Congratulations on landing a new corporate job! Now that you have secured your role, the next step is to create the perfect wardrobe that will ensure you look and feel confident in the workplace. This guide will help you build a wardrobe that is both professional and stylish, so you can make the right impression on your colleagues and clients from day one.
Understand the Dress Code
First things first, when building your wardrobe for a corporate job it’s vital to understand the dress code. First impressions matter, and they can significantly impact how others perceive your enthusiasm and ability. Most corporate environments have a business professional or business casual dress code; a professional dress code usually means a suit and tie, while business casual is less formal, but still requires a smart appearance. Make sure to ask your new employer or HR department about the specific dress code for your workplace ahead of your first day, so that you won’t be caught out by any by unexpected surprises.
Invest in a Tailored Suit
A tailored suit is a must-have for any corporate wardrobe. It’s essential to have a suit that fits you perfectly, as the clothes you wear can have a significant impact on your success. Choose a classic colour such as navy or black, as these colors are versatile and can be worn with a wide variety of shirts and ties. If you’re unsure about what style of suit to get, a two-button, single-breasted suit is always a safe choice, and you will still have the opportunity to invest in another suit later down the line once you’ve got a feel for what others wear to the office.
Choose Versatile Shirts
When it comes to shirts, it’s best to choose colours and patterns that can be worn with a number of different suits and ties. White and light blue shirts are classic choices that will never go out of style, but you can also add some variety to your wardrobe with stripes or small dots. Make sure your shirts fit well and opt for a slim or regular fit depending on your body type. When you put your outfits together, ensure your shirt is clean, ironed and tucked into your trousers to make the best impression.
Invest In Quality Footwear
Shoes are an important part of any outfit, and investing in quality footwear will make a big difference to your overall appearance. A classic pair of leather dress shoes in black or brown will work well with most suits, but you can also wear most outfits with a sophisticated pair of boots or loafers. Make sure to keep your shoes polished and in good condition, as scuffed or worn-out shoes can ruin an otherwise great outfit.
Don’t Forget About Casual Fridays
Many corporate workplaces have a casual Friday dress code, which means you can dress down your usual formal outfits in favour of something more comfortable. However, just because the Friday dress code might be more relaxed, this doesn’t mean you should come to the office looking untidy. Instead, pair some dark jeans or chinos with a knitted jumper from burrowsandhare.co.uk that can take you from the office to after work drinks in style.
Shopping for office clothing for the first time can be daunting, but by following these top tips you can walk into your new corporate job feeling confident and ready to take on anything, as well as make a great impression on your new co-workers. As long as you have a variety of options in your wardrobe, including a tailored suit and a knitted jumper for dress down Fridays, you’ll be good to go!