In this article, we write about everything you need to dress to impress for your dream job.
Here at ReysUp, we know that landing your dream job simply starts with having the right skills and acing the interview. But, to succeed once you land the job, it is about presenting yourself in a way that exudes confidence, competence, and a touch of who you really are. When it comes to first impressions, what you wear can be just as, if not more, important as what you say. You need to dress to impress.
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If you’re expecting another rundown of fashion trends or superficial style tips, let us stop you right there. Our aim is to delve deeper, guiding you to dress in a way that not only aligns with your professional goals but also showcases your true self.
ReysUp’ Insights on How to Dress to Impress
With over 20 years of collective experience, working at top-tier companies and thriving cities such as NYC, we’ve experienced firsthand the power of dressing to impress. We’ve navigated corporate politics and climbed the professional ladder. Through it all, one thing remains clear: when you dress like you mean business, people treat you that way.
We’ve faced the challenges of balancing personal style with professional expectations, and now, we’re sharing our secrets with you. From selecting the perfect interview outfit to building a versatile wardrobe that carries you from Monday meetings to Friday happy hours, our insights are designed to help you to present the best version of yourself.
Decoding Dress Codes to Dress to Impress
Understanding dress codes can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step in dressing for success. Here’s a quick guide to help you decode the most common dress codes:
- Business Formal: This is the most conservative way to dress. Think tailored suits, pencil skirts, blouses, knee length or longer dresses, and closed-toe shoes. We recommend you don’t go for any heels over 2 inches or opt for flats. Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, and gray, and opt for minimal accessories with a dainty appearance.
- Business Casual: Arguably the most common, business casual allows for more flexibility while still maintaining a professional look. Blazers, dress pants, and blouses are still key, but you can introduce many more colors and patterns. Dresses and skirts are also appropriate. Think a blazer, t-shirt, dress pants, and a high quality, clean pair of sneakers. The key with business casual is mixing the elements of business formal and casual. Stay away from jeans.
- Smart Casual: This is a polished yet relaxed dress code. You can mix dressy and casual pieces, such as pairing a blazer with dark jeans or a nice blouse with tailored trousers. It’s a great way to showcase your personal style.
- Casual: This is likely those who work at a tech start-up or chill silicon valley based corporation. While casual as the name suggests, there is a fine balance between fabulous and frumpy. The essence of casual is being more relaxed and effortless, but it’s still important to look put-together. Opt for neat, clean, and well-fitted clothing. Avoid overly casual items like flip-flops, shorts, or overly distressed jeans. Choosing a pair of well fitting jeans with no holes or distressing and a pair of clean sneakers works.
- Casual, Work from Home: If you are looking for recommendations in this category, we highly suggest going to our article on the best work from home athleisure pieces to buy. You can pretty much wear whatever you want, but if you are going on camera, we recommend longer sleeves and opting for a look that appears well polished.
Tips to Know Which Style Your Company Is
- Ask a coworker or mutual friend at the company – If you know someone who works at your company, reach out and ask them for the lowdown. A simple ask can set you up for success. If you don’t know anyone at the company, try going on fishbowl or looking it up on glassdoor.
- Read the company handbook – When you sign your offer letter and get set up for your new job, oftentimes they share this information in the docusign. Simply control f and you’ll find everything you need.
- Look at photos – Companies tend to present themselves on social media and their websites exactly as they are in person. This allows future and potential employees to understand what working at their company is like.
- Go business casual – If all else fails choose the business casual route. Yes, you may be overdressed on your first day or so, but that allows you to check out the vibe and understand how to dress on certain occasions as well. It’s better than going to the office in sneakers when everyone else is in dress pants, but you also avoid looking underdressed. Note: The only exception to this is if you are going to a client site. We highly recommend that you ask another coworker what the dress code is for visiting a client, but if that fails, go to for business formal.
Wardrobe Essentials
Building a wardrobe that empowers you starts with having the right essentials. Here are some must-haves for any professional woman trying to dress to impress:
- Tailored Blazer: A well-fitted blazer instantly elevates any outfit.
- This blazer from Aritzia is sleek and sophisticated
- Classic White Shirt: Versatile and timeless, it can be dressed up or down.
- Black Dress Pants: A staple that pairs well with almost anything.
- Pencil Skirt: Professional and flattering, perfect for business formal or business casual settings.
