Dress for success in your new career
You’ve decided to move on from your old job and a new career awaits you. Changing career can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time! Perhaps you are setting up your own business or starting a new role in a different company. It can feel overwhelming and then you start to worry about what to wear for this new adventure.
What am I going to wear?
Perhaps you don’t want to wear the same old things you wore for your previous job? Maybe you had more of a uniform of a suit or corporate wear and now it seems like where you are heading is much more of a smart/casual look which feels trickier to manage.
Colour & Style Consultant, Fiona Mobbs has some sound advice in her article about dressing for work today.
Picture Yourself in your Dream Job
Picture yourself dressed for success in your dream job and ask yourself these questions:
- Where am I? In an office, on the road or working from home?
- What am I wearing? How smart/tailored or casual is it?
- What compliments am I receiving from coworkers?
- How would colleagues describe what I’m wearing?
Is this starting to give you an indication of what your new look might look like? If you’re still feeling stuck, you may need to do further work on clarifying exactly what your dream job looks like. A Clarity Session can help you with this.
If you’re working from home, you may also need to consider the backdrop for your Zoom and Teams calls! And don’t be tempted to go smart on top with scruffy joggers or pyjamas below, thinking that your colleagues won’t see below the waist. I’ve heard many stories of people jumping up for some reason or other and showing a less-than-professional side to their image!
To further develop your vision, you could set up a board on Pinterest or create a mood board of colours/styles/outfits which epitomise what you would like to wear. (Check out this board while you’re there.)
Audit your Wardrobe to Dress for Success
Next, you might like to complete a wardrobe audit to see what you already have that could be repurposed for your new look. Anything that is no longer required can be donated to charity or sold online to add some funds for new purchases.
Shopping to Dress for Success
Soon, you will have decided whether you need to smarten up and add in some more tailored items or go more casual and add in some more relaxed pieces.
Make a list of a few key items that would help to make your wardrobe work better for your new career. You can then keep an eye out for these in the shops or enlist the help of a Personal Shopper to help you make some wise purchases.
Phew! Now that you have your new wardrobe sorted, you can relax knowing that you’re going to look the part on your first day and beyond.
Top Tips for Dressing For Success
Dressing for success in a new career is not just about looking good but also about feeling confident and ready to take on any challenges that come your way. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward in your new workplace:
- Know the dress code: Understanding the dress code of your new workplace is crucial. Whether it’s business formal, business casual, or casual, make sure to align your outfits accordingly. When in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
- Invest in quality basics: Building a solid wardrobe foundation with well-fitted basics such as tailored trousers, blazers, blouses, and comfortable shoes is key. These pieces can be mixed and matched to create different looks for various occasions.
- Showcase your personality: While it’s important to adhere to the dress code, don’t be afraid to inject your personal style into your outfits. This could be through subtle accessories, a pop of colour, or unique patterns that showcase your individuality.
- Pay attention to grooming: Good grooming goes hand in hand with dressing for success. Ensure that your hair, nails, and overall appearance are well-maintained. A neat and polished look will leave a positive impression on your colleagues and clients.
- Confidence is key: No matter what you wear, the most important accessory you can have is confidence. Stand tall, speak with assurance, and exude positivity. Remember, when you feel good about yourself, it will reflect in your work and interactions with others.
Good luck with your new career.
Many people benefit from New Starter Coaching to help them settle into a new role. Please comment below if you have any questions or other top tips about how to dress for success in your new career.
Copyright: Louise Jenner, 2024.
