The ultimate guide to office fashion
Workplace fashion can be a tricky labyrinth to navigate, especially if you're new to the 9-5 office grind. You may not have earned enough yet to completely overhaul your university wardrobe (i.e jeans, denim shorts, hoodies, that one semi-professional outfit from your job interview and your collection of band t-shirts) but you still need to pull together a work-appropriate look. So we've put together this handy visual guide (with a little help from Mad Men) to help you on your way.
Accessorise
It's the best way to wear the same outfit over and over but make it look a little different every time. Jewellery and scarves work well for women where neat socks, ties and watches jazz up any man's outfit. However, for everyone's sake, your jewellery shouldn't make noise (such as a stack of jingly bangles) or be too distracting (such as shoulder-scraping earrings or ugly ties).
Play with prints and colours
Just don't go overboard. Be sure to pick patterns and colours that don't overwhelm (this means no neon or multi-coloured psychedelic florals). Don't clash prints unless you know what you're doing. Hey, guy at the printer with the pinstripe pants and tartan check jacket with polka dot tie, I'm looking at you.
Stay classy
Keep spaghetti strapped and strapless dresses for the weekend and be mindful of revealing too much chest, shoulders, thighs and back, especially all at once. Open backs, plunging necklines, rising hems and peeking midriffs are never really acceptable in an office, no matter how much you think you're pulling off your look.
Rule of thumb:
If "sexy" is the best word to describe your outfit, get changed.
Recognise the power of clean, pressed shirt
If you think no one will notice your crinkled, unironed shirt or the folded creases in your blouse, trust me, they will see and they will judge. Get them to an iron, stat.
Get a suit that fits properly
Borrowing your dad's suit from the 90s for your year 12 formal was fine; continuing to wear that suit in a professional setting once you are earning a full-time salary is not. Do everyone a favour and treat yourself to a well-fitted suit.
Dress appropriately for your industry and role
Client-facing roles may require attire that's a little more formal than back-of-house roles. Similarly, your workplace may have dress code or unspoken rule about what's ok and what's not. Err on the side of caution and dress up rather than dress down if you're not sure.
Wear nice shoes
If you're a woman, sandals, heels, wedges and ballet flats are all ok, provided they're not in desperate (and noticeable) need of repair. Hot tip: get your heel caps replaced regularly – that metal clicking noise as you walk down the hallway or a shredded shoe heel are tell-tale signs that you need to take your shoes to a cobbler. If you're a man, then it's a closed toe shoe all the way for you; there really isn't a male open toe alternative that is in any way acceptable in the office. White sneakers or socks and sandals are never ok in a professional workplace.
Bonus tip!
Stop wearing white gym socks with your black work shoes. Please.
Dress the part
If you look like you're going to the beach or the gym, about to work in the garden or settling in for a Sunday afternoon Netflix binge on the couch, you're not dressed appropriately for a professional office. This includes, but isn't limited to, thongs, casual shorts, bare midriffs, ripped t-shirts, cargo pants, tracksuits, yoga pants, board shorts, ugg boots and hoodies.
Exceptions:
PE teachers, personal trainers, physiotherapists, lifesavers, swimming instructors, gardeners, tradies, models and professional athletes.
Word by Chloe Diggins, the best dressed person in the Alumni Office