by Jed Eane

Created on: July 07, 2010

It's always a good thing to be recognized in the workplace for more than merely your clothes, especially if your outfits are getting attention for all the wrong reasons! And even if you are known throughout the office for being a sharp dresser, this won't be enough to help you win promotion when the time comes - although it is a good start. There's a fine line to cross when dressing to be successful at the office: On the one hand, you want to impress your superiors and show you are professional in all you do; on the other hand, you don't want your clothes to speak louder than your work. So how do you go about getting it right?

Well, if your workplace has a dress code then that's the best place to start. Make sure you have a copy of the code and follow it. It's much easier dressing for work where a dress code is in place because it means you're rarely left in doubt about any particular item of clothing. However, if your company doesn't have a dress code, then you need to implement your own and stick to it. Some of the rules of successful workplace dressing include the following:

Regardless of how warm the weather is, don't show too much flesh. This rule applies to both men and women. While women may already have a hard enough time being taken as seriously as their male counterparts, men will earn little respect themselves if they turn up for work in a pair of cargo shorts and loafers. There are ways to dress in order to keep cool during the summer that don't necessitate in lots of flesh-showing. When deciding on whether an outfit is appropriate for the office, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable wearing it were you called into a meeting with your superiors: If the answer's no, then keep it for the weekend.

The maxim about avoiding mixing business with pleasure also extends to dressing for the workplace. For example, while you may be passionate about Harley-Davidson motorbikes, avoid the need to tell everyone you work with by wearing a t-shirt proclaiming your love for your Harley. In fact, it's best to avoid wearing any t-shirt that carries a slogan, particularly if it's one that may cause offence to your fellow colleagues (and in some offices, it's best to avoid wearing t-shirts altogether!).

On a similar note, while comfort may be important to you while you work, don't wear old clothes are that ripped, stained, or faded. That polo shirt you love to wear at the weekends probably

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>