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Congratulations! You have a new job! New things are always fun, because change brings challenges and opportunities. But change is also scary because what on earth do you WEAR to the new job?!?
Moving from one office to another — or from your kitchen table to an office — can be daunting for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the whole idea of what’s appropriate attire for your new work environment. You don’t want to overdress, but you certainly don’t want to UNDERdress, and either way you want to make a good first impression on your new coworkers.
And all that is before you even start doing the work you are getting paid to do.
So what DO you wear to a new job? Do you dress up, dress down, try to wear what everyone else is wearing?
A little bit of all of those, actually.
Know the rules. Does your new office have a specific dress code or policy? If so, then be sure to follow it to the letter, at least for the first month. Some businesses have policies but don’t enforce them, while other places enforce only parts of the policy; in the beginning, assume that the dress code is the absolute law. Policy says no exposed toes? Don’t wear sandals to the office, no matter how hot it is.
Know the environment. “Business casual” means different things in different offices. Some business casual workplaces prohibit sandals and shorts, while others encourage you to wear your fleece and Tevas. Be aware of the culture in your new office and keep it in mind as you get dressed.
Know yourself. Wear what is comfortable for you, rather than trying to put together a costume that makes you look like the rest of the office.
So what specifically should you wear? Choose pieces that you know look and feel great; the first week at a new job isn’t the time to road test a new look. Mix and match things from your existing wardrobe, if possible; if you have to shop for things, stick with tried-and-true shapes and styles. Consider both the office style and YOUR style and find outfits that will work for both.
Finally, I am a big believer in the notion that it is always better to be overdressed than under dressed. If your new office is business casual, don’t wear a suit, but think about pairing a jacket with a pair of tailored trousers, or a skirt with a twinset. Making that little extra effort to look professional and polished shows your coworkers that you are serious about this job, and that you are excited to be part of their team. Because, as my father always said, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Tomorrow: how to make your Wall Street wardrobe work in a Casual Friday office.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 4:09 pm and is filed under casual office, basics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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April 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
My rule of thumb is to think about what would be sort of ‘normal’ workwear for the job (based on what you saw when you interviewed, what you know about the industry, etc) and then go one step up from that for at least the first few days, at least until you get a feel for what’s expected.
I think starting a new job is a great time to really splurge on one piece that you feel fabulous in — a really nice jacket or bag or shoes.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:10 am
I ALWAYS over dress to start. Never a mistake.
BTW- Remember that whole suit thing? I got a fab suit (for a great price) at Ann Taylor Loft. The interview went smashing and I was told as soon as someone leaves the office (they are did not have any openings at the time- but they are preparing for any openings they may have in the future) I will be called an offered a job (no more interviews!) And I had on the same Banana Republic bee brooch as my interviewer. Brooches- always a good idea for a suit. For so many reasons.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Such good advice to wear something you already own, so you know it works. For my first day at one of my jobs I bought a new suit. I was really really young and really really poor, so I bought it on a major sale. An hour into my new day I realized the pants were ripped in one of the seams.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:37 am
[…] at the fact that my body PUSHED OUT A WOOD CHIP, I was also writing about other things, like what to wear to a new job and why the white handbag is the Perfect Bag for Summer. Go, read! You might learn something. […]
April 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I have never gone amiss at a new job with a twinset and nice slacks or a skirt — I’m in my 20’s, and most of the jobs I’ve had have really, REALLY not required suits. I think a good twinset is a smart investment for someone finishing school or looking for a new job — wear it as is, use the tank as a shell for a jacket, or even pair the cardi with a fun cami!
May 7th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Twinsets are really invaluable for any office wardrobe.
The right cut of shell can also be worn as a vest. Like Kristen pointed out, it can also be worn on its own, and the cardigan can be worn over a camisole, or even over a button down for a preppier look. (I’m a HUGE fan of the preppy look, so I usually pair mine with button-downs instead of camis.)
Button down shirts are great for layering too. You can pair them with cool belts, over a camisole, or under your favorite cardigan/vest.
I am also one of those people who finds something that fits and buys every color I can get my hands on. I find great deals at JC Penney, their Worthington line fits me well (I’m a little larger) and the pants are long enough. Plus, you can usually get two or three colors in an item, and easily build a good solid wardrobe.
Oh, and the value of accessories cannot be underestimated. You can change the whole look of the same white shirt and black pants with different bags, jewelry, and shoes.
Susan, I just love this blog. It’s fast becoming one of my favorites! Thanks for the practical advice.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
[…] been talking about how to build an office-friendly wardrobe that will also work for those hours and days when you are NOT at the office. The goal, of course, […]