Dressed for Success

Anyone embarking on a professional career today is about to enter a fast-changing world, with the experiences of Covid continuing to have a major impact on our ways of working – not least in the clothes we wear. The dotcom bubble and the influence of the tech sector had already played its part in relaxing traditional dress codes in the 21st century, and that has only been accelerated by the pandemic, according to Ilka Dunn, personal brand stylist at Ilkadunn.com.

“I see that perhaps most in women’s choices of shoe,” says Dunn. “I see very few women going back to high heels.” Dunn believes the pandemic has “strengthened a generational shift” in approaches to workplace attire, moving away from the traditional, more formal expectations that once held sway.

 

Real estate fashions

Among other clients, Dunn works with EG’s Future Leaders, and is always impressed by the people she meets through the programme and their different jobs, with that wide variety represented in their wardrobes.

“In terms of fashion, it’s everything,” Dunn says of her experiences of the real estate sector. “I’ve seen suits and quite formal outfits, and some wear sneakers with suits, but I also see creative, very casual outfits. There’s quite some change happening. Having said all that, I think there is still a place for a suit and a very formal dress code. Whether we want to believe it and admit it to ourselves, we can’t really help but be swayed by a few underlying visual codes that people can put on in order to project either status or achievement.”

There may be greater opportunity for people to both feel more comfortable and be themselves in the workplace now, but that can come with its own problems. “It sounds wonderful, right?” Dunn says. “I can be myself at work and be more casual. But it makes life quite difficult for some people. Because if you’re given a dress code it’s like a uniform that is very clear. Whereas now, it’s like a constant casual Friday. Before the pandemic, a lot of my clients would say, ‘I hate casual Friday because it gives me the biggest headache. I never know what to wear and I’m glad when it’s over.’ So that’s now the situation for a lot of people.”

 

A sense of style

Natasha Musson, “the Secret Stylist”, who, as part of her business, does a lot of work in schools, offers plenty of encouragement on navigating those tricky waters.

“Young people going into a profession will, of course, be expected to dress appropriately for the day and the role that they’re taking,” Musson says. “But there is a lot more flexibility for them to be a bit more creative with their style.”

Having worked with a number of surveyor clients, Musson stresses the importance of understanding the type of work day that you are going to have. “There will be days when you’re out and about on site, so you’ll need your practical footwear,” she says. “Whereas before, women might have thought they would still wear a dress and a pair of court shoes, you absolutely don’t have to do that. It’s acceptable to wear smart trousers, posh trainers, a blazer – they look smart and professional, but you are able to do the job without feeling uncomfortable.”

Then, for more client-facing work, people can “up their game” a little, adding tailored pieces. “But you can incorporate something less tailored to reflect your personality,” Musson says. “You could pair a nice patterned dress or some coloured trousers with a blazer. For men, it’s more chinos and shirts – and the shacket is massive this season. That’s a really lovely look, quite modern with just a T-shirt behind it, and it can also look really good on top of a classic, informal cotton shirt. But it’s really important to maintain a professional look. Trainers are very acceptable – but they can’t be the trainers that you go and play badminton in. It’s got to be as thought out as if it were a pair of smart loafers.”

Musson agrees with Dunn that choosing clothes for work isn’t as plain sailing as it used to be. “My advice to new graduates entering a profession is to really research what their dress code is, what their colleagues are wearing, and just try to fit in to that world,” Musson says. “But also, they need to not be too worried. I’ve done so many events where people are all quite fearful of colour. That’s a real shame, because I think the more colour we have in the world, the more creativity and the more happiness there is. I would always say to a new graduate to find some colour in their outfits to really complement their style.”

With a little bit of effort, it is possible to make a good impression at work and express your personality.

 

Five fashion tips from the Secret Stylist

1. Discover the colours that suit you

“A colour analysis can be a game-changer. It will not only make you feel more confident, it will also help you in your shopping.”

2. Create a capsule wardrobe

“It’s important to really understand what suits you, and what enhances your body shape. Put together, say, five to eight pieces, and make sure those pieces co-ordinate.”

3. Buy the best you can afford

“If you can afford a little bit more on something, spend a little bit more, particularly on those hero items like blazers, trousers – the classic pieces.”

4. Plan your working week

“Sit down on a Sunday evening and plan your outfits for each day.”

5. Grooming goes a long way

“Always wash and iron garments. There is nothing worse than someone buying a beautiful shirt or dress and not ironing it. Look after your nails, hair and skin. Being well-groomed is important for your confidence and the way you present yourself at work.”