MFMThe current global pandemic has had workers from many walks of life trapped indoors. And while times have been hard, these circumstances did highlight the benefits of remote jobs. For starters, who would’ve thought that we’d be taking meetings from the comfort of our own homes? Indeed, many people were able to attend video conferences in their pajamas without much of a negative impact on their productivity.
But as the world slowly opens back up after months of lockdowns, more and more companies are calling their employees back into the office. Perhaps you’re even starting a new job, having discovered your true calling while sheltering in place.
In any case, even if some businesses have pledged to tone down the seriousness of work culture, you’ll still need to throw on something more formal than joggers and flip-flops. And herein lies the question: what do you wear once you’re back at your desk?
Remember: office outfits don’t just have to look good, but they must also help you perform well. An example of this is a pair of stylish and high-quality men’s compression socks that can keep your legs healthy even during long hours of sitting or standing.
Still, given that you’ve been away for a while, you may have trouble picking out items for your return-to-office wardrobe. If you have your button-downs in a bunch, don’t worry. Look no further than our back-to-work style guide below.
Determine the Dress Code First
A dress code pertains to the allowable fashion in a particular workplace, covering everything from head to toe. If you’re starting at a new company, finding out which dress code your company adheres to will help you narrow down the type of clothes you can wear on the job. After all, you wouldn’t want to splurge on a lot of formal suits only to find out that your company is fine with you reporting to work in a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
If you’re returning to the same job, ask your human resources department if anything has changed regarding work attire guidelines. You never know if your company may have decided to ease up on their stricter dress codes in the interests of keeping their employees more comfortable at the office.
Choose High-Quality Pieces (Even if They May Cost More)
If you’re looking to save some money, it can be tempting to purchase the cheapest clothes you can find online or on the racks. However, this isn’t the most advisable course of action. Though you may not spend a lot on the initial purchase, cheap clothes are usually sold at such low prices for several reasons.
For one, cheap clothes may be made of lower-quality materials that won’t hold up to everyday wear and tear. For another, they may feature sloppily done stitching, buttons that easily pop off, or uneven measurements. They’re also prone to ripping more easily, which means you’ll have to purchases replacements more often. Simply put, you’ll end up spending more money in the long run than you would by purchasing high-quality, long-lasting clothes in the first place.
Don’t Buy the Most Expensive Options Off the Bat
This may seem contrary to the above point at first glance. Unfortunately, a high price tag doesn’t always guarantee that a product will give you the most value for your money. When shopping for your new office outfits, try to shake off the idea that you must go for luxury brands that are way out of your budget.
Instead, do your research and look for brands that offer affordable yet durable clothes. You may glean a lot of useful insights from customer reviews, especially ones that provide photos of the actual product. Even if you do end up with an outfit that doesn’t offer an exact fit, you can always bring it to an alteration shop for touch-ups.
Pick Pieces That Are a Breeze to Mix and Match
When you’re in a hurry to leave for work, the last thing you want is to feel lost regarding what outfit you should wear for the day. To get around this problem, make sure to buy clothing pieces that are easy to mix and match. For example, you can choose tops and bottoms that come in the same colors. You can also consult a color wheel and pick pieces in hues that complement each other. The safest palettes to go for in this regard are neutral tones such as navy, beige, and monochromatic hues. You can then add a splash of color by choosing eye-catching ties, watch wristbands, and socks.
Going back to the offices of today can be a challenge, and adjusting to life in the new normal may take some time. Hopefully, these tips have helped take off at least some of the pressure of preparing to return to work. Now that you’re armed with new outfits, it’s time to face the world head-on and in style.