5 Rules For Cracking the Work Dress Code

Fashion Details:

Hello friends! Today I’m writing about one of my favorite topics, dressing for work.  Over the years I’ve grown to love getting dressed for work. I’ve slowly built a curated closet full of work essentials that I love.  And today I’m sharing my 5 Rules For Cracking the Work Dress Code.

 

If you’ve been following me for some time it won’t surprise you that I focus on buying pieces I truly love.  If I truly love the piece I will wear it more and enjoy getting dressed in the morning.  I believe that if you dress good you will do you good.  Your outfit is a true reflection on how you feel and are perceived by others.

 

This wasn’t something I learned over night.  I’ve learned it over the years and once it clicked, mastering the work dress code became a breeze.  Now don’t get me wrong, I still have mornings where ”I have nothing to wear,” but on those days I go for the basics.  

 

And yes, items in my closet do get played out and I get tired of them.  In cases like that I get rid of the item or refresh it with a newer version.  You will learn to keep your closet fresh. Even when you buy those classic items, they need to be refreshed from time to time.  

 

My 5 Rules for Cracking the Work Dress Code are easy, approachable and attainable.  Meaning everyone can follow them regardless of cost. You don’t have to spent a fortune to look like a million bucks! 

The Rules of Cracking the Work Dress Code

Business Casual Doesn’t Equal Weekend Casual

I’ve always been employed where the work dress code created a business casual environment.  However, that doesn’t mean my outfits are casual.  Yes I wear pants and a sweater to work, but my sweater is on the dressier side. Pick fabrics that are soft and rich looking.  

 

Sticking with classic colors like soft greys, black, navy, creams and camels will elevate your look.  These colors are classic and have been around for years.  While you can incorporate trendy colors, I would only add one (maybe two max) of these items to your wardrobe.  

 

Your Clothes Speak For You When You Can’t

I hate to say it, but what you are wearing matters.  People notice your outfit before you have a chance to open your mouth.  So why not wow them right off the bat?  Your outfit doesn’t need to be expensive, but it needs to be put together.

 

I know plenty of women who spend a ton of money on clothes and look like a hot mess.  I also know a ton of women who put together striking outfits without spending a fortune.  It’s all about presentation.

 

So make sure your clothes are pressed (or steamed), tuck in your shirt, cuff your sleeves and looked polished.  You are your best salesperson, so market your brand and sell it! 

 

Always Dress Up For a Meeting

Whether your meeting is internal or external always dress up.  You know that you will be seen during a meeting and you want to put your best foot forward.  When you dress up, you feel more confident and that will show though in your work as well.

 

Minimize Accessorizing  

Keep accessories in the office to a minimum.  You don’t need anything flashy or trendy.  I would leave the tassel earrings at home and opt for a class stud or mini hoop.  My favorite earrings are these David Yurman studs  that I got earlier this year and find them to be sustainable, but classic.

 

I wear the same watch (this face and this strap), bracelet and rings to work every day.  It takes away any decisions I have to make in the morning. And each piece has a special meaning to me.  See how I style my stack for work in this post here.  

 

Invest In Dresses

The majority of my investment pieces are dresses.  I value a dress way more than a skirt or a shirt. With that being said, I don’t mind paying more for a dress.  Select dresses that have classic silhouettes that have been around for decades and will most likely never go out of style.  

 

And you can always use a professional dress in your closet.  You may need to step up your game at the last minute and having the perfect dress on hand will help with that.  

 

A dress can also be worn year round.  I try to select dresses that are lighter weight so you can wear it in the hot months and cold months.  Simply throw on tights or a jacket in the winter to get more use out of the dress.  

 

Dresses are also a great option when you need a “desk to dinner” option.  Whether it’s a business dinner or happy hour with your gang a dress is a great option.  You can switch out your shoes and accessories to create a whole new look based on the event you are attending.  

 

The Tilda Dress 

My recent investment dress is The Tilda Dress from M.M.LeFleur and I’m in love! It looks perfectly polished and fits like a glove.  The features I love the most on the dress include; 

¾ Length Sleeves – Perfect for wearing year round

 

Tall Friendly – the dress hits right above the knee (I’m 5’9 for reference)

 

Gathered Front Detail – this detail creates a slimming mid section and waist

 

Pockets – Hello phone and business card holder

 

One thing to note on this beauty is the sizing.  In an M.M.LaFleur dress I typically take a 10 or a 12 depending on how narrow the hips are.  However in this dress I went with a size 8. I would size down at least one size for an ideal fit.  And as you know the number on the inside of the dress doesn’t matter. It’s all about how you feel in the dress! 

 

Take a look at some of my other favorite investment dresses for work.

 

And a special treat for all my readers.  M.M.LaFleur is giving you 20% off your first purchase of $250 or more with code LATEREVERAFTER20.