Whether it’s a summer internship, placement year or a real-life graduate job, going into the world of work can be extremely daunting. But, more pressingly, what should you wear?! Going from an environment where it’s more or less acceptable to turn up to a lecture in pyjamas to employment, where a smart and professional image is key is a big transition. Follow these simple tips to make sure that you make the best impression on your first day.
Firstly, add a bit of colour! Unless it explicitly states in your contract that your working wardrobe should only consist of white, black and shades of grey, then adding a bit of colour to your outfit each day is a great way of getting across your fun – yet obviously hardworking – personality. For creative industries such as advertising, they want to see your personality shine through; showing this through your wardrobe is a great start. Now, don’t go crazy and throw in fifty shades of neon – just a single colour such as red or blue will suffice.
Secondly, ladies: don’t go too short! Yes, going out in a short skirt to Sugar on a Friday night is deemed the norm, but in the working world lengths should be kept hovering around your knees. Just think: if you’re constantly worried about having to pull it down, then yes it’s too short.
Another tip: invest in the staples. This goes for both guys and girls, and although your end of term student budgets might cry at first, it’ll benefit you in the long run. Guys, if a suit is required then make sure you get properly fitted and invest – something too big or too small will just make you look scruffy. Ladies, wardrobe staples like pencil skirts and tapered trousers will take you a long way.
Last, but definitely not least, have a look in your wardrobe! You’d be surprised with what you can do with the gems already hiding in there. Boyfriend blazers that you usually pair with jeans? Perfect! Just change the jeans to trousers and you’re half way there. What about that cream blouse that you usually reserve for presentations only? Tuck it into the pencil skirt you just invested in, team it with a blazer and a chunky necklace and you’re good to go.
It’s important to remember that how you present yourself in your working life is crucial; don’t make a bad impression on your first day by turning up in a scruffy outfit that you threw together that morning. Even more importantly, have fun with it! As long as you look smart and professional then the rest is simple.
