What to Wear to Work: Graduate Job Edition

As hybrid working is more common than ever, ‘workwear’ in the traditional sense has become a little more relaxed. However, how ‘smart’ you dress depends on the industry you work in and whether a uniform is required.

For graduate and final-year students, it’s quite challenging to know how to dress for work, especially if you’re new to office environments. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your work clothes, but there are a few tips and ideas you can implement into your workwear wardrobe to help you ease into your new workplace. This guide will go through what to wear to your new graduate job.

Check for dress codes

A ‘dress code’ is basically a non-specific uniform that people in certain jobs wear to their workplace. Some businesses have a dress code; some don’t. Some are stricter than others, and some are more laidback with what their employees wear, but how do you know if the company you’re about to start working for has a dress code? Here’s what you can do to check:

• What is the expected dress code in the industry you are entering?
• Check for information about dress codes in any onboarding materials you receive
• What did your interviewers wear? This can provide clues about the expected attire
• Are there any employees featured on social media? What are they wearing?
• If you're unsure about the dress code, it's always best to ask
• When in doubt, opt for more formal attire

Still unsure of what to wear? Learn about the different dress codes and what they mean below:

Business professional 

Business professional is probably the most formal workplace dress code. It often requires a suit and tie, a trouser suit, a blazer and skirt/dress combination, smart shoes, and white shirts. For inspiration, watch TV shows like Succession and Suits.

Smart casual

Smart casual, on the other hand, is a little more relaxed but still maintains a professional look. You can play with more colours and prints, but it's best to steer clear of distressed clothes, trainers, graphic T-shirts, and gym wear. Wearing jeans may also be a point of contention, so it's advisable to confirm with your employer beforehand what the policy on denim is.

Possible smart casual outfits include chinos/polo shirt combos, work dresses, midi skirts, and work trousers/blouse combos. Think country club chic!

Smart doesn’t mean uncomfortable

The term ‘practical’ may seem a bit unexciting, but it can make a world of difference in your work wardrobe. Think of breathable and lightweight fabrics, nothing too tight, and layers for when it’s chilly. Opt for comfortable, relaxed waistbands and simple closures.

You want to be comfortable with the commute if you’re going into the office, too. Remember, you can always swap out the shoes you’re wearing once you get to work.

Fresh and clean

When at the office, you want to present yourself as clean, tidy, and neat. Yes, this means you might occasionally need to get the iron out. If you are not a morning person, choose easy-to-care-for, quick-to-throw-on clothes to get up and go after a quick shower. If possible, opt for machine-washable items over dry clean, as these are easier to care for.

Less is more

You don’t have to pay mega bucks or buy an entire new wardrobe—go for capsule pieces you can easily mix up and use what you already have. For new-to-you styles, check out charity shops and secondhand clothing sites for high-quality bargains. 

Dressing like ‘you’

It is important to still feel like ‘you’ in your work wardrobe. This helps you feel more comfortable and authentic, which in turn affects how you work. Like any clothes you wear, finding things that feel comfortable and right is most important. You can always add your personality with a piece of jewellery, accessory, or print.

Conclusion

It might be easy to say, but try not to overthink what to wear to work too much. It’s all about balance—showing a little bit of who you are while keeping things suitable for the office. If you’re stuck for ideas, a quick search on the internet will give you ideas of the types of styles and fabrics that will work for you, along with accessories that might take your fancy.