As the temperatures continue to rise outdoors, we are all tempted to wear less to compensate for the heat. That fact combined with getting relaxed within our current work environment can create a dangerous combination.
A recent survey completed by the office of Robert Half found some alarming statistics when it comes to this area of concern. Results concluded that 47% of Senior Managers identified the overuse of casual clothing as the most common dress code violation. Over a third of the same managers surveyed shared that their employees showed too much skin and wore less formal clothing than they did five years prior. In a similar survey by Robert Half, 80% of executives reported that clothing choices could definitely impact an employee’s chances of being promoted.
Slacking off when it comes to dress code can potentially put your job at risk and shouldn’t be ignored. Contrary to popular belief, there is rarely a need to strike out on a shopping spree. Instead, you can just strategically piece together different clothing items that you already have in your closet that will work together to create a wardrobe that is both comfortable and professional.
Whether it’s you who needs to be reminded or your coworker next door, there are a few rules of thumb that should help realign your wardrobe with the appropriate choices of summer clothing. Once you have checked each of these rules off of your list then you can rest assured that your summer clothing choices will keep you in the good graces of your employer.
Company Policy… If there is a written code regarding how you should be dressing for your office, then you should abide by it. If you get lost in the details of the policy, then you can take into consideration what you see management wearing. Use leadership as your guide.
Revealing and Distracting… Are your clothing choices showing too much skin? Are you distracting your coworkers by your wild choice of prints and bright colors? Are body piercings and tattoos a concern for your particular office? There are plenty of places to make a bold and creative statement by what you wear, but, for most, your workplace is not one of them.
Feeling Confident… If you are not comfortable with what you are wearing, it shows more than you realize. Make sure that your clothes fit you well and don’t require constant adjusting throughout the day. Confidence should come from deeper than surface level, meaning that overdoing it with makeup, jewelry and fragrances can cause more harm than good. Especially at more conservative companies, the overuse of such things as flashy jewelry or excessive makeup can be more distracting than beneficial to establishing a productive work environment.
Professionalism… When it comes down to it, this is what really matters. Have you passed the final check? Are your clothes free of stains and wrinkles? Are you stepping out of your home and into your office with the best option? So many of us get too relaxed in our workplace, the place we find ourselves spending the bulk of our time. But, there are times when we need to reevaluate our standards and revisit the line of what is appropriate and what is not, what is pleasing to our boss and what is not.