How easy was it to get dressed up in the earlier days? The 21st century has seen an array of transformations. Breaking the barriers of men-dominated corporates, women’s status in the corporate sector is emerging and becoming more contemporary. From formal to casual, office workwear fashion has completely transitioned from its origins due to various changes.
With India as one of the world’s largest growing economies and markets, the urban workforce of women has been increasing at a very fast pace. We as working women are concerned about how we look without lagging in this fashion era. We want appropriate business attire to make a more serious business impression. With the newer generation, a new outlook was given to dressing up for work.
Fashion is highly ideological through which we give people an idea about ourselves. Through work fashion, we communicate our time, place, socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, subculture, and more. When we look at someone while wandering around and he/she is dressed up in a collared dress or long-sleeved shirt with formal trousers, we immediately assume that they may be coming back from their job. Sometimes we even assume about the place that they may be working at based on their socioeconomic status. Thus, workwear plays a very important role other than just coping with the current trends.
Fast fashion brand Madame has also launched their workwear collection to help ease the needs of people featuring collared shirts, co-ord sets, formal trousers, etc. Apt office wear creates a good impression on the other work partners, helps build a solid reputation, and brings value and respect. A lot of information is available on the net but after thorough research, I have narrowed it down to the top workwear basics for you. The ultimate guide to workwear dress codes is below for your best reference:
- Decode Your Dress Code: Knowing what the company’s culture is, is of foremost importance. The ideology, system of knowledge, values, and rules. Typically, all professional organizations have some form of company policy that has a set of dress codes as acceptable standards. Proper behavior, suitable grooming, and appropriate dress are the basic needs of any company’s culture. Formal dress codes are specific rules that are determined by the company and informal dress codes are the unspoken workwear ethics determined by observing the company culture.
- Fit for Work: You can never go wrong with classic fits like a tailored co-ord set. Knowing our measurements is very crucial to serve a neat and polished look. Size labels may not always be right, try it before you buy it. Comfortable fit with natural and breathable fabrics can also be tailored to perfection to achieve that ideal look. Investing in well-fitting clothes means that you are investing in your professional image.
- Art of Timelessness: Sophistication and elegance are essential traits that you must have when you select your workwear. All-time classics the whites and subtle patterns like lace-detailed shirts or knee-length dresses have always occupied a space in our wardrobe. Transcending fleeting trends, these can be easily mixed and matched, creating a variety of outfits for different occasions. Fashioning these pieces projects a sense of confidence that exudes elegance and refinement.
- Subtle Sophistication: Office culture varies from place to place and you might find some flexibility in certain aspects of attire. However, always try to prioritize a professional look. With flashy logos or distracting patterns, one can look unprofessional. Creating a strong impression also heavily depends on what you wear. Imagine wearing a vibrant top with bold graphics on it and walking into a meeting room. It will just make you feel out of place.
- Confidence and Polish: Wearing loose fitted, torn, or clothes with wrinkles will give you a sloppy appearance. Becoming neat contributes to the business atmosphere striking a balance between company and comfort. Loud accessories or makeup can be distracting. A wrap dress in a bold color with a statement necklace or black denim with a flowy blouse and pointed-toe flats can be ideal office wear. Avoid wearing stained items and you might even want to consider keeping a change of clothes in case of any mishap.
- No Offense: If the dress code complies with wearing casuals or a t-shirt try avoiding strong slogans that might be offensive to people. Various political views or social issues can be looked at differently and wearing something with bold messages can be discriminatory to some. This may hamper the harmony and peace of the office environment and can lead to unnecessary arguments. Thus, to avoid such mishaps one must respect the workplace and the colleagues.
“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.“, -Edith Head
From formal Mondays to Casual Saturdays, you have it all sorted out. Find your style and fit free from confusīon and be filled with comfort.
Check out more on Cargo Pants.