How the way you dress in your workplace impacts your work?

Ankita Purohit
Dec 30, 2020
4 min read

Have you ever noticed that the day you dress up sophisticatedly or graciously, you are more productive in your work compared to those days when you wear boring or unappealing outfits?

There has to be some reason why Mark Zuckerberg likes to wear a t-shirt of similar pattern while working. Do you think he wears it at home as well? I don’t think so!

Our outfits create many kinds of impressions to those we usually tend to associate with, our professional ties in particular. We express ourselves through clothes. They signify our cultural background, bringing up, degree of comfort, and how serious we are about our work. This is why people perceive each other all the time just by looking at one another’s attire. Therefore, most of us are so concerned about what we wear while going to offices, meeting regular or new people in general because we all want to create a positive impression. A good impression in turn makes us in good mood and that is why we work harder to maintain that aura.

For instance, one may choose to suit up while having an appointment with potential clients because they would want to make their business deal a sure-fire success. On the other hand, if they already know their clients for quite a while, their clothing could be more relaxed; nevertheless, not too casual else they would appear careless.

Although, everything also depends on the type of industry they are employed in. For instance, it is expected of a fashion designer or a model to be in a colourful attire of the latest trends. Likewise, a lawyer has to have formals. Many people have their set of favourite attire as well that they reserve for special occasions. The objective is to look open and approachable.

Many companies now allow their employees to wear casuals for a day or two, preferably on Thursdays and/or Fridays. Some even don’t have such a dress code. Even in software-based industries the approach towards mandating to be in formals whole week is limiting these days and they have got good reason. Most of such workplaces have plenty of software engineers, testers, system admins, and so on who simply sit in front of a computer and code/test the whole day. They do not have to bring potential clients to sell the company’s products and/or services.

It is also worth noting that wearing a formal shirt, necktie, and trousers on a regular basis even if your office doesn’t mandate could also repel your peers because they wouldn’t recognise you as a friendly pal. Hence, it is necessary that you make the right balance of choice while choosing what to wear at the workplace. If you love to put a suit on, go for it but reserve a couple of days for casual wear as well.

Casual clothes have their set of perks if you haven’t recognised them yet. If you wear comfortable outfits, you wouldn’t have to waste several minutes to dress up, adjust your hair/trousers/tie/high heel shoes, etc. What if you don’t own a vehicle? You will have to wait for buses or trains that are usually overcrowded, not to mention that the climate could be hot as well. The result? Sweat and frustration the entire day.

Many also feel if they think that they are at ease and appear attractive they also feel confident about themselves, and that certainly reflects on their work. On the other hand, if they simply put on something tedious then that would affect their mood negatively throughout the day.

We all are now familiar with the notion of working from home post pandemic situation. Most organisations, even though they began WFH for a couple of years, they have now shifted from WFH to Hybrid to on-site job at present. Firms that still practice freelance outsourcing, or work-from-home or hybrid, the employees do not have to dress ready-to-go-office way daily because there aren’t virtual (video) meetings every other day. Have you noted that overly comfy clothes like nighties or robes do not let you come out of your comfort zone and you feel drowsy the whole day? I certainly did and I also believe many of you may also have similar experiences. Therefore, it is a good idea to put on better wardrobe choices.

So, what do you do? I advise you to just opt for something you feel energetic within. If formals make you feel that way, why not pick them! If casuals are your thing, I wouldn’t mind suggesting that as well! At the end, it’s your take.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can your clothing influence your confidence in the workplace?

There is a psychological phenomenon known as enclothed cognition, which refers to a person’s elevated mood if they are dressed well. This, in addition, affects their confidence levels positively in the workplace.

What is enclothed cognition, and how does it affect workplace performance?

When your clothes literally and symbolically affect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour in a positive way, that psychological phenomenon is termed enclothed cognition. Since the way you dress quietly influences your mood, it naturally elevates performance at the workplace.

How do workplace dress codes vary across industries?

It is essential to have a dress code because the workforce represents what the business or organisation is about. For instance, as per the rule mandated by the Bar Council in India, a lawyer wears the combination of black trousers, black coat, a white shirt, and white advocate’s bands for men, and white salwar-kameez with black coat, or white saree-blouse with black coat, or white shirt with black coat and black trousers for women, along with a white advocate’s bands. In the fashion industry, the models wear clothes that showcase a variety of the latest styles.

Why is workplace appearance important in professional settings?

It is crucial that a professional in workplace settings appear presentable because it gives an impression that they are serious. Too loud or tacky, or too dull make them look like either they are screaming for attention or uninterested in the assigned roles.

How can you build a professional wardrobe on a budget?

The best way is to find a marketplace in your city where you work. There are always shops available that keep affordable clothes for those whose budget is on the tighter end. Apart from that, the online stores have the most options where one can put a filter based on their budget range, so that their preferences show up.