Every job has a different dress code, and typically this will be discussed when an offer is extended, in a company handbook, or simply in conversation with your superior, but how do you know if you’re actually meeting the standards? Here are a few tips to make sure that you’re on par (or above) your co-workers regarding your work attire.
1) It is always better to overdress slightly on your first day to get the feel of the work environment. For example, if you are told to come dressed business casual, you may come to find out that jeans are okay, but NEVER come in wearing jeans on your first day. Instead, opt for something equally as comfortable but more put together; i.e. khakis, or colored chinos, a button down shirt, and some sort of topper such as a sweater, blazer, or light jacket. If you come in and everyone is wearing jeans, then that is fine, but never assume. Similarly, if everyone is in t-shirts, it is probably okay, but still best to opt for a polo, or button down, (either short or long sleeved). If you absolutely feel you must wear a t shirt, dress it up with an open blazer over it, and always, no matter if you are in jeans or not, wear nice dress shoes. You are at work after all. Even if it is okay to dress super casually, chances are that people will unconsciously treat you better and have a higher level of respect for you if you dress the part and look put together.
2) Tailor, tailor, tailor. I can’t stress this enough. Tailoring clothes to fit your body is one of the most important things you can do to polish your style. Have you ever seen a pre-teen boy try on his dad’s shirt? See how he’s swimming in it, and obviously trying to look older but failing? Well I can almost guarantee that this is what you’ll look like if you don’t tailor your clothes to fit you. One of the best examples is with jeans. Consult a sales consultant on fit to make sure you get what is right for your body, but regarding length, most men will HAVE to get them hemmed or else they bunch and pool at the ankle. Designer jeans are almost unanimously made in a 34” length. This is because it is always easier to shorten denim than lengthen in. The jeans are made so that the waist fits, and the length gets custom tailored to you. The same basis goes for button down shirts. Make sure a shirt fits you in the shoulders and is long enough in the arms, then worry about the rest of it. Shirts just as pants can be shortened, sometimes lengthened, and taken in at the waist. Consult your sales associate and tailor to see what their suggestions are. A lot of retailers will hem pants for free as they know how they are made, but another good option is a store card. Nordstrom for instance, has great store card options in debit, credit, or an actual Visa card that you can use anywhere, and one of the perks of having one of these cards is that you get $100 in alterations for free annually. Clothing is made to emphasize your best physical qualities, and retailers want you to utilize their services to make this happen.