10 Tips to Build A Career Wardrobe
Mark Twain was on to something when he said: “clothes make the man” (or woman). First impressions matter and they last. Whether you are interviewing for a new position, returning to the workforce, recently graduated or dressing for the job you want, building a great career wardrobe is a vital skill.
Here are my ten tips for building a career wardrobe that will make people want to get to know you and what you have to offer.
1. Know the Dress Code
Whether clearly written out or less formally communicated, the place you work has a generally accepted dress code. While dress codes are less traditional than when I first entered the workforce, it remains vital to become familiar with what your company expects you to wear to work.
2. Communicate Your Brand
Every detail of your visual presentation to the world communicates something. Consider what you are saying and whether it is in line with the personal brand you wish to convey to the world.
3. Start with the Basics
Before purchasing new items, shop through your closet, and start with what you already own. Pull out key wardrobe pieces upon which you can build. For women, essential wardrobe builders include the following pieces constructed of high quality, natural materials in good condition and would typically be a solid, neutral color.
Blazer
Button-down blouse
Dress pants
Skirt (pencil or A-line)
Sheath dress
Suit (can also be worn as separates)
Turtleneck
Trench coat
Cardigan
Leather belt
Handbag
Tasteful jewelry
4. Establish a Budget
It is impractical to assume you can build a quality career wardrobe in one big purchasing spree. A rule of thumb is that you should spend no more than 5% of your take-home pay for your wardrobe. To maximize your budget, you want to carefully build a “dress to impress” career wardrobe over time, starting with the basics, purchasing classic pieces that are highly versatile.
5. Spend Money on Classics
Every piece in your wardrobe should be well-made, fit you properly, cleaned and pressed, but they don’t all need to come with a high-end price tag. Spend your money on classically designed pieces of clothing like a traditional, tailored camel or black-colored trench coat versus a trendy lime green raincoat. If you buy wisely and assemble these classic pieces over time as your budget allows, they will last you for decades. And don’t forget to shop sales, make clothing purchases off-season when they are more affordable, and consider discount and second-hand stores.
6. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Assemble a capsule wardrobe of interchangeable items to maximize the number of work outfits you can create. There is a current trend to move away from expansive wardrobes. Re-wear key pieces of clothing more often in different ways to create an exponential number of unique work looks from your classic pieces by adding a few trendy items and accessories. Build your capsule wardrobe from the basic list provided above in neutral, solid colors.
7. Dress for the Day
I like to use the rule of three levels of dress to match the type of day I have scheduled —from business casual to one step up with a three-piece look, to the outfit you would wear to your most important new client meeting, speech, or negotiation. Business casual may be fine for days in the office. When you want to step up your game, add a third piece like a jacket or V-neck sweater over a shirt and pants or even a stylish belt or scarf. You will want to pull out your comfortable, favorite power dress, or suit for your most important days.
8. Don’t Forget the Accessories
Accessories like a beautiful watch, attractive belt, colorful tie or scarf, statement necklace, or quality handbag can go a long way to personalize your look. Don’t overdo it; one or two accessories are fine.
9. Pay Attention to the Details
Details cover a wide range of items: appropriate hemlines; clothes without stains; styled versus wet hair; quality undergarments that don’t show through your clothes; and/or a well-trimmed beard. Take care of the wardrobe investment you’ve made, so it lasts for years.
10. Grow Your Style Muscle
Since your work wardrobe communicates so much about your personal brand, why not make sure you continually expand your style muscle by keeping up with clothing trends. Sign up for blogs, look at career wardrobe magazines and in-store windows, follow what your well-dressed friends are wearing, etc. One of my favorite work websites for the businesswoman is M.M.LaFleur. They have a great blog, The M Dash, with tons of helpful wardrobe and career tips.
