Picking the right work outfit is always a stressful part of our morning rituals. Yes, we all love to look as sharp and professional as we feel when we go to our jobs, but we don’t always have the time and resources to do so. This might drive us to pick whatever clothes lie in front of us and hassle our way to the office, without even giving it a second thought. But the reason why we should be very careful with what we wear to the office is that looks matter a great deal in today’s competitive business realm; they are the first thing people notice about you, and they can give off a positive or negative first impression.
In spite of the common mistakes people always repeat, looking good is not about spending a lot of money or owning endless outfits. In fact, the key to having a great look is sticking to a few simple tricks and playing out your personality and style in each outfit. You can look outstanding with a limited collection of clothes, but you have to be very smart about how you style them and how to pick them in the first place.
Let’s get started and show you how to get work-ready with these simple tips from Bayt.com:
Start with the basics
Okay, so let’s get this clear; having a full-time job means that you have to show up five days a week to the office. In this case, it might be a hard task to pull out a new outfit for each day, especially if you’re on a budget. This is why having a good collection of basics is always a good idea. Basics go with everything, they manage to make you look professional, are easy to style, and can be worn in so many different ways! Investing in some good basic items can save you A LOT.
The best basic items to start with are button up shirts. You can buy some basic white and black shirts as a start and work your way up by adding new colors to your collection. You can style your black and white shirts with pretty much everything. The other basic item you need here is a black solid blazer, which can be worn to any formal event you have to attend. Black is not your color? Don’t worry, try dark or navy blue, it never disappoints.
Bottoms are everything
As we established earlier, having an office job means that you have to spend at least eight hours a day in the office. And in case your job includes lots of computer work and typing, this means you’ll probably be spending your entire day sitting down. The only way to survive this is by wearing a super comfortable outfit.
Again, you can pick some basic solid-colored pants to help you style them easily. But the secret here is to be careful with the shape of your pants. I mean, wearing comfortable clothes doesn't necessarily mean wearing boring outfits. For women, you can pick high-waist pants with a knit belt, classic pleated pants, or even go with cropped pants. For men, you can go with loose linen blend pants for a change.
Don’t underestimate shoes
Shoes are always a deal breaker; they either make your outfit or break it! And since this is an office job we’re talking about, you have to choose comfortable, yet professional shoes. For women, you can go with ballet flats if you want a simple look, or you can choose a pair of classic heels if you want a more formal look. For men, you can always go with a pair of two-tone derby shoes, which is a professional, yet very comfortable add to your outfit.
Bags are the new cool
In case you thought bags are meant only for women, well, think again. In today’s modern world, with so many items to be carried around, using a bag is nearly a must. With so many brands and shapes being introduced to the market, you have such a wide variety of bags to choose from. There’s bound to be a bag out there with your name on it!
For men, you can hold a leather clutch bag, which won’t only organize your essentials inside, but also add a very cool touch to your outfit. If you have bulkier essentials, or carry a laptop, you can go with a leather messenger bag. For women, you always need to pack your daily essentials, which is why it’s a good idea to hold a medium-sized bag that can help you carry around your magic spells.
Sparkle with accessories
Don’t ever let your job dull your energy and personality. I mean, that’s why we have accessories! It’s important to accessorize because A: accessories can turn any bland outfit into a super classy one in no time, and B: they are so beautiful! Of course you have to be careful with the type of accessories you wear as to avoid looking like you just ran out of a party on a call of duty, BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them at all.
For women, you can always add a pair of statement earrings to your outfit, and remember to always pick mono-colors to match the professionality of the workplace. You can also add some simple rings or bracelets. For men, one word, watches. Watches won’t only give you a professional touch, but will also showcase your attention to detail as well! Of course, there are increasingly more professional looking accessories for men, such as bracelets and rings that add a nice touch of personality and a dash of style.
