You may initially rejoice at the thought of tossing aside your confining work clothes, but uniforms and suits can actually make dressing easier. If you’re working in creative offices like fashion industry, advertising, design, media, and tech startups, there are some of the industries where nontraditional professional attire is the new norm and wearing traditional pantsuit may cost you a job because it won’t resonate with your workplace. So, keep on reading for the 4 dressing rules for creative offices.
- Creative still means polished.
Looking trendy may be creative, but keep in mind that creative still means polished. Sloppiness is not effective in any professional setting, regardless of how creative it is so looking polished and professional should still be your style mantra. Though you may go for architectural tops and boxy culottes, you still want your clothes to fit and flatter. So those scuffs, rips, and stains are still off-limits. If you’re unsure whether your outfit looks polished, top it off with a structured blazer to add some sleek vibe to your looks.
- Rethink casual.
Think of nontraditional office clothes as work outfits that align with your personality and personal preferences. However, remember that “casual” clothes are not all created equal as the graphic tee and jeans you usually wear on the weekends are likely not the same you’ll wear to work. Though you may still go for jeans, opt for a pair of dark, fitted jeans, as well as white denim that can be a great staple for warmer months. Remember, most leggings still aren’t pants, even in creative spaces. But if you style them just right, they can work. Just go for a loose top that comes down beyond your rear, and opt for classic pumps or stiletto heels to give the look a little more polish. Also, dresses are another terrific base that easily dress up or down and transition effortlessly for nights and weekends.
- Add some polish to your style with accessories.
Accessories can be the single distinguishing factor between weekend casual pieces and an office-appropriate outfit. Think of handbags, shoes, and jewelry with statement details like asymmetric, bright color, bold shape, or even metallic trims that will add some pop to your creative looks. Mixing formal or higher-end pieces with casual items often has the most powerful effect. So if you’re wearing a plain black tee and a printed skirt, consider adding heels.
- Know your audience.
Knowing your audience is the key even in casual offices. You still want to dress to impress, and you will always be more effective if you feel “like yourself,” but tweaking your look to give a visual nod to your target audience will definitely work in your favor. Like fashion blogger Mary Orton, you may still go for a blouse and skirt combination but opt for a brightly colored blouse. This way, you’ll look like them, but slightly better. By considering these dressing rules, you’ll be able to look stylish at the same time professional in your workplace.