Dress for Success: Office Etiquette

Although your outer appearance shouldn’t be the main focus of your professional image, there’s no denying that others tend to make first judgments about you based on how you look. With your first job interview, you’ll learn quickly that proper attire is a hard and fast requirement for success. Once you enter into the professional world, you’ll be expected to follow proper etiquette for office and business attire. Dressing for the occasion means choosing women’s professional clothing that will be appropriate, including the colors, styles, and overall presentation. Stay within the prescribed dress code with attention to your hairstyle, jewelry choices, shoes, and accessories, too. Men’s and women’s office clothing doesn’t have to be boring or unstylish, but it does have to follow a professional dress code.

Learn the Dress Code

Every place of business has a dress code dictating the acceptable attire to wear to work. Learn the dress code for a place of employment even before you interview, so you can dress appropriately to make a positive first impression. Once you know the dress code, follow it without fail. Whether women’s casual dresses are acceptable in your office or everyone wears tailored pants and sweaters or blouses to adhere to the business professional style, you will need to follow along with the dress code to ensure that you are successful. Regardless of the tone, whether casual or formal, always make sure that your clothing fits correctly, is clean, and is wrinkle-free. Avoid short hemlines in garments such as a long-sleeve dress, plunging necklines, visible undergarments, stiletto heels, and excessive jewelry. You should also avoid wearing strong fragrances to work. For men, pants and coat sleeves should be the proper length. Choose silk ties, and wear a belt to finish off your professional attire.

More Dress Tips

• Choose darker colors rather than light colors to appear more professional.
• Avoid bright colors in the workplace.
• Accessories should add a subtle element to an outfit without overwhelming it.
• Shoes should always be polished.
• Choose understated accessories such as watches and earrings.
• Hosiery gives an outfit instant polish.

Practice Good Workplace Etiquette

Once you have your professional attire figured out, turn your attention to other areas of workplace etiquette. Because you’ll be spending a large percentage of your time at work, your conduct will be important. Although bullying might seem like a classroom problem, it’s worth mentioning that bullies can also appear in the professional setting. Make sure that you’re being considerate and respectful of the people around you.

• Avoid conducting personal calls where others can overhear you.
• Mute your phone and computer.
• If you eat at your desk, choose foods that don’t have lingering smells.
• Clean up after yourself in the kitchen.
• Don’t go to work if you’re sick with a contagious illness.
• Keep your trash and recycling receptacles from overflowing.
• Avoid crossing boundaries between your personal and professional life.
• Be aware of the potential for workplace bullying. Divisive or condescending behavior in the workplace can create an unpleasant climate. If bullying is occurring, seek assistance from someone who is in a position above you and the bully, if possible. Use stress-reduction techniques to minimize the impact of the situation on your well-being. If you can’t resolve the workplace bullying either by direct confrontation or by reporting the behavior, consider seeking employment elsewhere.

More Workplace Resources

• Dressing for an Interview (PDF): The clothing you wear for an interview is as important as your résumé and your interview skills.
• Dress for the Interview: Your interview outfit should make you feel both comfortable and confident.
• A Quick Guide to Professional Dress for Men and Women (PDF): Consider the colors you wear and their impact when choosing outfits for the office.
• Dress for Success: The person interviewing you will make judgments based on the fit and cleanliness of your outfit.
• Dressing to Impress: The Do’s and Don’ts of Professional Attire: Know the difference between business professional and business casual attire.
• Dress to Impress: Professional Attire: Make sure that the bag or purse you carry to a job interview is professional.
• Dressing Professionally in the Workplace: The climate will be a factor in how people dress in the workplace.
• Professional Dress Guide (PDF): The smart casual dress code is often reserved for casual Fridays, possibly including khakis or jeans.