How to show up graciously at work (Must read)

Everyone’s right to dress however they like at the workplace. Depending on the workplace, some places have strict dress codes, whereas others are more relaxed about their dress code. Your dress code has an impact on how others perceive you, how confident you are, and how soon you’ll be promoted. Make sure you follow these tips to be on point every day.

There are 20 ways to show up at your workplace gracefully

1. Understand your workplace’s dress code and dress accordingly. While your colleague can wear casual dress at his IT office, you aren’t allowed to do so in the hospitality industry. Keep your place of work dignified.
2. Always wear well-fitting clothing to work. Try not to wear too loose or too fitted clothes. Don’t wear clothing that hugs you everywhere but leaves you wherever you are required to go. Wear clothing that fits you well and looks good on you. Be sure that it is pleasing to everyone’s eye, as well.
3. You don’t want to be a victim of a wardrobe malfunction at work. Be thoughtful about what you wear. Don’t make an inaccurate impression by wearing inappropriate clothing.
4. Be careful not to look provocative at the workplace. Make sure your dress covers you from chest to knee. Dressing inappropriately can cause distractions. It will also make you appear unprofessional.
5. Always smell good while you are at work. Avoid being a turn off. Regardless of the temperature, nobody likes bad odour. Be careful here.
6. Don’t wear perfumes that are too strong as a result of the above. The perfume may irritate or cause allergic reactions. Wear long wear light scents at work to stay safe.
7. Purchase high-quality shoes. A person’s shoes reveal a lot about him. Even if your attire is lacking, good shoes make up for it. They tell their own story. Be aware.
8. Make a successful mark by wearing polished shoes. You can’t succeed in dirty shoes. A good pair of polished shoes will make you look successful and smarter than your competition.
9. Whether you want to shave or have a beard, that is your choice. Whatever you choose, be clean. Be sure to care for your beard properly. A beard that isn’t trimmed properly is not a good sign. Avoid at all costs.
10. Wearing a watch is an accessory that speaks volumes about you. Make sure you choose the right one for you. Nothing goes wrong when you wear a watch.
11. Keep neons and flashy colours away from your wardrobe to avoid looking like a wannabe. Colours like these are hardly appropriate for the workplace. You should only wear neons on the weekend or at a party.
12. One of my HR colleagues once described to me a woman who had rings on each finger of her hand. It was impossible for her to look at anything else. Accessorising shouldn’t overwhelm your outfit. Think about it. Be careful not to over accessorize!
13. According to LinkedIn’s career expert, Nicole Williams,

Performance is affected by appearance. You will subconsciously be thinking that your manager thinks less of you, even if they don’t believe it.

14. Yet many people get it wrong despite how obvious it is. Your accessories should fit properly. If they’re too big or too small, they won’t look good. The boss seemed so distracted by his boss’s short tie that he was unable to concentrate on what his subordinate was saying.  He would have earned a lot more accolades if he had focused on this aspect. If clothes aren’t worn correctly, they can look odd.
15. Colours with a lot of authority have a certain power. Etiquette coach Barbara Pachter advises paying attention to your colour choices. In her opinion, darker colours convey a stronger impression than lighter ones.
16. Clothing that is wrinkle free and well-ironed sends a positive message. Pick fabrics that will not wrinkle if keeping your clothes well-ironed is difficult. Details are noticed and especially those that are out of place.
17. Quality is more important than quantity. Buy two good things instead of two cheap ones. Quality matters when it comes to shirts and trousers. Get a good quality that will last a few years, regardless of your budget. The longer you wait, the better off you will be and you won’t regret it.
18. Keep your clothes in good condition. Keep your shirts and trousers in good condition by hanging them correctly and washing them well. Humans understand caring, and clothes understand it too!
19. If your workplace has a uniform, treat it with respect. Make sure it is clean, well maintained, and well fitted to stand out from the crowd. In a uniformed crowd, this will always give you the edge. Your uniform doesn’t define you. It’s all about your brand, your image, and your values.
20. Shop sustainably and with conscience. Don’t throw away clothes until you have worn them 30 times. Take this into consideration. You can achieve all you desire if you are confident, well-dressed, true to your job and true to yourself.