Professional Dress Code

While you possibly can not wear ripped jeans and T-shirt to work, but can indulge once in a while if its ok with your organization on weekends. Frankly speaking your dress code largely depends on your work field. Consider your own industry and corporate culture--then reconsider your wardrobe and try to put some life into it. Some handy tips:

1. Use your personal style as a business communication tool. Your outfit speaks volumes about your professionalism, so make sure it creates the right impression. Casual dress doesn't mean you never have to iron again. Whatever you decide to wear, be sure it's wrinkle-free, in good repair, and pulled together with unifying elements like matching belts and shoes. but don't go overboard with the matching aspect, or you might be labeled as miss goody matching maiden.

Use the best of accessories, they make you feel good. And if possible leave your best looking bag in your locker; in case you have to attend an urgent meeting that's scheduled at a five star, you are never at a loss of looking great. This is so because accessories make you look complete. Even a simple neat dress can look wonderful if accessorized the correct way!

2. Stand out, but blend in. A neat, tied-together look will help you stand out. Wearing too much jewelry or t-shirts with logos will also help you stand out--but not in a positive way. You could wear functional jewelry, a few clip on ear-rings and a few rings on your fingers. If you really want to stand out, then perhaps a pair solitaires in your ears or a single diamond ring could help you feel good. These not only look good but I can say with experience, they constantly make you reflect on them, while you are clattering on your key board. It sure does add up to productivity.

Clothing that distracts people and calls attention away from the business at hand is inappropriate to wear at work. While noisy bracelets might be fun to wear on evenings or weekends, they can be annoying at a team meeting.

3. Plan ahead. Step back before you get dressed in the morning and think about what you'll be doing that day, where you'll be going, and who you'll be meeting. This would also relate to your jewelry and shoes that you might think can be packed up on the last minute but seldom get to the arrangement.

Always stuff your wardrobe with scarves, that way you are sure to move away the attention of the others in case your clothes are not as well matched as they should be. If you have to attend an important meeting then definitely you have to be dressed appropriately for it. As an employee, you should dress to reflect your company's culture, values, and industry.