I just got a promotion to a VP role at my organization.  How do I figure out what to wear to work now that COVID is subsiding?  Before COVID, we had a more dressed-up, “Business Casual” culture.  Most of us have been wearing very casual clothing at home.  What would you recommend?

Clothes communicate culture, values, and status.  In your situation, I would go with the Dress Code that was in place prior to COVID.  That probably remains the safest route.  Because of your promotion, you may want to take it up a notch.  Although whatever you wore before COVID will remain appropriate, you may want to include more “power pieces” – such as tailored jackets, slacks, and high-end casual or semi-formal wear.  Think “quality.”  Budget a bit more for a few strategic additions that signal increased responsibility and good judgment. This may mean opting to pay a bit more for silk instead of rayon.  Light-weight wool separates may work better than synthetic blends.  These subtle shifts will make a big difference in the longevity of your wardrobe.  More importantly, they will affect how you are perceived.  People notice the details.  Linen-silk-wool wearers are perceived to be better clad than their counterparts wearing lighter fabrics.  As you move up the ladder of responsibility or into team leadership, you will want to invest a bit more in well-cut, classic pieces that will look good on ZOOM and in the Board Room.     

Generally, dress codes have relaxed quite a bit since COVID.   ZOOM and other video platforms have introduced a whole new way of approaching business meetings.  The focus on the camera makes the shirt, jacket, or top a focal point.  Thus, people have developed a two-tier approach to dressing:  professional on the top and decidedly casual on the bottom. 

Many organizations still honor a separation between work and leisure, even when the Dress Code permits casual wear. If you must go into an office regularly, consistency is key – no matter what look you choose.  The tiered approach will probably not work.  Opt for simple, stylish pieces that communicate organization and professionalism.   Super-creative outfits may seem out of place at most companies.  Unless you know otherwise, treat bright colors, loud prints, and bold, designer items sparingly.  Most often, less is more.        

If you were being hired by a new nonprofit organization instead of being promoted at your current place of work, you would probably benefit from doing research. Check out what other companies in your particular industry are doing with regard to their dress.  Then, note what senior leaders, middle managers, and entry-level folks within your industry are doing.  You may find, for example, that senior leaders favor blazers, neutral colors, and collared shirts/tops.   Middle managers may have slightly different go-to items.  This will give you an idea of how to put yourself together when you arrive at your new career destination.  If you have the chance to visit the premises to observe, do so.  Otherwise, take advantage of LinkedIn group photos and the images you find on social media.  Each photo will give you an idea of what to expect and the choices that are open to you, dress-wise, when you join a particular organization. 

Certain items of clothing generate more discussion than others.   Jeans, leggings, and T-shirts often cause controversy.  Torn or ripped versions should probably be reserved for weekend wear.  The Tech industry, for example, accepts casual gear more readily than others.  However, do not assume that jeans will work well in your environment.  If in doubt, leave jeans for Casual Fridays – unless your pair is ink-blue or black.  The same goes for T-Shirts and leggings.  In many workspaces, these garments are perceived as a bit too casual.  Until you learn otherwise, steer clear of clothing that communicates “too laid back” or “didn’t read cultural cues well.”

Clothing broadcasts identity and style preferences, communicating who you are and what you aspire to.  Choose carefully.  Choose based on data.  Each of us has a preferred dress style, colors, and patterns that we like (or dislike). Once you have developed an accurate idea of what works in a particular work environment, have fun with options that promote your professionalism and desire to succeed.  Used strategically, your clothing can put you in a desired leadership space long before you have arrived there.   Promote yourself by choosing wisely.          

Karen Alphonse is a senior search solutions leader, resume writer, online profile auditor, and career coach. Learn more about our career coaching, job application preparation, and interview readiness services, or write to Karen at contact@execsearches.com.

Last updated on February 21st, 2023 at 04:46 pm