If you are about to start a new job this autumn, you may be feeling a little apprehensive about what to expect. What will the people be like? What will the work be like? Will you even like the work?
On top of all this, you may also be wondering what on earth you are going to wear to the office. And how you can possibly afford to buy a whole new closet of work wear when you are still a skint graduate.
Do not fear!
Dressing for work does not require you to buy a load of expensive suits and shiny shoes. I’ve put together the below guide to help you work out what to wear to the office, before you get that first pay cheque.
Work out your company dress code
Firstly, before thinking about what clothes you want to buy, consider the dress code at your new job. Dress codes can vary massively depending on the sector / type of job you are going into.
Jobs in design, marketing and technology are likely to have more relaxed dress codes than jobs in finance and law for example. If your job is customer facing you may be expected to dress more smartly than if you stay in the office at your desk.
The best way to work out what is expected for your job is to consider what people were wearing around the office when you went to interview. If you still are not sure, it is completely acceptable to drop your new manager an email asking for details on the dress code.
Even if your workplace is casual, there are a few things I would avoid wearing, including: football shirts, crop tops, sports wear, hot pants and flip flops. (Yes there are probably exceptions in some work places, but as a guide I would avoid!)
If in doubt, plan to dress smarter than expected. Once you become more comfortable you can make your outfits more casual to fit in with everyone else.
Start with a capsule work wardrobe
You are probably going into the office 5 (or less) days a week. But this doesn’t mean you need 5 completely different outfits. People at work don’t remember what you have previously worn (trust me). It is completely acceptable to rewear outfits throughout the week.
I like to mix and match different basics to create slightly different looks. I usually rewear pieces two or three times each week.
This way, with only 1 pair of work trousers, 1 smart skirt, 1 smart dress, 1 blazer and a couple of different shirts / nice tops and I can make enough outfits to last two weeks without repeating the exact same look.
Especially when you are just starting to build your office outfits, start small and plan what basic items you need to get you through the week. Try picking items that will go with multiple things to increase the number of possible looks you can make.
This idea is similar to a capsule wardrobe where you limit yourself to 50 or less items in your whole closest. For a work capsule wardrobe try sticking to 10 – 15 items at first.
Limiting your number of items means you will spend less money overall building and maintaining your wardrobe. It also makes it super easy to plan outfits since so many things go together.
For more information on capsule wardrobe see this post from classy yet trendy.
Consider clothes you currently own
Buying clothes is expensive! To save yourself money, spend an afternoon really digging into your current wardrobe in detail. Look at items with your “work outfit” hat on and consider if there is a way it could be office suitable.
Just because you love wearing something casually at the weekends, does not automatically mean it is not appropriate for work. In addition just because you have worn something on a night out or in a club, doesn’t mean there isn’t a way it could become work appropriate. A lot of clothes can be styled in multiple ways to fit different occasions.
For example, a simple black skirt could be worn with heels and a strappy top on a date, or with tights and a smart shirt to the office. A black jumper could be worn with jeans for a weekend day out or with tailored trousers when going into the work.
Top tip, throw a blazer on any outfit and it instantly becomes “smarter”.
Spend money on key Items
After you have gone through your current wardrobe, you likely still have a few key items missing. This might include a suit, smart shoes, a formal blouse, tailored trousers, work appropriate bag, smart coat etc.
If you think an item is essential for your first few weeks at your new job, then it might be time to start spending some money. Do your research looking at different options and prices. Cheaper is not always better – cost per wear is more important. Aim to find something that fits right and will last a long time.
If you are really struggling for money – consider getting a credit card just before your job starts. This way you can buy your clothes now and then pay it back once your first paycheck comes in.
Adapt for the seasons
If you live in the UK like me, you will have to adapt your outfits depending on the time of year. Summer in London can get extremely hot. During July and August, I like to wear more floaty skirts and sleeveless blouses. But in winter I wrap up warm with jumpers, long sleeve tops and blazers.
Personally, I find dressing for work easiest in the winter and colder months. I usually have a panic every summer when I realise I have no idea what is going to keep me cool and be work appropriate.
Short sleeve tops are good options for both winter and summer. Dresses also generally work well whatever the weather.
And Finally!
Remember the clothes you wear to the office do not have to be boring! There is always a way you can bring your personality into your outfits in a work appropriate way. Once you get more settled in your job, consider different colours, patterned clothes, unusual shoes and accessories. All of these can be fun ways to jazz up your standard workwear.
Some other good posts about planning what to wear to work include Grad Australia, Workopolis and Refinery29.
