What to Wear When You’re Unsure of the Office Dress Code

Do you ever find yourself in front of the mirror, pondering on what outfit is the most appropriate for the day? All of us have experienced this moment at least once in our lifetime. Not only that, when it comes to formal work wear, it is even more complicated. It’s like waking up for work and not knowing whether you need to dress formally or casually. Is it business formal attire or business casual attire? It can make you feel quite confused and anxious. But wait, don’t you fret; we’ve got you covered!

It may be your first time going to the office, and you may be confused about what to wear. First of all, the design has to be both comfortable and business-like. Second, to make it more elegant but not revealing, ensure that you will not feel uncomfortable standing in front of people.

In this post, we will examine a range of wear suitable for the office, both in professional settings and for artistic behaviour. 

Understanding the Office Dress Code

However, it would be crucial for you to understand that styles in the corporate world may differ significantly depending on the specific business. Some companies enforce corporate dress codes, while others are casual or even business casual. Therefore, in case of such doubts, try to remember the type of company and the position you occupy within it.

For instance, working in a law firm or a financial company would require strict dress codes, but the same would not be true for tech startup companies or creative agencies. In uncertainty, it is better to dress a little more officially but still with character to feel at ease.

Now that we have explored office dress codes, let’s look at what can work depending on the circumstances.

1. Co-ord Sets for Casual Everyday Outfit

These are comfortable and classy and can be worn for any casual wear, including office wear. If your office dress code is business-casual, co-ord sets are perfect if you have them in your wardrobe. They give a very generic touch, an informal yet professional look without being too corporate. 

A co-ord set is usually made of a coordinated top and bottom, like a blazer and pants, a blouse, elegant trousers, or a skirt. If you prefer comfort for a whole day, you may go for softer materials, such as cotton blends, linen, or jersey. The combination of beige, grey, or navy blue is rather fresh and business-looking, appropriate for daily wear at the office.

If you desire to make an office more creative or relaxed, you can opt for printed co-ord sets with light patterns or subdued colours such as pastels and earthy tones. These outfits enable you to introduce some intricacies without violating organizational policies.

Match these sets with a plain pair of loafers or flats and you are ready for business meetings. This is certainly the case if you are unsure of the extent of the formality because co-ords are a bit both formal and casual.

2. Suit Sets for Festive Events

However, for a special occasion, such as a Diwali celebration at the office, an annual outing, or any other festive event, a more traditional look can be adopted. A rani colour suit can really help you out during such events. This colour is often described as a deep pink or magenta and denotes energy; consequently, it is ideal for holiday office parties. Team it up with bold earrings or jhumkas, along with comfortable heels.

Even if your working environment is not strictly formal, you can still accessorize this suit in a more contemporary fashion. A rani-coloured kurta paired with a good-fitting pair of trousers or even a business suit with an unconventional jacket will ensure you stand out without appearing too casual for an office setting. This style is best used when you need to look formal, but it is still within the expectations of today’s functioning business environment.

3. Turn to Comfy with Knitwear and Blazers

In any case, it is still advisable to remain business formal with knitwear or blazers. Wearing a fitted cardigan or just any simple knit sweater can easily be dressed up with smart trousers or even a pencil skirt. It is a pleasant way to dress to impress at work and feel comfortable for the long working hours.

Also, any business-oriented work environment requires an excellent blazer that can be worn to work. This piece of garment, which can be worn with a dress, co-ord set, or trousers, can easily elevate your style. You are free to play with the texture variations in fabrics like tweed or velvet and to add them to your outfits to make them more diverse.

Conclusion

If you are still unsure what to wear to the office, it is best to choose clothes that are both formal and comfortable. Consequently, you should feel at ease and upbeat when interacting in an important meeting or when you are putting your team through a successful celebration.

It is essential to include a nice range of office wear dresses, matching two-piece sets, day-to-night appropriate professional outfits. This way you will always be well dressed regardless of the dress code you are about to encounter at the workplace.