Fashion counts as one of the ways that people show off who they are. A strong sense of style says as much about a person as their handwriting does. However, many people find it difficult to balance out the requirements of a job's dress code with their personal style. Balance is the key to this dilemma. The culture of too much can wreak havoc on even the most fashionable ensemble. Here are some tips to help you express your style without sacrificing your professionalism.
Know the Work Culture
The work environment provides the lens through which you should look at your work wardrobe. In a design studio or the tech industry, you can often get away with a more casual and funky style. Other office environments don't encourage this as much. It is still possible to express your style in a conservative workplace, but to pull this off, you have to be more creative. If you're not sure about the office dress code check with your HR department. Doing this allows you to plan your work wardrobe before you make a major investment.
Adjust Your Looks to Fit
This tip works in tandem with knowing the office culture. It's easiest to understand by example. Let's say you love the tailored-blazer-with-pants look. If you work in a conservative office environment stick with classic cuts and colors. On the other hand, a more progressive office environment would invite elements like a cropped jacket or a bold color like red or teal.
Always Look Pulled Together
The goal of expressing your personal style at work should never take a backseat to looking pulled together and professional. Fashion pieces like blazers, a dress with a good cut, and flattering accessories represent the basic pieces you should include in your work wardrobe. Jewelry offers an added bonus in this picture. Even if your office dress code leans toward the conservative, a colorful scarf or that fun necklace you got at the local crafts show can find a place in your work wardrobe.
Easy Does It
Even the best pieces look slovenly if you don't wear them right -- think of that shabby chic sweater that looks sloppy or the jewelry ensemble that looks like an overdone window display. First, avoid clothes that look wrinkled or that are just too loose, even if that's the fashion. Not everyone can pull this off. Second, shy away from wearing too many pieces of jewelry. Pick the best pieces you have, not all of them. Finally, wear the right shoes. Ill-fitting shoes not only hurt, but they can ruin an outfit.
Getting your fashion on at work has as much to do with what you decide to wear as what you don't. The work culture should be the first dictator of what you wear to work every day. You can still look stylish and professional by purchasing quality clothing, which can be made easier by using coupons from discountrue.com. As in life in general, balance makes everything better when it comes to work fashion.
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