We’ve all heard the phrase “dress for success.” The generational wisdom implied that sleek, sharp, and formal attire in the workplace would gain the attention of colleagues. The logic was that being well-dressed provided a certain aura of increased professionalism, expertise, and responsibility.
There is something to be said for dressing the part. In fact, recent studies show that clothing really can affect focus and performance. However, in the modern workplace, it matters less what your outfit says about you, or even the marginal performance benefit your clothing may offer—instead, success springs from how your work attire makes you feel.
It’s not about trying to trick your boss into giving you a promotion just by wearing Ferragamo shoes. Dressing well at work is all about confidence. When you feel well, you do well. If there’s a bit of flexibility in your office’s dress code, wearing special earrings or even a bolo instead of the classic necktie can make you feel uniquely you. That’s important in a typically unchanging setting where the day-in, day-out responsibilities sometimes cause everything to blend together.
The benefits of dressing well aren’t limited to the workplace. Who couldn’t use a little more confidence at home, out with friends, or on a date? Plus, consistently dressing well is a form of self-care. It can help you:
- Develop a stronger morning routine
- Build discipline
- Pay attention to detail
- Get better at planning ahead
- Encourage your creativity and risk-taking
- Be more individual
- Provide a sense of accomplishment
If you want to experience the look-good, feel-good magic of dressing well, just follow these five simple steps.
1. Do a closet audit
Put on some music or a podcast and spend an hour going through your clothes. Everyone’s got some pieces taking up space that either don’t fit anymore or never, ever get worn.
Put anything you can’t wear or won’t wear in a bag. Consider looking up your nearest clothing donation pickup point and giving your unwanted items to someone in need. If you come across some clothes that you would wear, but they’re desperate for some dry cleaning, tailoring, or other form of TLC, put these aside.
Now that you’ve assessed the clothes you do like, take notice of why you like them. Think about different style aspects like color, fabric, and fit. Keep these aspects in mind for future purchases.
2. Explore the gaps in your wardrobe
You’ve got a great sense of your entire wardrobe at this point, so identify the missing pieces. Are you t-shirt rich but sorely lacking button-downs? Would a nice-fitting blazer tie a few looks together? Do you need a fresher belt or some shoes that aren’t sneakers for your dressier outfits? Make a short shopping list.
3. Add some new pieces
You don’t have to overhaul your whole wardrobe all at once. Make a plan to go shopping for one or two new pieces before diving into an entirely new look. Your plan will also help you stick to your budget and avoid tempting sale items that aren’t on your list.
Ask a trusted friend to go shopping with you if they’re available. Not only will their company make the whole thing a more pleasant experience, but they can give you honest feedback about the different clothes you try on.
4. Put the “out” in outfit
New fits aren’t meant to hang in the closet—put them on and go out! You don’t have to wait around for the right opportunity to arrive. No matter what style your new look fits into, you can make your own opportunity to show it off with Meetup.
Wear a dressy fit on a couture night out with a community like Miami Social – Art, Fashion & House Music, a Meetup group of nearly 6,800 members who regularly hit the South Beach club scene. Bring a fun and casual look to an outdoor concert and picnic, museum tour, or art district stroll with a group like Chicago Art Gallery, Museum & Music Events… Plus! You can even fulfill the true meaning of athleisure by rocking fashionable sportswear at half-exercising, half-socializing events hosted by Meetup groups like Yoga and Beer!
5. Remember to be you
How you present yourself to the world can have a big impact on your social life, career prospects, and confidence. At the end of the day, though, dressing is an occasion to demonstrate your personality. Be true to your tastes. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to adopt the look you think you’re supposed to like. Just have fun with it and wear what makes you feel like a more fulfilled version of yourself. Dress for inner success!
Last modified on July 19, 2022
