Although society has largely undergone casualisation, dress codes are still implicitly in force at many workplaces and strictly enforced in others. There is a reason why these codes came into being, and it is true that dressing smart still helps people look competent and trustworthy. However, they do limit our ability to express our personality through our clothes. Building a Wardrobe with Accessories can provide an outlet for self-expression in the workplace while adhering to these dress codes.
Done well, accessorising can enhance your office wear, but poorly chosen pieces can be distracting. It is important to follow a few guidelines so that you can make the right choices and always look your best. These are the tips that you need to know to use your accessories wisely and effectively in the workplace.
Buy the best you can afford
High-quality accessories are not just nicer to look at and more durable, they also have a few benefits that could help you in a business setting. For example, they could subtly signal to the prospective clients that you are financially successful and therefore competent. They could also help both clients and your employees know that you care about details too and that you are somebody who expects the best even when it comes to small things.
Aim for balance
Jewellery, scarves, sunglasses, and bags are all accessories that you can get away with in most workplaces, and chances are that you will end up wearing more than one at a time. This means that it is important not to over-accessorise. As a rule of thumb, stick to one chunkier or bold item at a time and keep the rest subtle. For example, if you have got large fancy earrings on, then a small and practical luxury crossbody bag creates a nice balance. On the other hand, if your jewellery is very subtle, you could choose a larger tote bag instead.
Incorporate accents and textures
Corporate dress codes help ensure that everybody looks very professional, but they are often also quite dull. Accessories are your chance to inject a bit of personality into your outfit, and one easy way to do this is with colourful accents. Complementary colours work especially well, or another approach you could try is to use patterned or textured accessories. These look best when they contrast your outfit, so if you are wearing a plain suit then it could be time to pick up a patterned bag or scarf.
Follow some trends
As much as businesses love to shout about their creative teams and superior products, the fact is that they pretty much all watch what their competitors are doing so that they can jump on trends. Spotting trends is a useful business skill, and accessories are a subtle way to show off your talent for it. You do not need to follow every trend though. Some are very short-lived and it is not worth sacrificing quality and taste.
Conclusion
Accessories can be handy tools in workplace settings, and whether you are trying to switch careers and impress your new boss or trying to land a big new client, they can help make sure that you are giving the impression you want to give.
