Dressing for a hybrid work environment

Smart Working

Dressing for a hybrid work environment

Work dress codes have changed considerably over the past few years and not least since the pandemic began. ‘Dress for the day’, ‘Zoom dressing’ and ‘hybrid work wardrobe’ were terms we hadn’t heard of back in 2019!

Leaving court attire aside, you now require outfits for working from home, days in the office, face to face meetings and even some socialising at the end of the day. On top of this you want to ensure that you look professional and if leading a team, that your outfits project your seniority. You’ll be forgiven for wanting to return to the days of the power suit again!

There is never a one size fits all solution and dress codes vary depending on where you work. However, there are ways you can dress in a relaxed work environment to exude confidence without looking overly formal and stuffy.

Here are five steps you can take to create your ideal hybrid work wardrobe:

1. Assess your current wardrobe

Start by looking at what is in your wardrobe and most importantly, how your clothes make you feel. Do you ‘put on your power’ or do your daily outfit choices leave you feeling off kilter and invisible. It has been scientifically proven that how we dress affects how we feel and act. Ask yourself what message your clothes are projecting and if there is room for improvement?

2. Note what your hybrid working week looks like

Take a look at your diary over a monthly period and note the different outfits you need. Think about the activities you do in your role. Do you need outfits for a monthly presentation, client facing meetings, video calls, social occasions? Now assess if you have the right garments for these activities. It’s useful to lay these outfits out and take pictures (see pic for details of a client's wardrobe). It will save you so much time in the long run. I find most people's wardrobes are completely misaligned to their needs and they do not have the right outfits for their working week. Make a note of any gaps you have.

3. Inject your personality into your workwear

The relaxation of dress codes means that you can bring more of your personality to work. You can use this to positive effect to show confidence and ensure you stand out from the crowd. How do you do this? Look at the elements you like in your weekend wardrobe and see if you can bring them into your work wardrobe in an appropriate way. For instance, if you like colour, can you introduce another colour into your everyday work wear? If you are lacking inspiration, create a mood board of styles and colours that grab your eye. See the picture below.

4. Relaxed does NOT mean casual

‘Relaxed dressing’, ‘dress-for-the-day’ and ‘business casual’’ all come under the smart casual umbrella. The clue is really in the name so if you are in any doubt over what to wear, always veer to the smart side of casual. It’s always better to be overdressed as a lawyer than underdressed!

5. Don’t take a relaxed approach to grooming

It’s very tempting to overlook this especially when working from home or in a team of casual dressers. I’m not suggesting you need a full face of make-up or salon blow dry every day. You do need, however, to ensure that clothes are clean and crease free, hair and nails are tidy as it shows respect for your role and professionalism.

Wearing colour outfits suggestions

Trousers: https://uk.theory.com/carrot-trouser/M0204205_E1H. html?lang=en_GB

Blouse: https://www.hugoboss.com/uk/open-necklineblouse-in-stretch-silk-with-stand-collar/hbeu50472082_691. html?cgid=11100

Gillet: https://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/uk/women/sweaterscardigans/brittain-cardigan-dw02

Shoes: https://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/boulevard2/240357

Earrings: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/green-amethystearrings-1/?gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaI4JJNaLYgqg EPfd6fTVmobcgUkx4dMVeQ9o9uYJiaGmrbPTZKDhVhoCFlgQA vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.

Sally Smy is a personal stylist and founder of Queen Bee Styling. Prior to setting up her business ten years ago, Sally had a successful 18 year career in fashion buying working for leading high street retailers. She now specialises in helping professionals dress with confidence and create a wardrobe that plays to their strengths. She also speaks and hosts workshops for many women’s networks both online and off including several government departments (The Foriegn and Commonwealth Office, department for Digital Culture Media and Sport and the Women In Economics Network). If you would like further information on Sally and her services please drop her a line. You can also sign up for her free monthly style subscription which includes seasonal style tips and discounts offers.

Stay in touch with Sally: Instagram, Facebook @queenbeestyling Linkedin Sally Smy Email: sally@queenbeestyling.com