Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Is It Okay to Wear Designer Dresses at Work?

It is very important to dress well at work, particularly in fields where first impressions are crucial. However, is it appropriate to wear designer dresses at work? The answer is yes, and no. Here are some things to remember when choosing your work clothing, and when considering whether a dress is work appropriate.

Dress conservatively. With very few exceptions, in most careers it’s never good to wear provocative clothing at work. This means no plunging necklines, no micromini skirts, and no extremely tight pants. If you dress as if you’re going to a party, you’re giving the impression of being unprofessional. If you love designer dresses, you’ll find plenty of options that are flattering and professional, without being inappropriate for your place of work.


Leave the flashy clothes at home. In the workplace, you need clothes that give an impression that you know what you’re doing and that you’re competent for the job. Choose something that’s smart and professional—this means not wearing designer clothing that demands attention. Loud colors, outrageous designs or curious combinations of garments can give you a negative reputation as someone who prioritizes gaining attention over allowing others to focus on their job. If you have a penchant for dressing to your outgoing and fun personality, focus on designer dresses that make a statement without going overboard—remember, you’re looking to draw attention to your professional merit, not your ability to make people stare.

Follow your office dress code. Complying with the rules can go a long way toward creating a harmonious working environment. You can exhibit your individuality by choosing the accessories to go with your clothes. Look at your boss’ style to guide you. If she wears business suits every day, that means you have to be on the conservative side when choosing your work dresses. If she sometimes dresses casually, you likely can do so, too.

Bring a back-up dress for unexpected events. Sometimes unexpected things can happen while you’re in the office. A new client may want to meet for dinner, or you might get assigned by your boss (at the last minute) to attend a client’s launching party. In this case, it would be best to ditch the suit and wear something more appropriate to the occasion. Bringing a designer dress to the office as an emergency backup is the female equivalent of stocking an extra tie and dress shirt in your office. It will tell your boss that you’re ready at any time to meet any challenges thrown your way.

Whether your office clothes are off-the-rack or designer dresses, it’s very important to choose what you wear wisely. The colors, the fit, and the style should match and blend with your work environment so that you can give the right impression not only to your boss, but to your co-workers as well.


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