Work Wear: Dressing it up

So now that I have a more “managerial” position at work, I’ve realized how altering my outfits a little bit changes the impact of my credibility.    My work wardrobe used to be heavy on jeans, funky skirts, tees & hoodies because our environment is so informal.  Moving up in the world, though, requires a little more thought about how I’m presenting myself. I have to play the role of both supervisor and mentor at work, as well as hold responsibility for keeping the office afloat, and it really boosts my credibility to look the part.  It helps to look authoritative if you want the men in this industry to take you seriously.  I’ve recently found that even a boyfriend blazer paired with some classic denim really changes the perspective of how knowledgeable and authoritative you seem.

I didn’t really think about how what I wear impacted my credibility at work until very recently.  I know that your style says a lot about you, but I thought that having worked here for the last 5 years would negate the need for me to “work it”.  After all, they all know me and my capabilities, right?  Well yeah… but  have customers to contend with, a new hire who needs both a supervisor and a mentor, and the people I’ve worked with for so long need to know that I’m taking my role seriously.  I also think it’s truly not about dressing for the job I have, but the job I want.

In a highly mobile environment, where first impressions are important and where selling oneself is the most highly cultivated “skill”, the construction of appearances becomes more and more imperative.

(Ewen, 1988)

Many of the “Dress for Success” mantras focus on proper business wear, not the casual attire so many of our people sport.  Classic “business” attire focuses on suits as a whole.

From Workchic com - this business is too much business!

The common mantra of what to wear to work is all talk about what’s “appropriate” but with so many workplaces adopting the attire of “business casual” and with the importance of self-expression, it can be difficult to know how to make your personal style mesh with a look that speaks authoritatively at work.  How do you do it?  What’s your work style?

I’m currently keeping it business casual with some simple pairings and a lot of creativity: Fun frocks and dark denim stay structured when paired with a cute blazer, or little swing jacket.  Graphic prints or tees are paired with trousers and cardigans.

Funky, fun jewelry is added to the mix to keep outfits fresh – it’s amazing what some bright, bold jewelry will do for a black tee and cigarette pants.  Shoes are well-tailored flats, or fun wedges – nothing over-bold, but with a demure attitude.

Each outfit is a mix of shapes and textures.  Wide-leg denim trousers call for a slim silhouette on top.   Texture is important – boucle skirts call for something sleek finish.  Anything glittery that isn’t jewelry is best left home, but metallics make some of the best accessories (handbags!).   Bright colors are a must!  After the gray Seattle winter, popping into bright colors brings a breath of fresh air into the office.

Cowl scarves are a fun, over-textured way to stay warm in air-conditioned offices and long sleeve tissue tees provide the lighter layers that transition from a/c to outdoors.

I still feel like it’s a work-in-progress.  I’m trying to balance hints of my personal style with the drab dress-code of power-suits.  Looking authoritative helps me feel authoritative and sends the message that I’m here, I know what I’m doing and where I’m going, and I have the means to get things done.

I scanned the internet for a few business-casual inspired outfits and here are a couple I really liked:

Image from Heidikins.com - Stripes, dark denim and bright colors

Image from Workchic.com - I LOVE this look!

What do you think?  How are you balancing YOUR personal style and work wardrobe?