How to Dress as a Young Professional Woman in a Casual Work Environment
- 1). Designate closet space to items of clothing that are always work-appropriate to diminish the likelihood of letting your judgment steer you wrong during morning haste. These items may include khaki pants, dark slacks, long-sleeved button-down blouses, and knit sweaters. Cottons, silks, and blends are generally considered appropriate, but not velvets or shimmering fabrics. Skirts that reach your knees while you stand -- and cover your thighs while you sit -- are also acceptable work attire.
- 2). Reserve separate closet space for clothing items that are never appropriate for work, including shorts, capri pants, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, sandals, flip-flops and baseball caps. Also include skin-tight items and any busy or flashy designs, patterns and fabrics such as ruffles, velvet, sequins and shimmer.
- 3). Iron or press every item of clothing before wearing it to work. Never show up in wrinkled attire, as your appearance should always be a clean and crisp indication of your professionalism.
- 4). Check to ensure that you can’t be perceived as having too much skin on display -- that all parts of your body between your shoulders and your knees are concealed, your cleavage is not on display and your midriff is not exposed. Wear pantyhose whenever your skirt falls above your calves. Cover sleeveless tops with a shirt, blazer, jacket or sweater.
- 5). Keep jewelry and other accessories conservative and to a minimum, avoiding extreme colors and styles. Earrings should be small and subtle. Refrain from wearing noisy, clanging, shiny, bulky or otherwise potentially distracting accessories.
- 6). Wear dress shoes to work, with covered toes and covered heels. Thin straps, spiked heels and chunky heels are off-limits for work. A brisk, purposeful walk conveys professionalism, so make sure your shoes facilitate comfort so as not to hinder that image.
- 7). Carry a briefcase, or choose a neutral-colored purse or handbag color that matches the color of your shoes.
- 8). Keep your makeup natural and conservative. Stay away from particularly bold, bright or dark colors.
- 9). Maintain clean, clipped, well-groomed nails to complement your professional appearance.