Dressing professionally is a very important part of your career. It leaves a lasting impression on both your colleagues and clients, and prompts people to take you more seriously. Dressing well can also get you your dream job. In fact, 76.4% of employers in the Middle East say that their hiring decisions are strongly influenced by a candidate's overall appearance, as revealed in the Bayt.com ‘Influence of Personal Appearance on Hiring Decisions‘ poll. Are you bored with your work wardrobe? Does it take you ages to get dressed in the morning? Then this article is for you.
Here, the Bayt.com career experts will give you some tips to ensure quick, easy and appropriate office wear:
1. Follow the dress code. Every company has a culture of its own, along with which comes a well-define dress code. You don’t want to be the only person wearing a tie in a room full of people wearing casual shirts. The first thing you should thus make clear when you start a new job is the dress code and then make sure to follow it diligently. Certain types of fashion would be deemed completely inappropriate in some companies. It’s your prerogative to dress within the limits of what a specific office culture permits. The same applies to a country’s culture and norms. If you're an expat, always keep your host country’s culture in mind, as you would not want to disrespect or hurt anyone’s feelings. Have a look at this day in the life of a Dubai-based fashion blogger to know more about fashion and style in the Arab world.
2. Have a signature piece. If you’re bored of wearing the same type of clothes to work every day and are looking for a change then consider investing in a signature piece that makes you stand out. This could be a watch, an uncommon tie, a cool necklace, funky shoes, etc. The great thing about having a signature piece is that it brings out a part of your personality onto your clothes. It’s also a good conversation starter, as people are mostly likely going to point out what you’re wearing and ask where you got it from. Gentlemen can have a look at these experts tips on how to dress at work.
3. Always iron. You could be wearing the most expensive designer clothes, but they will leave no impression if they are crumpled. Preparing your work clothes the night before is also a great way to save time in the morning. And remember, your iron is your best friend. So use it and make sure that there are no creases on your clothes before leaving your house. Preparing for a job interview? Here are outfits that will get you hired.
4. Opt for versatile clothing. Before picking out office clothes you must ask yourself how many great outfits you could successfully create with a single piece of clothing. For example, an awesome blazer can go with almost anything – skirts, pants and dresses. Similarly, neutral-colored pants can go along with nearly any top. Mix and matching your clothes can save you money and will also save the energy spent on deciding what to wear. This infographic can give you an idea of how your style and personal appearance can influence an employer's decision to hire you. So do you want to be seen as unique? Dynamic? Approachable? Authoritative? Then it may be time to throw open your wardrobe doors and reinvent the way you look at work – in 30 minutes (or less!).
