How to Upgrade Your Office Attire for Maximum Impact

Your professional wardrobe has a huge impact on how others perceive you in the workplace. Upgrading your office attire can help project confidence, authority, and capability. Follow these tips to revamp your work wardrobe for maximum positive impact.

Evaluate Your Current Wardrobe

Take an objective look at the clothes you currently wear to the office. What condition are they in? Do the colors and styles feel dated? Does anything need replacing due to wear and tear? Assess which pieces can stay and which need upgrading.

Also, consider if your current work wardrobe accurately reflects your professional identity. If you’ve been promoted to a new position or taken on greater responsibilities, your clothing should align with your elevated status. An outdated wardrobe can undermine others’ confidence in your capabilities.

Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Rather than buying random new pieces, strategically build a capsule wardrobe of essentials that offer maximum mix-and-match potential. Focus on high-quality versatile pieces in neutral colors like black, gray, navy and tan.

For women, start with dresses and skirts in materials like ponte knit that transition from season to season. Add coordinating blazers, blouses and cardigans that can be mixed and matched. Choose shoes with walkable heels and classic silhouettes.

For men, begin with well-tailored suits in solids and subtle patterns like glen plaid or pinstripes. Include crisp button-down shirts, patterned ties and leather dress shoes.

Both genders should invest in nice outerwear like trench coats and pea coats. Accessories like leather bags and metallic jewelry polish off professional looks.

Treat Yourself to Custom Made

For the ultimate executive look, treat yourself to custom suits, shirts and dresses tailored specifically to your measurements. While more expensive, custom pieces deliver perfect fit and give you a put-together confidence that’s hard to replicate off the rack.

Before ordering custom apparel, get measured by an experienced tailor. Provide those measurements to the clothing company or tailor crafting your custom wears. For suits and dress shirts, select premium fabrics like Italian wool and Egyptian cotton. Opt for classic silhouettes and versatile colors like navy blue or gray for maximum reuse potential.

Schedule at least two fittings to ensure the perfect cut and drape that only custom tailoring can deliver. Your impeccably fitting custom garments will become treasured wardrobe staples.

Know Your Office Dress Code

Before restocking your work wardrobe, familiarize yourself with your workplace dress code if one exists. Some offices require formal business attire while others allow more casual wear. Make sure new purchases align with the standards.

In formal offices, stick to suits, blazers, dress shirts and modest dresses. For more laidback workplace cultures, dark denim, polos and company-branded apparel may be acceptable. Seek clarity if you’re unsure what’s appropriate.

You want your clothing to neatly align with workplace norms and make the right impression. Ignoring the dress code, even if unintentional, can undermine your efforts.

An upgraded work wardrobe helps you make a powerful first impression and project confidence all day long. Follow these tips to overhaul your office attire for maximum impact. Start with versatile essentials, splurge on custom-made pieces and maintain them well. You’ll look and feel your very best.

Photo by Olga Zhuravleva on Unsplash