You’ve heard the saying dress for the job you want, not the job you have, and it turns out that what you wear to work might help you get a promotion!
Recent studies show that 86% of workers and 80% of managers feel clothing choices affect a person’s chances of being promoted.
Dressing up elevates the perception you give off at work
Whether or not it’s right, it’s human nature to judge others based on their appearance. Since this is a known fact (people with straight teeth are considered more successful), take advantage of what you can and dress to impress. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend a lot of money on designer clothing, however you should be dressing in clothing that is flattering and appropriate. If you’re going to a meeting, opt for a pair of fitted slacks instead of jeans. It’s a simple switch that will immediately make you appear more professional and more authoritative. Similarly, by switching out a sweater for a blazer, you will make your look more polished and command more respect.
What you wear also affects your mindset
Dressing up for work and wearing clothing that makes you feel confident changes your demeanor, and studies have shown that it influences the way we think. We’re often able to think more clearly and efficiently when dressed in workwear because it differentiates us from a more laid back and social environment in which one would wear casual clothing.
Make it easier to create a quick and polished outfit in the morning
According to surveys of over 1,000 US working ages 18+, people spend an average of 11 minutes a day selecting an outfit for the office. Minimize the effort you spend picking out your outfit by organizing your closet accordingly.
The easiest way to shorten your morning routine is to organize your closet into sections based on the components of your go-to work outfit. This will enable you to effortlessly grab one item of clothing from each section to put together a complete outfit in virtually no time at all.
Group all of your blazers and jackets in one area, group all of your blouses together in another, and do the same for pants, skirts, dresses, and accessories. Start with the outerwear like blazers ad gradually move your way in. For example, organize your blazers/jackets at the start of your closet, then move to tops, then to bottoms, and finally dresses.
__________
What you wear to work affects your ability to effectively communicate and think clearly, however it also impacts how others perceive you. Whether or not you want to admit it, clothing makes a big impact on the impression you give off, and it turns out that what you wear to work might help you get a promotion.