How Fashion Can Boost Your Career
Looking for a career change, promotion or to feel happier at your job? Here’s how fashion can help
Fashion can significantly impact your success at work, with studies showing that dressing well can enhance your professional image and boost confidence.
For example, a survey by CareerBuilder found that 41% of employers are more likely to promote employees who dress professionally. Further, research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that wearing more formal styles can increase abstract thinking which is an important skill for leadership and strategic decision-making. This shows how the clothes you put on in the morning can influence not only how others perceive you but also how you perform at work.
Emma Watkinson, CEO at fashion destination SilkFred, told YCB: “Every September we see an increase in our customers searching for more office-appropriate styles, such as shirts, blazers and suit trousers. As we ease out of the summer months, people are ready to knuckle down at work and want a new wardrobe to reflect that.”
The Job Interview:
Job interviews are typically some of the most nerve-wracking times of our lives. However, our experts have revealed that what you wear can give you that extra push to land that dream job…
Colour Analyst and Personal Stylist Sian Clarke suggests: “I suggest combining red and blue together for an interview. Red releases the hormone adrenaline into our systems. This turns into energy and this new energy can be used to boost our confidence levels, show off our motivated and determined side and help us to get remembered.”
“Blue releases oxytocin, the hormone that keeps us calm. The calmer we feel, the better we communicate, the better we communicate the better relationships we build, therefore guaranteeing us to stay calm under pressure and land our perfect job with confidence.”
Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at SilkFred suggests: “If you want to stick with classic blacks and whites for your interview you can use clever styling to enhance your overall look and confidence. I would suggest adding a statement accessory that you may have in your wardrobe for more ‘fun’ events, such as a brightly coloured bag, tie or shoe. This accessory could also be something associated with a good memory or makes you smile. Having an item that is connected with you personally, can help you feel calm and positive.”
“These small flairs can help make an impression and make your interview unique.”
The promotion:
Boosting your confidence and landing that much-needed promotion not only requires dedicated work hours and perseverance, but can also be helped through our style choices, as our experts explain…
Emma Watkinson says: “I remember when we hosted an event at Bloomberg headquarters for our crowdfunding campaign in 2013 and I wore a tailored black shirt dress with a tie belt. It had an asymmetric hem and it helped me feel confident in the moment I was pitching to investors. We had almost 100 people in the room that night and we raised a quarter of our funding round that night.”
Megan adds: “Last year, we were all about dopamine dressing – using bright colours to brighten your mood – and this year has been no different.”
“Studies have continuously shown that clothes can have a direct effect on our mood, and this extends to the workplace too. If you put on a killer outfit in the morning, you feel more confident and you’re in a better, more positive mood which can lead to better results at work.”
“I would even suggest planning a great outfit when you’ve got an extra busy or stressful day ahead as it can ease that stress and give you the confidence that you may need.”
What to wear according to your profession:
The teacher:
Megan tells us: “Teachers can often feel boxed in when it comes to fashion – you don’t want to be too trendy and you don’t want to look too formal.”
“A new term brings with it a chance to start afresh, and this can also apply to your wardrobe. I would recommend adding some print and colour to your wardrobe staples.”
“Instead of a black blazer, opt for a fun checked, gingham or pinstripe style. Brighten up your classroom with a midi skirt in a bold print, paired with a classic white shirt. Take your black dress pants and opt for a jumper with an abstract print.”
“If you want to add colour in a subtle way, go for a pair of fun-coloured loafers or bag.”
The girl who works in fashion:
Megan suggests: “Working in fashion can have added pressure when dressing for work. However, you’ll notice that the best-dressed in the office are often those who stick to staples and adhere to their own personal style.”
“If you haven’t found your personal style yet, I would suggest starting with investing in some great basics. All-black outfits are eternally chic, especially when paired with silver or gold accessories. Co-ords in neutral tones will always make you look put-together and chic.”
The tech girlie:
Megan tells YCB: “When we think of ‘tech’ fashion, we often conjure up ideas of hoodies, jeans and comfy t-shirts all featuring in shades of grey. However, ‘tech work fashion’ doesn’t have to be boring or perennially casual.”
“Tech offices are generally more laid-back so you can really put your fashion foot forward. If you feel like colour makes you feel more confident, go for a fun block colour co-ord. If you feel like dressing formally inspires you to work harder, grab your fave blazer, some cute heels and start girl-bossing. If you like playing around with silhouettes, puff-sleeves or oversized trousers are seriously trending right now.”
The girl who works in finance:
Megan recommends: “In more formal work environments, such as finance, it is important to dress the part – especially if you’re a woman. However, it is possible to move away from blacks, whites and neutrals.”
“Add some jewel tones to your workwear rotation. Without being bold, jewel tones add a touch of interest and sophistication and may get you noticed in these competitive work environments. Take power dressing to another level with oversized ‘boyfriend’ suits, an ultra slicked-back ponytail and statement earrings.”
WFH:
Megan suggests: “Of course, workwear doesn’t have to be the height of fashion and you shouldn’t feel pressure to dress ‘on-trend’ for the office. Classic items like white shirts, black blazers and tailored trousers will work well in most office settings and are relatively easy to adhere to your personal style. However, if you’re one of those people that love new trends and trying out different styles, then you shouldn’t dull yourself for the office.”
“To feel fully confident at work, you don’t want to feel like you’re dimming your shine or trying to be someone you’re not. If trend-led dressing isn’t for you, then don’t worry too much about it and stick to the basics. However, if trends make you happy and you want to show them off, then you should.”