Whether you like it or not, in today’s modern world how you dress has a direct impact on how successful you are in the workplace. Many people don’t realize that, even though your appearance doesn’t impact your performance, first impressions are important to clients and customers alike.
As a mom who is just heading back into the workplace, you may be a little rusty on everything work attire related. You may not have worked in the time when “casual” was accepted attire in the workplace. It’s important to note that “casual” dress does not mean sloppy dress, and it can become a fine line if you’re not careful. To help you out with work attire, read below for a few tips to help you get started.
Understand What is Considered Appropriate in Your Field
Every company and industry draws the lines on proper work attire differently. The best thing to do is talk to your supervisor and see what the dress code is for your industry. One company may allow shorts, while another might not, but allow jeggings instead. In other words, if your company has a dress code, you need to follow it.
Go Easy on the Perfume
Any perfume that people can smell before you enter a room and lingers long after you’re gone is too strong for the workplace. Instead, you want to choose subtle perfume scents that only you can smell or that can only be smelled lightly. The reason for this is that you never know when someone is going to have an allergy to your perfume, whether it’s an employee or a customer. It’s best to err on the side of caution and not wear strong perfume to work.
Don’t Dress Overly Sexy
It’s important to note at this point, that dressing overly sexy is not only inappropriate for any workplace, it also sends the wrong impression to customers and co-workers. The last thing anyone wants is to be hit with a sexual harassment charge in the workplace. This isn’t to say that you have to dress completely conservatively; just make sure that what you wear is appropriate for your work setting. In today’s world, it’s easy for people to get the wrong impression.
Good Grooming Matters
While the clothes you wear certainly matter, your appearance matters even more. While it should probably go without saying, but many people just don’t realize how important good grooming is in the workplace. Of course, most already know that taking daily showers and wearing deodorant is essential.
However, you should also strive to keep your hair and nails neat and clean as well. For example, don’t wear open-toed shoes without first getting a pedicure and your nails being painted. It’s the little things that make or break your appearance when you’re a professional.
Don’t Overdo the Accessories
While you certainly want to wear accessories, such as a watch, maybe a necklace, and even a small bracelet, you don’t want to overdo the accessories too much. The one thing you want to avoid is clunky jewelry that clanks and jangles every time you move. No one, co-workers or customers, wants to hear your jewelry making noise when they are at your place of business. Keep it simple and delicate if you can.
These are just a few tips to help you dress for success and appropriately as a mom going back into the workforce in today’s modern world. Simple, conservative, and neat are things to remember, follow these simple rules and your return to the workforce will go off without a hitch.
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