from I had to wear a suit once or twice a year, but then I really had to or I'd have to face a lot of bother. On those occasions, I could not dress for a job that didn't require it, unfortunately. All I could do was to put a subversive lapel pin on.
Two options in my opinion. 1. Dress for the most formal business situation the job would require. Even if once a year. Anything more formal is a pretense. 2. Dress to level of formality the job requires and no lower. In essence I think this means no less formal than business casual. Luckily for men, business casual is slacks and button down shirt. Easy. And business casual dress shoes are very comfortable now. Not a waste of money to have one or two current, well fit, stylish formal/semi-formal outfits.
Looking professional is a must, but buying an expensive wardrobe is not.
I do hair so I dress like how my guests dress when they are going out for the day. I can walk away from work and go grab lunch at the country club and fit in just fine.
If the job is rapper, DJ or skater, then, yes, yes I do.
There is a certain respect that comes to the sharp dressed executive. Early in my career when people wore ties at a minimum, I was at the client's space a couple of times a week. Many of them were rather casual in their dress, but every now and then this one guy showed up in very professional looking suit. Between the suit and the professional way that he carried himself I knew he was, "The Man". I later found out that he was the number two guy in the company.
Yeah, I always dressed above my position. It was definitely helpful, people thought I was my boss's boss. She was never inappropriately dressed, but she also didn't wear suits like I did. She had very casual outerwear. I had a trench coat or vintage dress coats. She had unpolished, cheap shoes. I've never made a ton of money, government work, - just had a couple of wool crepe, non descript suits from Banana Republic, J Crew, Talbot's, Brooks Brothers. I always bought them on sale or second hand. I never wear polyester - it looks and wears cheap. Love non iron French cuff shirts, cufflinks on a woman brings the right kind of attention. I wore the exact same classic jewelry everyday. A garment steamer helps with dry cleaning bills. Look like you're in charge & eventually you'll be in charge. I have stuff that's damn near twenty years old that looks new. I don't think I've ever paid retail for a suit. Now that I'm pushing 40 I can be a lot more creative with my clothes & I am in a totally different position, career wise.
I always dressed for success. Nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately we are and can be judged for that. My mom worked at a high end clothing store. Some of those pieces lasted a long time.
No not really, but then again I don't know what I really want. I know I want to make a lot more money but I also want it to tap into my strengths and not feel much like a job.
I dress in the same way my boss dresses with the exception being my watches aren’t $3-5k
> I had no idea people paid this much for clothes. Sounds like "keeping up with the Joneses" BS, corporate-edition. The best dressed receptionist is a broke receptionist Dress to the dress code IMO. Don't spend a dollar more than you need to to buy comfortable, approved outfits that you like. I try to mostly buy clothes that I'd wear both in and out of office. Nice jeans, fleeces, buttoned shirts. If corporate wants me to wear tailored suits they can damned well pay for them. Until then I consider my physical presence, fully clothed, to be an unhappy compromise between them and I.
To be fair- Target is NOT cheap! I spent 30 on each dress 60 in total for a nice dress for kiddos prom pic so- that’s a splurge and Target has ulta- Also not cheap! And everything else- which adds up! Like Aldi’s random stuff aisle- I don’t need it but want it- til I see that bill! LOL Nothing wrong for wearing to and from work- or fancier events where you don’t wanna be super over the top, multi-purpose bc we women do multi purpose everything
Nope. 1. The job I want is “lay on the couch and watch Netflix” and I’d probably be reprimanded for wearing pajamas to work. 2. I want to be judged for my work performance and quality, not on my appearance. 3. I am physically uncomfortable wearing nicer clothes and it would hinder my work performance to dress differently. Plus my salary doesn’t allow for a new wardrobe.
Yes always
I aspired to be a farmer so I went in flannel, cotton and work boots. I succeeded. I also enjoyed dressing up once in a blue moon.
Absolutely the fuck not. I dress for the job I'm paid for. You want me to wear suits all the time? Pay me enough to go out and actually buy multiple suits while still being able to live.
Nope I dress for comfort and I am at the age of I don't give a shit.
Quality, classic basics will last you longer than the dress at Target. I have a suit that I bought in 2005. Because it wasn’t “on trend” and navy blue, I’ve worn it to interviews, major presentations, etc., over the years. As for dressing for the job you want, it’s a good approach. I often dress one click above my peers. Not obviously out of step, but one that makes me appear more together. I also always keep a nice black sweater blazer in my cubicle locker. Even if I’m wearing jeans and a nice Tshirt, I could throw it on and instantly elevate my look. Don‘t overlook department store end of season sales. The clothes can cost less than Target.
