How to Dress for Work When Nobody Really Dresses for Work Anymore

The rules around workwear have changed so much that, in a way, getting dressed for work has become harder.

When everyone wore a suit, at least you knew what you were supposed to do. Now you can walk into an office and see someone in a blazer, someone in jeans and someone in a hoodie who may or may not be the CEO.

So how do you look polished without looking overdressed?

The goal is not to dress more formally. The goal is to look intentional.

If Your Office Is Casual

This is especially for my tech people.

You can absolutely wear jeans, sneakers and T-shirts to work. I style plenty of clients who do. But casual pieces still need to fit well and work together.

Instead of thinking about making the outfit dressier, think about making it sharper.

A great pair of crisp jeans makes a difference. Switch from a light wash that looks more casual to a dark one. Trousers with a simple sweater and sneakers. A relaxed blazer over a nice tee shirt. A good jacket thrown over an otherwise very basic outfit.

Here are some of my favorites to go to when I want to elevate my clients when they work in a casual environment.

Click on image to view and shop these pieces!

So the difference is usually in the fit, fabric and proportions, not in how formal the clothes are.

And please remember: casual does not automatically mean athleisure.

If You Work From Home

You do not need to get fully dressed every morning just to sit at your kitchen table. I am not doing that either.

But if you have Zoom calls, pay attention to what people can actually see.

Your top matters. Your neckline matters. The color next to your face matters. Earrings, glasses or a necklace can do a surprising amount of work when we only see you from the chest up.

Have a few tops that look great on camera and require zero thought. A knit, a good button-down, a flattering T-shirt, maybe a jacket you can throw on two minutes before a call.

Basically, create your Zoom emergency kit. And don’t forget about your background! Here is an article I wrote about that might help you.

If You Want to Step It Up

Maybe your role has changed. Maybe you are meeting with clients more often, managing a team, interviewing or simply feel like your current wardrobe no longer represents where you are professionally.

You do not need to suddenly replace everything.

Start by upgrading the pieces you wear the most.

Better pants. Better shoes. A few interesting tops. A jacket that makes everything underneath look more finished. Accessories that actually feel like you.

And most importantly, do not create a completely separate "work personality."

You should still look like yourself.

Just the version of yourself who looks like she knows exactly what she is doing.

Bisous!

Lili