In today’s work landscape, the simple activity of choosing an outfit for work can be challenging. The tips below will help you choose the best outfit to give yourself the confidence to kick ass at work and any work-related events.
While I am a millennial, I do not associate myself closely with the millennial mindset that the world is changing and I should not have to change myself for my work environment. I’m sorry if this is news to you, but work pays your bills.
Going against the work dress code is a serious mistake and could lead to disciplinary actions up to termination. The old mindset of don’t dress for the job you have, but dress for the job you want is still very true. This should always be kept in mind while planning your work attire for a new work environment or if you have been feeling underdressed at your current employment.
As the world around us is telling everyone not to judge people and not shame others due to weight or physical features. At the end of the day, it does still happen, especially in the workplace. Being put together from head to toe will not only help you feel more confident in any work environment but will make your colleagues take you more seriously. That also includes never going too over the top with hair and makeup. Your hair should at least look like you own a brush and your makeup should not look like you are about to hit up the club after work.
The top business attire items are best purchased at a nicer retailer. The prices are not exactly cheap, but the product will last for years and many wash cycles (I always personally purchase my work pants and shirts during semi-annual and annual sales to get a great deal.) I am a strong believer that every woman should have an amazing suit in their closet. A nice pair of work pants that are boot cut and a pair of slim ankle are great additions to your wardrobe and will make any outfit look more dressed up. A simple pair of heels (nothing over 3 inches) is always elegant and will make everyone around you assume you put a lot of energy into your outfit. A blouse that will accentuate your shape but ensure that cleavage is not pouring out of your top is a must and to finish the outfit, a blazer is ALWAYS a good purchase. Whether it is a simple black blazer or one that has more color, it will make any outfit look more polished and everyone complimenting your outfit.
While shopping for professional work clothes may seem daunting if you have never shopped for them before, seek help from the staff at the store. They will be helpful to help you get the perfect fit. There is nothing worse than going to an interview or an important work meeting and your blouse or pants material are pulling because they are way too tight.
Check out the end of the article for a few interview etiquette tips.
Below are a few items that should be in everyone’s closet.
While all the items are from White House Black Market and Zara, many companies have amazing work clothes. These are just a few of my favorite stores that have the BEST quality products. Again, the sale season is the best time to purchase these items. I am all about STAPLE items. The few items below are simple pieces that over time you can add more items, more color into your work attire. These items are great pieces that will be great in your option pieces for years to come and will never go out of style.
Once you’re dressed, come check out the Military Spouse Virtual Career Expo next week!! Learn More Here.
Simple Black Work Pants
These are slim ankle and look great with a simple blouse or a blazer and a colored shirt. On a sale, I have been able to get these pants for $34. Similar in price to dress pants from Old Navy, but far superior quality. Buy.
Simple Black Boot Cut Pants
Another great pair of pants for any work event. They go great with any shoe, and always make sure there is no pulling at the crotch; if there is, make sure to go up a size. Buy.
Black Stretch Blazer
Blazers are the perfect touch to any outfit. They look great with jeans, a tee, and converse or a beautiful dress suit for your business meetings. This blazer is currently on sale for $54. Buy.
Black Cape Blazer
This blazer is seriously my FAVORITE work item. It is so adorable and I have been getting nonstop compliments on it. It is worth every penny. Buy.
White Collared Blouse
This blouse is simple and elegant and will go great from the office to happy hour with your friends. Buy.
For shoes, I am all about a good pair of flats and a good pair of heels for the various meetings that could happen throughout the day. If I am planning to wear my heels, I will always bring a back up of flats just in case my feet start screaming at me half-way through my day.
Simple Black Heel
These are the best. I am also a big fan of doing a neutral suit and a colored heel or patterned heel to add to spice to my outfit. Buy.
Some killer flats
These bad boys are adorable and would go great for a nice addition to any dress outfit. Buy.
Interview Etiquette
Top ten interview etiquette to have the interviewer remember who you are.
Be on time.
Your first impression is everything in a job interview. Be early and leave your phone off and in your car. You never want to be watching a Facebook video on loud while your interviewer comes out to grab you for the interview.
Review
Review your resume. It is never a bad idea to send it out to friends or family to have them look over it for simple mistakes. If you have been going over your resume for hours on end you may look over a simple spelling error.
Dress for success
It is better to be in a full suit for an interview than a causal outfit, even if the company says they wear business casual for day to day work. It is best to have them tell you exactly what the dress code is after you are at the interview.
I have been a gatekeeper at a previous job and turned a gentleman away that showed up in gym shorts, socks, sandals, and a wife-beater shirt. Never do this.
Practice, Practice, Practice.
Practice your interview questions and practice your handshake. Ask your parent, girlfriend or even to the mirror and go over basic interview questions that could be asked.
Be prepared
Research the company before the interview and ensure to have at least 10 questions to ask at the end of the interview. Make at least a few questions relative to the industry and always include a few that will make the interviewer engage with you and do a lot of the talking.
Create a brag book
It is never a bad item to have a brag book for an interview. This will include all letters of recommendations, any awards you have received (that are relevant to the work), training that you have completed that is relevant to the work, and extra copies of your resume. Always remember to print your resume on good quality, resume paper.
Clean up your social media.
Companies or possible peers may take a peek at your social media pages and if it is filled with comments about how much you hate your current boss or how you doing shots during work hours, they maybe hesitate to employ you. While the employer will not say that your social media is the reason you did not get the job they can easily say, “we found someone more well-suited for the position.”
Be kind to everyone!
Once you enter the office your interview has begun, whether you realize it or not. If you are incredibly dismissive to the front office staff, they can easily head to the hiring manager and let them know about your attitude. When leaving the interview, never forget to say thank you to the office staff that helped you at the beginning of the interview.
Smile!
While you may be freaking out on the inside and nervous, a smile goes a long way. If you suffer from RBF make sure you practice smiling more in the days before the interview. A smile goes a LONG way.
Send a thank you!
It is so underrated and underutilized. Send a thank-you note or email with the interviewer’s name. It is a great reminder for the interviewer of your name and will have them take a double-take at your resume.
Now that you’re all dressed, come check out the Military Spouse Virtual Career Expo next week!! Learn More.