- Little Black Dress: Ideal for those days when you need to transition from office to evening.
- Comfortable Heels: Opt for a pair that’s stylish yet comfortable enough for long days.I’m all for designer where it makes sense, but paying a fortune for shoes is an absolute no from me.
- Gucci Loafer Dupe
- Chanel Heels Dupe: They have a shorter heel and taller heel option. The price is a fraction of the chanels and these are super comfortable
- Statement Accessories: A few well-chosen pieces can add personality to your outfit without overpowering it. My go to items are the following
- Cartier D’Amour Necklace, Large Model
- Louis Vuitton On the Go
- If you want a designer purse and are on a budget, we highly recommend fashionphile. I’ve literally saved thousands, but buying gently used purses from them.
Expressing Your Unique Style
While it’s important to adhere to dress codes, don’t be afraid to infuse your unique style into your work attire. Here are some tips on how to:
- Color and Patterns: Incorporate your favorite colors and patterns in a subtle way, like a colorful blouse under a neutral blazer.
- Accessories: Use accessories to add a personal touch. A statement necklace or a bold scarf can make a big difference.
- Footwear: Choose shoes that reflect your style, whether it’s classic pumps, stylish flats, or chic ankle boots.
- Hairstyles: Your hairstyle is part of your overall look. Choose a style that makes you feel confident and professional.
Where to Shop:
- For the trendy trying to dress to impress
- Amazon: Say hello to two day or next day shipping. Amazon has cute pieces usually at really low prices especially if you saved shopping for new outfits to the last minute. Just beware of quality, sometimes items are priced higher, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are higher quality.
- H&M: we love H&M for trendy or out of my comfort zone pieces. You can buy the in season color, but not worry next season when it’s out of style.
- Zara: Zara is our favorite, while it comes to fast fashion, we love it as a try before you buy option. If we see a beautiful double breasted blazer at a designer store, a lot of the times Zara has a similar version that you can test out and see if you’’ll wear before you drop major cash.
- For the essential items to dress to impress
- Aritzia: Aritzia is a go-to for elevated basics and versatile wardrobe staples. Known for their high-quality fabrics and timeless designs, Aritzia offers pieces that seamlessly transition from work to weekend. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly tailored blazer, a cozy yet chic sweater, or a pair of well-fitting trousers, Aritzia’s collections provide the essential building blocks for a polished and functional wardrobe.
- Nordstrom: Nordstrom is the ultimate destination for essential wardrobe pieces with a touch of luxury. Offering a wide range of brands and styles, you can find everything from classic workwear to casual essentials. Nordstrom’s impeccable customer service and convenient return policy make shopping for essentials a breeze. Look for their expertly curated selections that include reliable basics like crisp white shirts, tailored pants, and versatile dresses that are perfect for any occasion. You can also opt for nordstom rack.
- Saks: Saks is synonymous with luxury and high-end fashion, making it the perfect place to find essential investment pieces. Whether it’s a timeless little black dress, a sophisticated trench coat, or a pair of elegant leather shoes, Saks offers a selection of essentials that are both stylish and enduring. Their collection features top designers and premium quality, ensuring that each piece is a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe. Saks off fifth also has great pieces if you are shopping on a budget.
The Mindset of Dressing to Impress
Dressing for your dream job isn’t just about the clothes you wear; it’s about the mindset you adopt. When you dress to impress, you’re telling yourself and the world that you’re ready to take on whatever challenges come your way. Here are some mindset tips to keep in mind:
- Confidence: Don’t wear clothes that you hate, wear clothes that make you feel confident. Take everything we say with a grain of salt and realize that confidence is attractive and can be the key to making a great impression.
- Preparation: Plan your outfits ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress. Have 5 free hangers in your closet so you can plan your outfits for the week. We also recommend keeping your outfits in a matching color palette so you can easily mix and match pieces and save yourself time. You won’t stick to dressing well if it becomes a chore.
- Authenticity: Stay true to yourself. When you’re comfortable and authentic, it shines through.
Conclusion
At ReysUp, we believe that when you dress to impress, you’re not just changing your look—you’re changing your life and career. By understanding the power of presentation, embracing authenticity, and adopting a confident mindset, you’re well on your way to landing your dream job and making a remarkable impression.
