7 Smart Fashion Tips and Tricks to Spruce Up Your Work Wardrobe

Professional appearance can make a major difference in career success. When you look refined and professional, you can improve your confidence, opportunities, and professional relationships. However, it can be tough to know what looks good in the workplace and what should be left for your days off. If you want to improve your work wardrobe or professional fashion sense, you’ll need to understand the basics of the ideal business attire, whether you wear a strict uniform or casual everyday wear.

Accessorize

You can enhance any type of outfit with some accessories. An accessory is an optional, subtle part of a wardrobe that doesn’t make up the core elements like pants, a shirt, and a jacket. Watches, jewelry, belts, bags, hair ties, and hats can all count as accessories. You’ll want to choose wisely when it comes to accessories; a loud, metallic men’s watch may not go well with a soft summer dress. Try coordinating colors or materials. Be sure to find a balance; too many accessories can look disorganized and busy. Try on various accessories to see what looks and feels best with your outfit. The right accessories can make you look distinguished and stylish.

Customize Your Uniform

You may work a job where you need to wear a uniform or safety gear, limiting self-expression when it comes to fashion. Thankfully, you can still add some subtle self-expression to a formal uniform. If you need to wear safety gear, consider accessories like watches, vest patches, hard hat decals, or custom high-visibility gear. Catchy slogans or logos on long-sleeve safety orange shirts can go a long way in terms of self-expression. If you have to wear a particular uniform, you may be more limited. Consider a brooch or collar pin to express yourself. A bold belt or shoe choice can help you stand out and look stylish. Ask your supervisors what you can do to customize while still adhering to your job’s dress code.

Mix and Match

Pairing the same pants with the same shirt each week can feel limiting. Instead, choose versatile wardrobe pieces so you can change up your look. Use different combinations of pants, skirts, shirts, and blazers. For more combinations, select a different scarf, tie, or bowtie. When you mix and match your wardrobe, your workwear will never look boring or uninspired. You can even swap different pairs of shoes for an entirely new look! Having a go-to work capsule wardrobe can make business fashion easier than ever.

Understand Proper Fit

When your clothing choices are sound but don’t fit properly, you won’t look professional. Clothes that are too tight can be inappropriate in the workplace. Clothes that are too loose can appear too casual or unrefined. When you wear clothes that properly fit you, you’ll look distinguished, professional, and attractive. If you’re uncertain what your proper size is, head to a tailor or clothing store that offers measuring services. You can also measure yourself at home with a fabric tape measure. You’ll want to measure your bust, waist, hips, and leg length at a minimum to find clothes that fit you. If you’re unable to fit well into standard-size clothing, you may want to invest in a tailor who can alter clothing to suit you better. As a bonus, properly fitting clothes will feel more comfortable on you, allowing you to be more productive in the workplace.

Try a Bold Color Or Pattern

While most people advise you not to choose colors or patterns that are too busy in the office, consider going a bit bold for a fresh change. You don’t need to cover your entire wardrobe in busy patterns—that will likely make you appear unprofessional. However, a bold-colored tie, sock, or shoe is subtle enough to look professional while still drawing in the eye. Smaller accessories or wardrobe pieces can carry bold looks without going too far. Bold colors, like bright yellow or pink, may seem strange in the workplace, but with the right color or accessory, you can look very fashionable.

Don’t Forget the Shoes

Many professionals simply buy a business casual pair of shoes and call it a day. They may even wear the same shoes with all of their outfits. Try to pay more attention to what you wear on your feet to make yourself stand out. Rotate a few pairs of shoes to change up your looks seamlessly. Take advantage of shoes with different patterns, colors, and styles. Your shoes alone can change a lot about your appearance; don’t neglect them!

Visit Outlets and Discount Stores

It can be expensive to buy multiple pairs of shoes, wardrobe pieces, and accessories. While high-end clothing will last longer and look better over time, not everyone can budget for or afford these outfits. You can save a ton of money on better-quality clothes by visiting name-brand outlets or discount stores. They’ll sell overstock or last-season pieces for way less, allowing you to wear the best styles and fabrics without the large price tag.

Conclusion

You may not be able to follow every fashion tip if you wear a work uniform or safety gear. However, ensuring your clothes properly fit and accessorizing your uniform can go a long way in terms of self-expression and refinement. Don’t be afraid to try new looks and ask your supervisors about accessorizing or changing certain elements in a uniform, too. While productivity and job performance are the main keys to business success, looking and feeling good can affect your performance immensely.