WORK THE LOOK: DRESS FOR SUCCESS

An important part of being a professional in the workforce is looking the part! According to a 2014 article, a staggering 65% of bosses will hire the better-dressed candidate over another with the same qualifications. Having expertise in your field is certainly more important than anything, but you can’t factor out your wardrobe just because you have top-tier skills. Whether it’s for an important interview or for everyday wear in the office, appearance matters. Nail your professional style and you’ll not only show off your marvelous fashion sense, but exude more confidence in the workplace.
Invest in the Basics
For girls, a basic black pencil skirt is an essential. It can be dressed up or down based on the work environment, and it’ll never go out of style. For guys and girls alike, having a pair of black slacks is doubly essential. Pair it up with a blouse, dress shirt, or button-up shirt to complete the professional look. Having these staples in your closet will make it easy to wear them differently according to the work environment.
Complete Outfits with a Jacket
The number one thing any working girl should have in her closet is a fancy blazer. This piece almost instantly makes any outfit look more professional (particularly if it’s black). The blazer will play up your ensemble while making for a more complete look. If your outfit is composed of all black or black and white, a colored blazer would do you well. For guys, a dark suit jacket is a great addition to a dress or cotton shirt.
Embrace Simplicity
Neutrals and solid colors are your friends. Most importantly, black is your friend. It’s classic, sleek, and goes with everything else in your wardrobe. Patterns are cool and you shouldn’t be afraid to embrace them in your work environment, but limit your outfit to just one print or pattern so you don’t look like a walking modern art exhibit. You don’t want to be pairing a polka dot shirt with a leopard print skirt if you’re interning at a law office.
Pay attention to Your Footwear
Simple black heels, flats, and dress shoes are pretty standard for most working environments. Your shoes will essentially tie your outfit together, so choose them wisely.
Style Your Hair
If your hair is messy, tangled, or greasy at unholy proportions, your immaculate ensemble won’t matter. For girls, simply curling or straightening your hair should make you look nicely put together. For guys, combing and styling with gel often does the trick. The Wellness Company: Melaleuca makes a lot of great hair products from hair gel to styling spray. They’re effective, affordable and easy to shop for online at Melaleuca.com.