Pro Tips | Dressing for Success at Your New Job

Starting a new job or internship is exciting, and a great way to make a strong first impression is by dressing appropriately for the workplace. We'll give you some tips and tricks here to make sure you're showing up comfortable and confident to start your first day.

Pro tip #1 - Know the dress code before you get there. Every job is different! Some jobs ask you to wear a uniform, some don't. If you're unsure about what kind of dress code your new work environment has, shoot a quick text or email to your supervisor or onboarding contact to express your enthusiasm for your first day and ask about the company’s dress code.

Try something like this - "Hi [Supervisor Name], I'm excited to meet the team on my first day! I had a quick question - does the office/worksite have a specific dress code? I just want to make sure I'm prepared ." A quick message like this shows that you are taking this opportunity seriously and that you understand the importance of presenting yourself in a professional manner and creating a positive first impression.

Pro-Tip #2 - Know the difference between casual, professional, and formal dress codes! Dressing professionally doesn't mean you have to lose your style. Let’s break down some common workplace dress codes and how to make them work for you:

• "Business Formal"

  A neutral colored suit and closed-toe dress shoes are the standard for a business formal dress code, both for men and women. A conservative neutral colored dress is also appropriate for women. Usually, these outfits are best for special events, important meetings, or interviews for a new job, although some offices will skew more toward a formal look, especially those in fields like finance, law, and real estate.
  

  

  
  

• "Business Casual"

  The most common for office spaces and the safest option when you aren't quite sure of the dress code at a new job. Think slacks, khakis, or a skirt paired with a dress shirt, sweater, blouse, or polo. When in doubt, a clean pair of pants with a button-down shirt or a clean sweater is a great option. Try to stay away from sneakers, jeans, or anything too revealing. Think about what you would wear to church or a more formal family event.
  

  

• "Smart Casual" Very similar to business casual but allows for neat jeans, sneakers, and sometimes shorts, as long as they’re clean, not wrinkled, and not too revealing. You'll still want to wear something a little more elevated, like a polo or a sweater - try to avoid graphic t-shirts, clothes with holes, or anything too revealing. Think about things you would wear daily to school or things you would wear to hang out with family members.

  

  
  

• "Casual"

  This is a more relaxed style, often allowing jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, accessories, and other everyday clothes. However, items still need to be neat, clean, and workplace-appropriate. Typically, worksites with casual attire will include places like summer camps, food service sites, or worksites that are outdoors.

There are other standard dress codes like "black tie, semi-formal, festive, etc., but the ones we've covered are what you will see in 99% of workplaces. Indeed.com has a great list here if you want to do a deeper dive.

Pro Tip #3 - Explore ways in which you can include your style in your professional look.

This can be adding a few accessories (Be sure not to be too flashy!) or including some of your favorite clothing pieces. Shoes should be closed-toe and clean, and the clothes should fit well and be free of wrinkles, lint, stains, and tears.

Pro Tip #4 - Keep it professional!

You never know when your boss or someone else at the worksite might want to check in with you. Think about your accessories and try and keep things like headphones/earbuds away unless appropriate. Save the jam session for your breaks or quiet individual work times. And remember it's always best practice to have your cell phone, and any other personal/distracting items, silenced and out of sight during working hours!

Pro Tip #5 - Hygiene = Confidence.

Good hygiene practices are crucial! Being confident starts with being comfortable in your skin.  Be sure to groom and care for yourself! Keep your hair clean and neat. Depending on the job, your hair may have to be tied back or in a hair net. If you decide to spray a fragrance, pick a scent that is mild and not too strong. Shower and brush your teeth daily, and don't forget to put on deodorant, especially on hot days. If you like using breath refreshers, choose mints over gum in the workplace when possible.

Pro Tip #5 - It's better to feel overdressed than underdressed - especially on your first day.

Trust us. You'll feel more comfortable, confident, and prepared if you are dressed appropriately at work. Plus, it can be fun to dress up a little, especially if you don't do it often. Best practice is to dress, at least, business casual for your first few days while you get a feel for the workplace.

TLDR? Here are a couple of simple tips/reminders:

• When in doubt, go for business casual!

• It's always better to be slightly overdressed than to be underdressed.

• Hygiene = Confidence! Shower once a day and don't forget deodorant.

• When choosing your clothes, it is generally safest to choose solid, neutral colors.

• Business casual shirt options can include button-downs, blouses, and polo shirts. These can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved.

• Try to avoid graphic design, cropped T-shirts, or anything with holes or rips.

• For bottoms, choose clean, unwrinkled pants, khakis, skirts, shorts, or dresses.

• Jeans can be dressed up, but be cautious and double-check with your company’s dress code.

• If jeans are allowed, they should be solid colored and free from any tears or stains.

• If you wear shorts, skirts, or dresses, the garment should stop below the knees.

• Remember - Dressing up can be fun! You'll feel more confident and prepared.

Best of luck with your new job!