Let’s Get Dressed For Work Again

As many of us are heading back to the office either full time or hybrid, the concept of dressing for work is top of mind. Here’s a tip to make your life easier while still expressing your authentic style: embrace the "uniform" concept. I get it – sounds boring, right?  You’re thinking of the extreme versions of this and Steve Jobs' black turtleneck and jeans.  It makes sense that the word "uniform" may conjure up words like "conform", "rigid", "bland"and "unchanging" because the root of the word itself is simply "uni" meaning one form - how boring is that? But hold on, I can almost guarantee you that you already have your own, unique uniform and you don’t even know it. This is not a bad thing. Once you identify your style uniform and follow these four easy steps – getting dressed during the work week will be easy, you’ll express your authentic self and you’ll look and feel great! And you can rebrand the term “uniform” and call it your “signature look”.

STEP #1: Identify it. Most of us have a “go to” look whether we know it or not. It’s that combo that you gravitate towards when you’re not even thinking of it. For some people it’s jeans and a button down. Maybe it’s black pants and a cashmere sweater. Or maybe it’s just jeans and a t-shirt. Give it some thought– what is your go-to look? There’s a reason you are putting it on – you feel like your authentic self when you are wearing it. (If your answer was pajamas or leggings and a hoodie, then remember you are going out of the house. Yes, comfort is great but it’s time to wear structure again so think next level up! What we wear actually effects our self-esteem and mental health so don’t try to convince yourself otherwise. More on that in another article later.) OK now that you have identified the pattern and what outfit combination you gravitate towards most, on to the next step. 

Identify your go-to look. Maybe it's jeans, a button down and a blazer or cardigan. It may sound boring, but it doesn't have to be - the above version is elevated with quality basics and stylish accessories. The first step is to figure out what outfit combo you gravitate towards most frequently. There's a reason you like wearing it - you feel like your most authentic self. If you're still not sure what yours is, you can get help from a stylist.

STEP #2: Own your “uniform”. Some of the most stylish people have a go-to “uniform”, but it’s considered a “signature look”. Who says you can’t have one too? It doesn’t mean it’s complicated or trendy (unless you want it to be). Be proud of what you gravitate towards because it’s a reflection of you. 

Even if jeans and a black t-shirt is your "uniform" you can make it a signature style by updating it with a quality version and upleveled accessories.

STEP #3: Update it. This is the key and where you go from a “uniform” to a “signature look”. Here’s an example: say your signature look is jeans and a button down. By adding a third piece like a blazer or structured cardigan and up leveling your accessories, you’ve gone from bland to stylish. You also want to take a close look at the items that are on repeat to make sure they aren’t worn, poor quality or tired. If so, it’s time to update them with fresh, current, high-quality versions. Then invest in a belt and shoes to really raise the bar even more. If you’re wearing this style so frequently then it makes sense to make this investment. 

STEP #4: Replicate it! This is how you make getting dressed for work effortless. Sticking with the same example: you’ll want a few versions of that shirt. You don’t need more than five - maybe slightly different silhouettes and/or colors, and a few different versions of jeans. Play around and have fun with that third piece – the blazer or structure cardigan. This can change seasonally. You can have one belt as your “signature” belt or maybe you add some additional special ones over time. And finally, shoes are always a great way to completely change the look of an outfit so replication here is a good idea. Note: if this seems complicated, you can always reach out to a stylist for help. Stylists are no longer just for celebrities. Just like you might hire someone to help you re-do your home, landscape your yard, or style your hair – why not get help styling you? It makes perfect sense if you are stuck.

The same "uniform" of a black dress or black pants/top can have completely different looks by simply changing the jacket/layer, shoes and jewelry. It can also work for multiple occasions ranging from casual to dressy.

Many creatives embrace this: for a man it might be a black t-shirt, dark Levi’s 501’s with a cuff and the only thing that changes are the shoes: one day it’s a gorgeous pair of brown boots and the next it’s a pair of sneakers. For a woman it might be a monochromatic look like a black dress, or a dark pants and top, but always with a pop of color or statement earrings. And many people have a week’s worth or more of their “uniform” or “signature look” but then sprinkle in different outfits depending on their mood, travel, or the occasion at work. 

Many people have mixed feelings about IRL work. For some it’s exciting to be back in the office, for some going to take some time to get use to again, and some are even anxious about it. what to wear by finding your “signature look” will at least make the morning routine easier and less stressful. And a fresh start may be just what you need.