Half of all companies want to bring their employees back from remote work and into the office. This means that if you’ve been working from your computer, you’re going to have to adjust to wearing “real” clothes again.
If you’ve forgotten how to maintain a professional appearance in the workplace, you’re not alone. Many remote workers adjusted to wearing pajama pants over the past few years!
We’re here to guide you so you can assemble a professional work wardrobe and make great first impressions. Read on to learn more.
1. First, Always Check the Dress Code
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Almost every business has a dress code of some sort. These dress codes vary and can be anywhere from completely casual to full-formal.
If you start a new job, or you’re going to see your work in person for the first time, read the employee handbook first to see what you should (or shouldn’t) wear. If it’s unclear, send a quick email to your boss or manager.
You may need to get an employee uniform or a custom name badge before your first day. On the other hand, you may learn that you can wear jeans and sneakers every day. You won’t know unless you ask!
2. Make Sure You Avoid Wrinkles and Stains
Regardless of whether or not you have to dress “nicely” for work, you want to make sure that your clothes look as neat and polished as possible. That’s right, even if you’re in jeans, you need to look presentable.
Always check your clothes for imperfections. It’s best to avoid stains, rips, and wrinkles if you want to maintain a nice workplace appearance. You won’t be projecting professionalism if you have a large coffee stain on your chest (but we’ve all been there).
If you don’t have an iron, choose clothes that are wrinkle-resistant. You’ll be shocked at how big of a difference non-wrinkled clothes make even for casual outfits.
3. Don’t Forget Accessories
Your accessories are part of your overall professional workplace appearance. Don’t forget about them!
This isn’t to say that you have to wear expensive accessories. Just make sure that they’re appropriate for your job. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear an old and torn belt with your business-casual attire.
Avoid wearing any large and gaudy jewelry in most workplaces. Keep it simple unless your workplace is okay with free expression.
4. Basic Grooming Tips
Grooming might be the most important part of maintaining a professional appearance, but it’s also the easiest once you get used to it.
You should always be clean when you arrive at work. Make sure that your hair is clean (use dry shampoo if necessary), you’ve brushed your teeth, and you’ve washed your face.
Make sure that there are no stray hairs when you get to work and check yourself in the mirror every once in a while. If you have long hair, it’s a good idea to pull it back.
You don’t have to be clean-shaven, but if you have facial hair, keep it tidy.
Maintain a Professional Appearance in the Workplace This Year
Maintaining a professional appearance in the workplace won’t be as comfortable as working at home in your favorite leggings or sweatpants, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Use these tips to keep yourself looking neat and professional at work.
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