In a Reuters-Ipsos survey about workplace attire participated by 24 countries, it was discovered that 60% of employees wear a type of uniform or business/smart attire on the job. This means that more than half of the workers worldwide are required to follow a certain dress code at work.
As the global economy strives and the workforce strengthens, more and more industries are opening up to different types of work. This is also to say that more and more people are required to wear uniforms. And so, along with the evolution of fashion, office and corporate attires have also become staples in the consumer market and affordable skeleton watch.
But, what are uniforms and corporate attires for?
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Uniforms and Productivity: Are they really a Match?
A survey about the effects of dress codes in organizations was published over a decade ago. This concluded that most companies with relaxed dress policies reported an increase in tardiness, absenteeism, and flirtatious behavior among employees.It also claimed that casual dress can lead to a casual work ethic.
With this line of reasoning, we can say that dressing formally can be viewed as credible, responsible, and productive. Hence, it’s widely practiced around the world today. However, a study that came out just 7 years later says otherwise.
Stormline’s research proved that 61% of people have a negative impression of any company that enforced a dress code. Majority of workers that participated said that they would feel more productive and put more effort into looking presentable if there wasn’t any dress code to be followed.
The main difference between the two surveys is that the former targeted human resource executives while the latter is focused on the employees themselves. That says a lot, doesn’t it?
More often than not, requiring uniforms and setting dress codes are challenged by a lot of employees. A lot of the resistance comes from the belief that it diminishes the importance of creativity, individuality, and self-expression in a company.
Wearing a uniform or formal clothing can feel repetitive and boring. A lot of people associate them with traditional, dated looks that are opposite from being fashionable.
For someone who wants to be a little bit snazzy and expressive either on the daily or on special occasions, being stuck with wearing an office uniform can be frustrating. But with some tricks, anyone can elevate their look and feel their best even in a uniform.
If that’s something you can relate to, then this list is for you. Here are ways to work your way around your office wear and transform them into fashionable outfits. The best thing is, you don’t have to splurge on any of these!
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Know the Best Color Scheme For You
Fashion is an art form and one of the basic things in art is color. Understanding the color theory – which colors go well with what, which colors contrast each other, which color combinations are good – is something you should master.
Considering the type of industry and company culture you’re in is just as important. Colors are powerful mood makers and you should always set the right mood for the right environment.
In a corporate setting, for example, distracting colors might be frown upon so bright neon colors are obviously a no-go unless you want to get some awkward looks. So, going with neutrals is the way to go. Colors like black, white, gray, brown, khaki, and beige are good staples in your wardrobe. They go well with just about every color too!
If you want to look a little more feminine, try pastels. Not only do they give you a touch of color, but they also translate a youthful and lively mood while keeping an outfit look put together.
You can also try experimenting with some of the more contemporary styles: monochrome and minimalism. Both styles put emphasis on the overall vibe of the look instead of the individual clothing pieces that compose it.
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Go Bold and Accessorize
Do you ever wonder how to wear the same outfits differently? The key is in the accessories. Accessorizing well does not only amp up an outfit but it makes you stand out too.
However, you should also note that over-accessorizing is a thing – especially in the workplace. In a professional setting, the point of accessories is to make a look more refined and not necessarily extravagant.
At the end of the day, people go to work for that reason: work. Too much of everything can be distracting and disruptive to everyone’s productivity. That’s not the kind of attention you want to get in the office…
And if you’re asking how much is too much, legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”. That’s probably the magic formula to accessorizing.
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Choose Sustainable Clothing Pieces
Today is a time where fast fashion is at its peak. Trends change in a blink of an eye and as part of the capitalistic society, people are always challenged to catch up.
A lot of brands put out different collections every season and it’s getting harder to get ahold of the newest fashion pieces when: a.) you realize how much clothes you get rid of every year just to make space for newer ones; or, b.) you’re on a budget and tough times are making you re-evaluate where you’re spending your money on.
And the only answer to the growing economic and environmental implications of fast fashion is being sustainable with your choices.
Some people would argue that this is a bit pricier than a usual fast fashion purchase but look at it as an investment. If you spend your money on quality pieces, you won’t have to buy them again every year or so, so you actually save money in the long term.
Similarly, thrift shopping has been on the rise in recent years. Spending less on pre-loved clothing is a smart choice that benefits not only you having a better wardrobe but the world generating less waste as well. Now, that’s what you call a win-win
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Find Comfort In What You Wear
Just like what has been established, uniforms and dress codes are seen as a restricting and controlling element in a workplace. In a lot of cases, people follow it just because they have to.
Sometimes, we dislike something not because of what it is but because of what we think about it. And this is the same relationship people have with uniforms and office wear.
Now, this is not to say that you should stop thinking critically of the norms and structures you have at work, but in the spirit of fashion (and because you have bills to pay), there are ways to work your way around them. Fashion is what you make it.
There is a long-time debate on the tensions between fashion and function and styling a uniform and office wear is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
At the end of the day, you should acknowledge that comfort brings out confidence and confidence is the key to any fashionable look. Being able to carry yourself with poise and a good attitude is a characteristic that would leave a lasting impression on anyone you will meet.
Fashion and Function: The Marriage
Different companies enforce a type of uniform or dress code for their employees to wear and observe and the years of practice have definitely become apparent.
From the outside, as you see unique uniforms, you become more familiar with the company. And as you see sleek and smart-looking attires, you are projected with a professional image.
That’s just one of many reasons why companies are strict about implementing certain office wear. Some say that it’s to promote unity among the employees, some say it’s to remove management barriers, some say it’s to establish cooperation and productivity. The list goes on but all reasons ultimately point to organizational improvement.
But over the years, the resistance of employees to wear uniforms and restrictive office attires have become stronger. People want to embrace fashion and express their own identity in the workplace.
This is a hard problem to face when bureaucracy is present but a true understanding of fashion and style is a great way to compromise wearing functional office wear and being fashionable at the same time.
From familiarizing yourself with colors, styling with the right accessories, wearing classic and sustainable pieces, and being comfortable with what you wear, you can easily bring out the fashionista in you.
Quoting Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, “Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense“. Fashion is not all about the clothes you’re wearing, it’s about getting important elements right.
Fashion comes within you and it’s up to you how to embody it at work. Consider it your daily self-challenge!
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