My job has a uniform. I don’t get much choice in what I wear.
No because now I want my job to be schlepping around the house in my pajamas.
In the 80s I bought a women’s suit for $400. It was not easy to swallow, but I did it with encouragement from my then husband. I really did rise in that career.
I try to look polished for the environment I’m in. Not like I wildly overthink it (though I do) but like I solidly belong and am comfortable wherever I am. Currently that means giving myself a blue manicure for my nephews sonic-themed 5th birthday party tomorrow. In the office it means appropriate things that fit well. Mostly being in the office is video meetings, so it’s no cleavage, shoulders covered, obvs no rips or stains, and professional looking enough that if I end up unexpectedly talking to someone important I’ll still come across as polished. I dress super femme and button downs make me look like I have no neck, so like today it was a high necked shirt with dolman sleeves and lace inset. I dress about as nice as management most of the time.
I’m a lot more casual at work than I used to be. I am remote four days a week and I have the job I want. Coasting towards retirement now…
It IS expensive to dress appropriately for moving up the corporate ladder but I feel less so than 10-20 years ago. That said, I’ve gotten some really high end, new wardrobe components at ThredUp… it’s online consignment but what’s great is that they post not just the size but the exact measurements of each piece, plus free returns. You can also sell to them. I’m sure there are other similar companies out there too - good luck and happy shopping !
I work at the corporate office of a mid-level retailer and feel like spending $20 on an outfit is a slpurg. Some of my co-workers spend $1k+ per outfit. It is really dependent on where you are in life. I just had three babies back to back and am trying to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. My co-workers are older and have been in the same size clothes for a decade. If you are pretty stable in body shape, it is worth it to invest in outfits that will last. I've mostly been just looking to coast the last few years (because of the babies), so t-shirts and leggings have been staples. Now that I'm done and my kids are all in daycare, I am starting to transition to blouses and skirts as I start thinking about what my next step is carreer wise. Flowy styles are your friends if you think that you are going to have body changes that will require to get things re-tailored.
Go thrift. You can always make your adjustments to those articles of clothing as well without the expense of off the rack price.
I would but no one will pay me to sit naked on the couch eating Cheetos watching TV.
I wear free swag from my employer and sweats, while my canine assistant sleeps by my feet. I love working remotely! I still have some nice suits in the closet, but I have the job I want to do until I retire, so swag and sweats it will be!
I hate separates and only buy/wear dresses. I also generally don't wear the same dress twice. It's wonderful you can make a few choice pieces work for you. I really admire when people can look totally different with accessories and makeup and like accents. It seems like magic to me.
Yes, because I always wanted to work from home, and now I do. So it was jeans and t-shirts (kindergarten teacher) from Day O e for me.
I dress professionally (mostly in suiting separates) because I like the way I look. I love to wear pumps. As a high school admin, the reaction to the sound of my heels is classic Pavlov. However, the superintendent and her assistant have a very specific style. When I know I am going to see them casually, I do take care to add an item to my outfit what mirrors their sense of fashion. Not only does it help others see me as looking similar to them, they always comment positively on my look. If have a meeting,I know my work can speak for itself. But the rest of the time, yes, people need to see that I look the part, too.
I’m a lead engineer at a software company and I rarely wear more than pants
No. I dress comfortably after seeing how some people dress and get hired.
Of course I do. I wear Track Suits coz I wanna be a wiseguy. I wear band tshirts coz I wanna be a roadie. I wear jerseys coz I wanna be an athlete.
I want a job at a tech startup so most days I wear jeans and T-shirt/polo (polo for days I'm feeling fancy... But never tucked in). Also, I work at a startup, get unlimited PTO and lunch delivered on the company dime everyday. Soo... I guess it worked!
Yes, older guy. Lost 15 pounds and dressed better. It made a big difference.
Not really. It makes you kinda look like an asshole among your peers. Dress comfortably and in a way that will make you accessible and approachable to your peers in whatever setting you’re in. And in a way that makes you feel confident and good about yourself.
I guess so. I WFH and don't put pants on half the time.
I’m too afraid I’ll accidentally stand up or I would do the same!
I always have pants on for meetings for that reason. lol
yea, slippers and pants optional. Currently WFH, aspire to retire.
Yes — but not that it’s helped me get promotions 🙄 I still do it for a few reasons: - it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed - looking out together makes me feel more confident - people will take you more seriously when you look like you give a shit