Finding Your Personal Style as a Professional
I don’t know about you, but when I think of professional style, one word pops into my head: boring. Of course, lots of other words like bland, frumpy, and plain come to mind, too. But there are also good ones like simple, clean, and classic. That’s where KRNL comes in.
Professional style – what you wear to work, an internship, or an interview – doesn’t have to be boring. It’s actually a great way to experiment since you’ll have several weeks or months (and several outfits) to find what you like. So bust out your favorite blazers and let’s get hustling:
First of all, comfort is always essential, especially when you’re working. Work clothes aren’t always the coziest, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on comfort altogether. No matter the job, you need to be able to focus.
Observe what your managers and their colleagues wear, then add your own touch. Especially if you’re the new man in town, it’ll be important to show your new employers that you understand proper dress – in any setting.
Mix up your outfit formula – there’s more to professional style than just dress pants and a blouse. Professional clothes can be fun, too! Try a minimalist outfit one day and a bold one the next. Pair a blazer with a summer dress (at the appropriate hem length) or style up a blouse with a bold necklace or dangly earrings.
Play with color and prints. Dressing professionally doesn’t mean wearing only black, white, grey or navy. While those are perfectly fine for the office, step outside of the box with bright colors and playful patterns, especially during the summer.
Incorporate a current trend into your day-to-day looks. Pairing the current with the classic will help you figure out what trends you do and don't like (without looking like you just got back from Coachella).
Wear clothes that fit you properly. Nothing kills a look more than ill-fitted clothing. If you can't find something in your size, take it to a tailor - it'll be worth the extra cost.
Proper accessories are a must. One sure-fire way of making a work outfit totally boring is to leave out accessories. Think of an outfit like a banana split – accessories are the cherries on top! You don’t have to go overboard, but a bracelet, belt, or necklace might be all you need to complete an outfit.
Don’t stick to one hairstyle or beauty look. Play up a simple outfit with rocking eyeshadow or a cool braid. The best part of going somewhere every day is that you can try something new each day!
