It’s been a year of change and adjustment especially for our wardrobes. For that reason, I thought I would use this end of year blog to share my tips to help you dress for a hybrid work environment.
It’s a sartorial challenge that the majority of my clients are facing. We may not know what the pandemic will throw at us next but we do know that hybrid working is here to stay!
Here are some tips to ensure you have outfits that you love to wear at home or in the office:-
Work out what hybrid means to you
Hybrid working means different things to different people. Think about your typical working week and what outfits you need for it. Does it include working from home, days back in the office, client meetings, presentations and social functions. Write a note of what they are.
Pack away the overly formal clothes
I’m not suggesting you get rid of your entire pre-pandemic wardrobe but there’s no point having anything in your wardrobe if you’re not wearing it. Rifling through clothes you don’t need every morning wastes time and leads to frustration as you can’t clearly see what you do have!
Assess your current wardrobe
Put all the clothes you wear for work over a two to three week period on a rail or section them off in your wardrobe. This is your current working wardrobe. Most people are surprised to see how few garments they are actually wearing on a regular basis!
Realign your wardrobe to your current needs
Now you have assessed what outfits you need and what you are actually wearing it should be clear to see where the gaps are. You may find that you don’t have anything that feels right for presentations and/or client meetings etc. Make a list of items you are lacking.
Don’t forget about grooming
It’s very tempting to turn a blind eye to a top that needs ironing especially if you are working from home. Aside from looking shabby it will not make you feel good. A relaxed dress code isn’t a reason to take a causal approach to grooming. Ensure your hair and nails are clean and tidy and your clothes are stain free and ironed.
Discover high and low dressing
Or smart casual as it’s commonly known. The clue is in the name! You’ll find the right balance if you mix smart and casual pieces together. A blazer will ensure jeans look professional and not too casual. Conversely, wearing a dress with trainers or boots as opposed to heels will stop you looking too formal.
Look in the mirror
It has been scientifically proven that the clothes we wear have a direct effect on our behaviour. It’s called ‘Enclothed Cognition’. Before you start work check your outfit in a full length mirror and ask yourself how you feel in it. Does it boost your confidence or are you glad to hide behind a screen? Even if you are not seeing people, the clothes you wear will still affect your behaviour.
Need a hand to update your wardrobe?
If you need some help to refresh your style, then now is the ideal time to do something about it. Taking action today to create a stylish wardrobe that you love is something you will reap the benefit from for months and years to come.
If you’re ready to ditch dated styles and create a wardrobe that you love to wear and gives you confidence, get in touch today. If you would like to discuss which styling package is for you before booking contact me to arrange a free telephone consultation.
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