Dressing For the Job You Want

"Dress for the job you want" is a common piece of advice, but that doesn't mean you should take it literally. After all, mimicking the CEO's suit-heavy professional wardrobe makes you stand out in the wrong way if everyone else in the company wears jeans. Small tweaks to your office outfits can improve your image and position you as a serious, committed worker.

Maintenance and Care

Looking better at work doesn't require an immediate outlay of cash. Before you do anything else, make sure your current professional wardrobe is clean and well-maintained. Go through your office outfits and snip loose threads, use a sticky roller to remove lint, and ensure each piece is completely wrinkle-free. Remove any stains, and if you can't, take the item out of rotation. This step ensures your clothing looks fresh and polished, which can immediately spruce up your image.

Take It Up a Notch

Start sprucing up your professional wardrobe by taking your typical office wear to the next level. If you normally wear a shirt and slacks, look more put-together by adding a tie or a coordinating belt and shoes. Alternatively, add a well-cut blazer. If you don't usually wear jewelry, accessorize with office-appropriate necklaces or earrings. Hairstyles also matter; you want yours neatly arranged into a flattering style. Inexpensive upgrades can improve your look without breaking the bank.

Embrace Tailoring

A professional wardrobe can be expensive, but you can achieve an upscale look by getting affordable clothing tailored to fit. An inexpensive alteration can make a saggy pair of pants or a slightly baggy shirt look sleek and crisp. Hems are an important place to start; make sure your pant legs don't brush the ground, and experiment with skirt lengths to flatter your height without exposing too much skin. Jackets and shirts should be nipped in to skim your shape, and sleeveless dresses should be adjusted to fix gaping armholes or hide visible bra straps.

Purchase Investment Pieces

Once you're ready to take the financial plunge, purchase well-made, high-quality clothing to supplement your professional wardrobe. To decide which pieces to buy, look at the people on your desired career path for cues. Start with classic, timeless items such as beautiful jackets, elegant shoes, and high-end purses or computer bags. Then, move on to key pieces such as suit coats, blazers, and sleek dresses. Avoid expensive trendy pieces that go out of style quickly; you can always add personality and look current with less expensive shirts and accessories.

Your professional wardrobe can have a significant impact on how colleagues, bosses and clients view you in the office. With small adjustments and gradual changes, you can build a closet that reflects your stellar performance and improves your career prospects.

Photo courtesy of Will Fisher at Flickr.com