What To Wear On The First Day Of Work?
Finding the right outfit for your first day at a new job is always stressful – whether we like it or not, first impressions are real and often a source of angst. To take some stress off of you, we've asked four experts to share their style tips for men starting on a new job.
Find these 15 first day of work style tips from Jamie Terran, a career consultant, Piotr Ryterski, a personal style blogger, Judy Bates, an author and speaker on money management, and David Zyla, an Emmy Award-winning stylist.
1. Stay organized
Staying organized is key. Pick your outfit the day/night before so you don't end up running around stressed in the morning. Picking your outfit under pressure may lead to poor and rushed choices. You may begin to second guess yourself and end up late.
No Brand$89
rag & bone$220
Comme des Garcon...$85
Eton$90
2. Look back to the interview
You want to look stylish but you still don't know the workplace dress code. If you went for an interview you probably got the first, general impression of what is expected or what people around you are wearing. Think back to the atmosphere you saw at the interview and dress accordingly. Besides, repeating the color and silhouette you wore for your last interview is a great visual reminder to your new colleagues as to how well you came across, and reinforces the confidence they have in their choice of hiring you.
Dries Van Noten$1,515
thisisneverthat$110
Tom Ford$1,535
Rick Owens$85
Eton$130
3. Keep it professional
Never wear any element of an outfit to your first day of work that is part of one that you wear for clubbing, cleaning or an athletic activity (unless your new job is in a night club, cleaning company or gym). These choices telegraph that your life outside work has greater importance to you.
Thom Browne$2,095
BOSS$110
Johnny Bigg$79
Cufflinks Inc.$32
4. Be confident
The most important thing about first day dress (really any day dress) is that you feel confident, if you are wondering if its the right outfit...it is probably not.
Giorgio Armani$3,200
BOSS$110
Paul Smith$274
Han Kjobenhavn$495
Thom Browne$180
5. Simple and tidy
For the first day, be sure to keep things simple and tidy. Casual is fine for a casual work environment, but sloppy is not. Condition is key. Clothes that are faded, ill-fitting or tired give an impression that you are as well. Most importantly, don't forget to pack your tide to go or other stain stick for last minute blips.
Tom Ford$3,970
YOUNG POETS$211
Norse Projects$205
VISVIM$1,455
No Brand$136
6. Business over casual
If you are at a business casual office, I would stay on the side of overdressing the first day until you understand what typical wear is. Men can wear a button down shirt and a pair of slacks and get by in just about any business casual office. On your first day you want to feel confident and comfortable as you approach your new position.
Sandro Paris$715
Nordstrom Men's ...$34
Coach 1941$345
No Brand$12
Nordstrom$19
Comme des Garcon...$105
7. Classy and low-key
The first day of work you stand out enough, you don't want to start your time at the company like a sore thumb wearing something very loud or overly trendy. That being said, you should be you. Use colors to reflect your personality and that make you feel confident.
No Brand$130
BOSS$110
Toga Virilis$525
Mulberry$757
No Brand$21
Maurice Lacroix$750
8. Don't get a new wardrobe
Don't invest in a new work wardrobe immediately. The real dress code at your place of employment may not have been revealed at your interview. Just as you had an interview outfit, those interviewing may have a look that they wear for only such an occasion. Until you discover what the day-to-day dress code really is, stick to variations of your original interview look.
GAUCHERE$1,550
Brunello Cucinelli$550
Studio Nicholson$455
LE17SEPTEMBRE$365
Thom Browne$180
No Brand$7
9. Avoid denim
Even if you have noticed the office is casual you still do not want to wear jeans on your first day. It's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Remember you can only make the first impression once.
Factor's$2,350
Brunello Cucinelli$550
Norse Projects$205
Polo Ralph Lauren$115
Gucci$220
Versace$525
10. Suit is safe
If you are starting work at a place that expects suits that makes things very easy. If the place is business casual, a well-fitted suit is still a safe choice.
Thom Browne$2,095
thisisneverthat$110
Johnny Bigg$79
Engineered Garments$85
BOSS$100
11. Color palette
Blue conveys power, so a suit in dark blue is a great option. A white shirt will be a safe yet classic choice until you figure out what is generally accepted/expected.
Dries Van Noten$1,515
Dr. Martens$150
No Brand$148
No Brand$15
12. Add a pop of color
When it comes to men's suits the key to stand out is accessorizing with color. Pick an eye catching pocket square. Floral patterns for the summer are perfect.
Giorgio Armani$3,200
rag & bone$220
No Brand$20
13. Shoes
For shoes you should stick to black or brown dress shoes or oxfords.
Jones New York$169
Brunello Cucinelli$550
No Brand$84
Eton$90
14. Accessories
Keep your accessories simple and your briefcase organized. Nothing should distract from your capability at succeeding in your new position!
Sandro Paris$715
rag & bone$220
Cole Haan$159
No Brand$127
Eton$90
15. Don't aim for perfection
It’s well said that there’s no chance for a second first impression. Whether you’re going for a serious business look, business casual, or casual, don’t pull out all the stops because you’ll be setting a precedence that coworkers and bosses will expect you to repeat on a regular basis, if not daily. Give yourself your almost best look so there’s still room to impress in the days to come.
Giorgio Armani$3,200
thisisneverthat$110
Marsèll$695
Labrum$655
No Brand$40
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