You’re either working at one of those ‘woke’ wear-what-you-want-to-work companies, or you’re enchained in the shackles of wearing smart office attire.
Even if your company enforces a smart-workwear policy, and you find it restrictive, it has a good reason. Clothing is almost synonymous with the culture of a company and its perception.
Let’s not waste time with the introduction. Learn more about the impact that well-presented clothes have on workplace perception.
Dressing smart isn’t necessarily dressing for success
Dressing formally won’t make you the most important person in your office within a single day. It doesn’t make a company successful just because they enforce a smart-dress code.
Smart clothing is a shortcut. Humans love shortcuts. This includes your boss, your client and even your co-worker who spend their off-the clock hours in jogging pants. Human nature is to be jogging bottoms.
There are many benefits to dressing well, regardless of whether you or your company is successful. You do not have to follow the societal standards. It’s all about changing your clothing style effortlessly. Dressing for success is all about intention. Clean lines, properly fitting clothing and matching outfits that reflect your industry without being excessive are key. This is where the sweet spot is.
There’s also a difference between looking smart and wearing smart. You instantly look scruffy if you wear a suit with a creased shirt. There’s no excuse when you only need an ironing board, and a good iron.
Dressing smartly does look successful
The way you present yourself is important when it comes to presenting your face in a boardroom full of executives, or to your team via video from the comfort of your own home.
These outfits are not just successful-looking, they also boast. These outfits will build trust before you even say a single word. Wearing clothing immediately demonstrates respect towards yourself, others, and your position. What about that energy? This energy is really strong.
Psychologically, it is believed that people who dress nicely command more respect and have greater authority. It is not just a mere observation, but scientifically proven. Wearing smart attire makes people seem more capable. According to studies, workers who wear professional clothing are perceived as more competent, and, surprising, also likeable.
People who dress smartly walk and carry themselves in a different way. They speak loudly, take up space and assert themselves.
If you put someone in a suit with a tie next to someone wearing jeans and a sweater, it is likely that the shirt and tie will be the winner.
The Internal and External Company Images
What does it mean if all employees in an office are well-dressed, polished and professional? The company is trying to get new customers and wants to promote their image. They want to be perceived as organized, coordinated and successful.
The dress code is important in any case. The dress code shapes the culture and gives employees the opportunity to express themselves both physically and metaphorically.
Employees who are well-dressed on the outside serve as ambassadors for your brand. They are living business cards. They are instantly recognizable and under constant observation, whether they are at a networking event, meeting clients or on a lunch break. The persona is what people relate to, which can either improve or ruin your brand.
Next time you want to go to work, consider what your attire means. If you work for a company that has a relaxed, woke office dress code, then it’s up to you!
