Whenever I’ve interviewed for a new job, I always make sure ‘what’s the dress code’ is high on the list of questions I ask my potential employers. And when I’m at work, I also ask the question whenever I’m meeting a client for the first time or going to an event.
From office to office and job to job, there are always different expectations and rules and you certainly don’t want to be the odd one out on your first day. I’ve worked in offices where smart attire is always required and also those where ‘anything goes’ (perhaps except beachwear). I’ve even seen a few former colleagues rock up to work in tracksuits and hoodies after a heavy night out.
So why does any of this matter? Here at RMG we love wearing smart clothes to work, and here’s a few reasons why:
Look and feel the part
What you wear to work not only gives off an impression to your colleagues and clients but can also have a huge impact on your confidence, your poise and how you carry yourself. There’s a reason we often wear smarter clothes to meetings or interviews – it can make us more credible, more self-assured and more assertive. What you wear is also a fantastic way to express your personality and sense of style: whether it’s gold shoes, a snazzy tie or impressive earrings, those small touches can say a lot about who we are.
Impress the team
We all want to be taken seriously at work, and when leading a team, steering a meeting or interviewing someone, what you wear can instantly change the atmosphere of the room and how you are perceived by others. We wouldn’t expect to turn up to an external meeting or training session and be met by someone in T shirt and jeans, so why should we do this in the office environment?
Keep work and home separate
Another plus for me is the fact that my work clothes are my work clothes and my home clothes are my home clothes. For me, having a different look when I’m in my professional role to that which I adopt when chasing after my children or having a drink with my friends is really important. I take on a very different role in each of these situations, so I want my wardrobe to reflect this. Even if it means by washing machine has to work harder!
