As people return to the workplace after the COVID-19 pandemic, and also many people take up new jobs after the pandemic to take the place of others who have left, the question often comes up, what to wear at work.
Fitting in at work is a huge element of succeeding at any job, so you neither want to overdress nor underdress.
So what’s next?
Before taking any job, ask to have a look around the office first. That way, you get a good idea of what others are wearing, and the type of clothes you do not see.
Then, do your very best to blend in, during your first few days. Wear the best clothes that you feel are appropriate for the job until you get a full handle on it. For women, for example, wear slimming work pants and sensible shoes. After about two weeks or so, if you feel stifled by what you are wearing, then sit down with your supervisor, and point-blank say you have some confusion about the dress code.
That way, you get a real appraisal of how flexible the company is.
For example, if everyone in your position wears a tie and a suit jacket, tell the supervisor that you have trouble getting shirts that fit around your neck, and that ties don’t really work for you.
More often than not, you will get a complete understanding of real, unwritten rules about the company’s dress code, and how flexible they really are.
So how do you decide what to wear at work?
Well, for most people, your human relations department is your best friend. When taking any job, do ask for the official hr policy for the job.
If you are lucky, around 50 percent of the time, he has a clear job description for every job within the company. Even if others are required to wear a suit because they work with customers, you obviously would not be expected to wear a suit if you work in the warehouse.
But don’t go just with the official HR description, although it’s essential to know what is prohibited. A common example is shirts with swear words, commercial enterprises other than your own, torn or ripped clothing, dirty clothing, racist slogans, etc.
But just because the company did not officially spell out their policy in detail, that doesn’t mean you are in the clear.
Yes, you may not lose your job due to the clothes you wear, but you can lose all hopes of future promotions or careers if you choose the wrong clothes.
What not to do?
- Don’t just make bold steps on your own.
Rely on your supervisor to guide you.
- Don’t rely on what a few people may wear.
Pick your advisors wisely. You don’t know. Joe in engineering that seems to push the boundaries of the dress code could be the boss’s nephew or giving your supervisor a free ride to work.
They may get away with things that you won’t and you can’t often rely on what a few individuals wear. On the other hand, if everyone in your unit seems to wear t-shirts and sandals, well then everything goes.
The Bottom Line
Being overdressed or underdressed are faux pas that will threaten your career. Understand the rules, and rely on your supervisor to see how far you can push beyond the standard boundaries safely.