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Well, if you have read my post from yesterday, you will know that I went for an interview recently, well I got the job, now I have the fun experience of figuring out what to wear to work that looks both professional, stylish and since we have had a sudden dip in our temperatures, warm.

You see, the problem I have is that I have been out of the business world for awhile and though I worked in an office a couple of years ago, it was very casual and although I did not have to dress up, I had to look presentable. So, from that job I do have a few basic pieces that will work well, such as black pants, khakis, etc, but what to do? I cannot afford to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe.

The key to a work wardrobe is balance. Hopefully, you took note of what other people were wearing during your interview and subsequent second interview. This is sometimes a good idea, but not always because it would seem that a lot of people tend to push the envelope when dressing for work on what is acceptable. And as in the company I am working in, there are different departments; one that can wear jeans (they are doing technical stuff that requires them crawling on the ground sometimes and a more public oriented department, that deals with the public), so they dress in different ways as well. One good thing to keep in mind that you are now a component of that company and that you represent that company. With jobs so hard to come by, why would you want to mess up the new opportunity by wearing something inappropriate? By dressing less than professional, you pass on the impression that you are not as professional as you could or should be (whether intentionally or not). You could consider (and it is quite often viewed this way) that the first day is an extension of your interview and most likely, you will be judged on what you wear. It is better to over dress than under dress on that all important first day because first impressions are lasting ones. I have heard horror stories about a woman who wore a cocktail dress on the first day to work or someone else that wore spandex or the favourite one of mine, someone who wore a very short skirt and a very low cut top, because she had stuff in all the right places (that was her excuse!).

Another factor you might consider when choosing appropriate clothes for work is dress for the job you want. If you want to be thought of as manager material, then dress like one. And as for casual days, find out what the limits are if they have a casual Friday or if they have a dress down day. When my interviewer asked me if I had any questions, I came right out and asked what their dress code was. Do not be shy. Ask questions. You want to be seen as professional, of course, but also the powers that be also want to know that you can fit into the company. If you dress inappropriately, chances are, the bosses might not think you are a good fit. Dressing to fit in also can show that you are a team player and if you dress too casually for work, does that mean your attitude is not professional? In most cases, the answer to that is yes.

It is important to go for quality, not quantity when looking for clothes for the office. Several well made pairs of pants or suits can go along way more so than can many cheaply made outfits. Accessories can also help by changing the look of your basic pieces with jewellery, scarves and even different blouses. This will help you to not get bored with what you are wearing.

As for me, I have done some research on what to wear for a new employee. I have searched the Internet and have gone into some stores. I have also hit some thrift stores and have looked at some magazines and have managed to put together a few working pieces that will look nice and feminine but still look professional enough to say that I am here to work and that I mean business!