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Local Business  » Building a Business Wardrobe: Aim for Quality and Versatility

Building a Business Wardrobe: Aim for Quality and Versatility

You've just gotten your business degree, and now you're looking

for that new job, the one that will allow you to show your stuff.

Whether you're aiming for a Fortune 500 firm or a laid-back

dot-com company, the first clothing investment you should make

is one or two really great suits. A couple sharply tailored suit

coats in neutral "power" colors like black, navy blue, or gray,

along with matching dress slacks, will see you through the

interview process. Even if you're applying for a job with a firm

whose employees look like every day is casual Friday, you need

to walk into your first interview like you're a CEO on Wall

Street. Wherever you work, you're still going to need

traditional business attire for meetings with clients, so don't

worry that you're wasting your money on the interview clothes.

Before, during, and after your job interviews, pay attention to

how employees are dressed. Do they all wear formal business

attire? Or are they dressed casually in pullover jerseys and

cargo pants? Are they wearing dress shoes, business loafers, or

Air Jordans?

There's a saying in business: dress for the job you want, not

the job you have. Once you've got the job, pay attention to what

upper level management is wearing, and aim for a wardrobe that

mirrors that. If your new coworkers are a pullover and cargo

pants lot, you'll still probably notice a pecking order

reflected in the clothing choices among the staff. If you decide

to go casual, go high quality casual, using natural fibers,

solid construction, and a neat, put-together look.

Once you have the job, add clothing, both traditional and

casual, in warmer neutrals like tans and browns, to your power

suits. Try to build a day to day wardrobe that will see you

through at least a week and a half of work without repeating any

clothing items; that way, you'll have time for a weekly trip to

the dry cleaners or Laundromat before you run out of clean

clothes.

Your business accessories should also reflect your

professionalism. A sturdy, attractive briefcase is a must; a

coordinating wallet and business card holder also makes a good

impression.

And finally, don't forget the after hours environment of the

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office. Does the management team play golf or handball? Does the

company offer a gym membership, or possibly have its own gym?

You'll want a high quality, well maintained sports wardrobe

appropriate for whatever activities are prevalent at the office,

including whatever equipment and accessories are necessary for

pursuing the activity.

Getting your business wardrobe together may sound expensive, but

if you do a little planning and set yourself a budget, over time

you'll find that you can make careful choices that quickly get

you wear you need to be. For some, those choices may include a

specialty store for big and

tall sizing. You'll want to be able to participate fully in

the corporate culture, both in and out of the office. A well

chosen, versatile wardrobe will allow you to do that and make a

favorable impression on your colleagues in the process.

About the author:

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern

New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and

Topics. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.