Does an unwritten dress code mean a fashion free-for-all in the office? Absolutely not! Written dress codes are often designed with legal situations in mind such as harassment, and safety. Unspoken, unwritten dress codes are all about the image of the company and your ability to promote yourself as a team player and someone with potential worthy of promotion.
We all want to look good but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it at the office. When you go for an interview, as nervous as you might be, make sure you take note of your surroundings. What are people wearing? The first few days of your new job, dress conservatively until you figure out the work "uniform." Trust me on this, you will not start a new office dress trend by wearing something considered outlandish by current office standards. While none of us wants to be a conformist, there is moderation and then there is downright career suicide dressing.
While we all want to be individuals, a lot can be taken from Chanel's famous quote, "be a caterpillar by day and a butterfly at night." I cannot tell you how many times I have remarked "That is a cute outfit but why is she wearing it in the office. It is great for clubbing." And you know your wardrobe is too over the top when the men in the office are commenting about the inappropriateness of the attire. You should never be the water cooler gossip subject when it comes to fashion.
The Rules of the Road:
So how do you retain your personality without being the talk of the office?
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company