Here’s what I’m hearing from my clients about their workplaces: COVID blurred the line between work and comfort. Working from home, sweatpants and leggings became “business casual,” Zoom hid everything below the waist and very little effort was needed to get dressed for the day. Post-Covid, returning to work didn’t require stuffy suits or high heels (thank goodness!) A much more relaxed dress code was now the norm. Sneakers, jeans and t-shirts or sweatshirts became acceptable in a lot of work environments. These days, post-pandemic, comfort still matters BUT I’m seeing a shift in how my clients want to show up at work now, especially if they’re in leadership roles and want to dress the part.
With the recent return of fully in-office work a lot of companies are mandating (moving away from hybrid models), a lot of employers are nudging their employees to dress a little more put-together: Not STIFF but not SLOPPY JOE either. The clients I work with reach out to me because they want to align their appearance with their professional goals. They are forward-facing and know when they dress well, it reinforces their credibility. They want to step it up a notch. But dressing for the office doesn’t have to be tedious or boring! You can incorporate your personal style and have FUN with your work wardrobe!
Think of your time wearing sweatpants or leggings during Covid as a phase and not a career strategy. And remember: At work, it’s always better to be over–dressed than under-dressed.