10 Tips For Dressing Business Casual With Personality!

My favorite position is CEO. (This article first appeared on acupoftay.com)

1. You don’t need to wear a white button-down shirt.

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Listen, I wore a uniform from preschool to high school: I respect a white button-down like the best of them. However, that crisp shirt does not have to be your go-to when dressing professionally. Try a blouse instead. These sheer button downs from Forever 21 look great with a camisole. Depending on how formal your office is you can wear a nice sweater with a statement necklace. Lace is another great fabric for professional blouses; just make sure you wear something underneath! A shell top under a blazer is also an easy and professional outfit idea!

2. The importance of cultural relativism.

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Understand your industry, and what kind of professional attire is considered appropriate for your workplace. What may be suitable for one field may not be for another. For example, if you work at an advertising agency or a startup you will have a slightly less strict dress code than at a corporate office. Make sure you do not stick out in either extreme!

In the same vein, what is considered “professional” on Wall Street is definitely not the same as in Silicon Valley. Corporate culture differs by geography, and this applies even more so globally.

3. Dress for your age.

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I think, as young people, there is an inclination to want to dress “maturely” because after the umpteenth time someone at the office makes a comment about how young you are, you just want to assert your status as a professional person without resorting to shaking your fist and saying *treat me like an adult!* Unfortunately, wearing a three-piece suit will probably make you look like you raided your parents’ closet rather than just stepped out of a meeting with a CEO. You can absolutely be trendy and professional!

4. Dress for your body.

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You can be stylish and fashionable at any size. What matters most is that you wear clothes that fit you and make you feel good. It took me a very long time to commit myself to only buying clothes that fit me perfectly, but now that I do, I can comfortably wear every single item in my closet. It’s wonderful! If you can afford to, get your favorite pieces tailored to fit you.

If you’re creative, then DIY! Otherwise, buy items that flatter and accentuate your gorgeous shape! (Oh yeah, also realize you have a gorgeous body!) Spend that extra time – as frustrating as it is – to try each item on, move around in it, sit down in it, reach up, bend down, etc. to get a feel of how it fits. If it’s not perfect, don’t buy it! You deserve the best!

5. Don’t break the bank.

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Categorize your wardrobe in terms of “staples” vs. “fun” pieces. Invest in staple pieces: you know you’re going to get a lot of wear out of them. Buy trendy pieces from stores like Forever 21 or H&M if you’re not sure about them, or discount/vintage stores. Repurpose pieces you, or your friends/family, already have! I am sure you have something at the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in a while, that is just itching to be re-styled!

This blazer and silk blouse are both vintage, circa 1980-something.

6. Practicality and comfort.

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A sequin gown is perfect for the Oscars, perhaps not for your cubicle. Ensure that what you’re wearing is practical for your workplace. Be comfortable! Wear clothes that you can stretch out in and are not going to get too crumpled: you never know when you might need to put in some extra hours!

7. Shoes!

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A great look can lose its “oomph” if you don’t commit from head-to-toe, i.e. make sure you got some good shoes on! Again, make sure that your choice is practical. If you are an intern, do not wear heels! Trust me, as cute as you look, you’ll be running up and down stairs and doing thankless tasks all day – give your feet a break! If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet for most of the day, wear some cute flats! If you live in a cold part of the world (as I do!) then wear sturdy boots to work, but change into more appropriate footwear in the office.

8. Dress for your best self.

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Your outfit is essentially an extension of you – make sure it is representing your best self! What image do you want to project? What does the ideal version of you look like? What would s/he wear? Do you have a picture in your mind? Then wear that!

Switch it up every now and again. Experiment with your look. Why not?

9. Finishing touches.

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Don’t forget about accessories! Accentuate your look with jewelry, scarves, and makeup!

10. Most importantly: own it!

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Dress for yourself, and wear what makes you feel good! Confidence is the most fashionable accessory you can ever have, and it makes every outfit look good! Do not feel deprived at all – remember: you can be stylish at any size and on any budget!

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