What Do Your Work Clothes Say About You?

Dressing for work is not the most straightforward thing in the world. You want to come across as approachable but not a pushover, determined but not a lone wolf, intelligent but not a bookworm……this could go on forever.

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner has recently analysed the impact of clothing on external perception (she has a book if you want to read more). She has attempted to identify the reasons behind our clothing decisions and has come to some interesting conclusions for each of the scenarios listed below (Disclaimer: these are the opinions of Dr. Baumgartner with some additional commentary on our part).

If You – Dress In Clothing That Is Too Large/Small For Your Body

It Means: You see your body differently to how others see it or you see it as a reflection of what it once was.

Ok, we have all been there, trying to squeeze into a pair of jeans that we bought years ago and thinking we will look the same as we did back then. Although it hurts, be honest with yourself – you don’t look like that anymore! Recommended advice is to go shopping with a friend that is honest and pick out some clothes that fit your current body shape. If you fluctuate in body weight like myself, it may make sense to have a set of clothes for each weight range – like my slim, normal, medium-fat and high-fat suit selection.

If You – Dress Too Young (or old) For Your Age

It Means: You are getting caught out trying to express the age you feel you are rather than your actual age.

This is a touch sad. Age, unlike weight, is something we cannot reverse and we do have to alter what we wear over time. To avoid a ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ situation it may be best to set your clothing choices towards your work goals i.e. if you are working towards a promotion you should dress like someone who is ready to be promoted. The gist is that if you have goals that are age appropriate then your clothing choices should logically follow.

If You – Wear Your Work Clothes Outside Of Work Often

It Means: You value yourself primarily through work and work-related accomplishments.

There is nothing really wrong with this. If work is how you want to measure your value that is fine, there are far worse ways to measure up. However, in the true words of Lil Yachty – “look around you, look at life – you’ve got so much more to appreciate man”. If you would like to change, a good start would be to focus on some of your talents outside of work which will help to provide a different influence on what you choose to wear.

If You – Wear Only Neutrals With Little/No Accessories

It Means: You are stuck in a cycle that you are too comfortable to break from or you are too afraid to draw attention to yourself.

This may be the moment before you become a fully functioning drone capable of performing all tasks except for self-fulfilment. During these times some minor adjustments may help you break through the monotony. Consider adding a touch of colour to what you wear or throw in a few accessories here and there. Anything that can help to break your cycle of boredom will be a great support and you may see positive changes that go beyond what you are wearing.

If You – Have Been Told What You Are Wearing Is Inappropriate (too tight/too much skin)

It Means: You consider the same clothes ok for all occasions (i.e. what you wear to the club is the same as for work) or you are looking for some attention.

This should be a relatively easy fix. Think about the image you want to project in the situation you are likely to encounter and dress appropriately. If you are still stuck, take a look at those around you. If they are wearing clothes that are significantly different to your outfit then it may be a sign that you have been stumped like that time I wore a suit to a post-wedding brunch.

If You – Are Wearing A Lot of Designer Logos

It Means: You think you need to show everyone how rich you are in order to be treated with respect

This seems to be more of a problem for men rather than women due to the proliferation of the ‘baller’ culture. In a nutshell, covering yourself in designer logos makes you look a touch insecure. Take it easy on the branding and play around with some more subtle options. This will enable you to stop hiding behind brands and start working on your own brand  – I’ll get my coat.

So there it is, some suggestions on work outfits and how to deal with difficult situations. Based on the above, it seems as though the best way forward is to regularly mix things up whilst keeping a few classics in your collection. Good luck!

Until next time,
Nathan

Nathan Ranamagar is the founder of flofinder.com and an ex-Deloitte consultant. He is an advocate of workplace transparency and high quality fried chicken.