Get Ahead by Looking Put Together at Work - 6 Ways
Think about the people you admire at work... there's just something about them when they walk in the door.
Confidence. Authority. Effortlessly Polished. Professional.
What makes all that possible? Could it really be their clothes? As a professional personal stylist for over ten years, I've seen clients find stellar personal style over and over again.
Here's the thing.
Even if you feel like you could never look that put together, like you just don't get it and, maybe you'd rather chew glass than try to figure out your sense of fashion, it's possible.
And once you get it?
You will feel fantastic and powerful every time you get dressed.
Your image is more than just a reflection of your personal style; it's a powerful tool that can influence perceptions, open doors to new opportunities, and set the stage for your professional success.
Think of your style as a wearable business card -- dress like the manager, director or CEO your are or you want to be and you're one step closer to that reality.
And remember it's not about just dressing to impress others, but about dressing to empower yourself. It's about crafting a personal brand that speaks volumes before you even utter a word.
This is where the philosophy of buying less but better becomes not just about the clothes you choose each morning, but a strategic investment in your career.
Building a Personal Brand that Commands Respect
Looking put together is a critical element of non-verbal communication. It conveys professionalism, competency, and confidence—qualities that are essential in any leadership role.
When you invest in a wardrobe that truly represents your personal and professional goals, you're not just buying clothes; you're investing in your personal and professional development.
Investing in Quality over Quantity
In the pursuit of a put-together appearance, the key is not to fill your closet with one-hit wonders.
Instead, ensure you have a foundational wardrobe of clothing that offers versatility, durability, and long-term style. Buying less but better is an ethos that champions the idea of a capsule wardrobe—a collection of high-quality, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a multitude of outfits for any occasion, not a bunch of junk.
When you buy cheap clothing, it fades and breaks down quickly because they aren't made to be durable. They also look and feel cheap, which is not impressive to anyone.
Imagine starting your day by opening a closet that delights you and knowing that anything you choose is going to make you feel confident and ready to dominate!
But How Do You Look Put Together?
Talking about confidence and personal style is all well and good -- but what's the nitty gritty?
How do you look put together?
Here are 5 specific tips:
1. Invest in Tailoring
Clothes that fit impeccably stand out. A tailored suit, skirt, or dress can dramatically elevate your appearance, making even affordable pieces look luxe. Ensure your work attire is well-fitted to your body shape—neither too tight nor too loose. Tailoring is a small investment that pays off by making you look polished and professional.
Look at our NYC-based personal styling client transformation below
The outfit on the left is perfectly acceptable, but which version of our client would you expect to be leading your 9:00 meeting? (Bonus: she had to make four decisions to put together the outfit on the left and only two for the dress on the right. Reducing decisions reduces stress and reduces the time it takes to get out the door in the morning!)
2. Choose High-Quality Natural Fabrics
Read your product descriptions and clothing tags. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, and linen often wear well and present a more refined appearance. Investing in a few key pieces, such as a classic blazer, a well-made pair of trousers, and a versatile skirt, can offer a multitude of mix-and-match options that keep your wardrobe functional yet stylish.
3. Mind the Details & Take Care of Your Clothing
Pay attention to the small things that can make or break your look.
This includes ensuring your clothes are always clean, pressed, and in good repair.
Pilled sweaters, missing buttons, or scuffed shoes can detract from your professionalism.
Accessories should be chosen wisely—a statement watch, an impeccable leather bag, or a tasteful piece of jewelry can enhance your outfit without overwhelming it.
4. Understand Your Workplace's Culture
Dressing appropriately for your specific work environment is key.
If your office is more conservative, traditional suiting and more subdued colors might be the norm.
In a creative setting, you have more freedom to express your personal style through patterns, colors, and textures.
Understanding the unwritten dress code of your specific workplace and adapting your style to fit can help you stand out for the right reasons.
Here's a great example of a personal styling for a male client
You might assume that the Business Casual outfit to the left is a good enough way to dress, but look how much more modern, creative, and comfortable the right is.
For anyone working in a Smart Casual dress code or who wants to dress more polished for casual life events, a look like the right transitions seamlessly to whatever's happening after work too.
5. Prepare Your Outfits in Advance
Rushing to get ready can often lead to mismatched or less-than-ideal outfit choices.
Taking time to plan your outfits for the week ahead can ensure you're not only put together but also can reduce stress and save time in the mornings.
Consider the week's meetings, weather, and any after-work commitments to choose outfits that are both functional and stylish.
6. Let’s Get You Personal Styling
At Let's Get You, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building an executive presence and personal brand through fashion. Our approach is tailored to meet you where you are and elevate you to where you want to be.
We're not just stylists; we're your partners in personal and professional growth.
We believe in a wardrobe that reflects your inner awesomeness, supports your career ambitions, and adheres to the principle of sustainability by focusing on quality over quantity.
We dive deep into understanding your career goals, personal style, and lifestyle needs to curate a wardrobe that seamlessly integrates into your life. By focusing on personal development through style, we help you build a strong, confident, and competent image that propels you forward in your career.
Ready to take your professional image to the next level?
Let's Get You moving up the corporate ladder by getting you looking put together. Schedule a call with us to see how we can help craft a wardrobe that reflects your ambition and style, all while embracing the ethos of buying less but better.
Your journey to a more confident you starts today!
