How to choose the right outfit to be credible in the office? A study shows the correlations between different outfits and the image you send back. We give you some tips to have the best look at work, with this test!
What if the secret to being credible in the office was to break the usual dress codes? A study posted on the American online media Quartz asks the question, and gives us some answers. In this study, Allison Schrager, a doctor in economics explains that there are many correlations between your dress, and the image that you will send back to your peers, your colleagues and even your superiors. Nothing too surprising so far.
What follows is more interesting. The scientist explains that contrary to popular belief, the famous tie suit is not necessarily the best outfit to go to work. Indeed, dressing too well can considerably harm the smooth running of your career. The first reason is that you risk that your colleagues will consider this form of coquetry as a form of pretension, and that they will think that you are trying to draw attention to yourself. The second reason is because in general, nice clothes, and especially costumes, are expensive, so you could show your financial affluence, which would not necessarily be well perceived by everyone.
Allison Schrager makes this observation partly based on her own story. She says, for example, that after obtaining her doctorate, the majority of the advice she was given to succeed was not about the career choices to make, the people to know. They only concerned… her look! He was told:"don't dress too well" , "don't do your hair, or just a bun with a pen in it" .
According to his study, each company and each sector has its own dress code. It therefore puts forward a simple solution to dress well at work, and it consists of two lessons:First, blend in. Adopt the uniform of his team. If everyone comes in jeans, or just dresses, we don't parade like magazine stars. If everyone wears a shirt and a jacket and you feel that everyone is on their 31, we avoid work overalls.
Then, if you want to evolve, it is better, according to the scientist, to follow the example of those who occupy the position you are aiming for. Clearly, if you want to become a manager, and your manager wears a tie, wear the tie. This will give your colleagues the unconscious feeling that you are suitable for the position. You will thus gain legitimacy.
Ultimately, your appearance, like your desk, says a lot about your personality. A good choice of outfit can influence the image you send back and open doors for you, as well as close them. It's up to you to know how to opt for the best look, which will make you fit in better, while not hiding your ambitions . Don't forget to take our quiz to find out how you should dress in the office!
