For a while now, I’ve been saying that INTRODUCING YOURSELF  is the most direct way to positively reinforce your personal brand.

I just realized that HOW YOU DRESS may be at least as important!

Talk About Talk #122 - What to Wear to Work - quote by Andrea Wojnicki on a dark blue background: "What you wear really does matter. It is an effective and relatively easy way to reinforce your personal brand to others and to yourself."

Here are some actionable tips to help you reinforce your personal brand through your clothing choices.


Integrating Your Personal Brand Into Your Workwear

Do you have a signature accessory?
A signature style?
A signature colour?

Talk About Talk #122 - What to Wear to Work - quote by Coco Chanel, fashion designer, on a turquoise background: "The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you."

For me, it’s turquoise. I love turquoise. It’s no accident that Talk About Talk branding (including the podcast cover art) is turquoise!

In fact, turquoise is such a signature colour for me that sometimes colleagues will make comments to me when I’m NOT wearing turquoise!

Talk About Talk #122 - What to Wear to Work - image of Andrea Wojnicki wearing a turquoise outfit, standing under a turquoise umbrellaNo such thing as too much turquoise!

But colour isn’t the only way to communicate your Personal Brand. It could be an accessory, like silk scarves or flashy neckties or gorgeous shoes. Or maybe it’s a signature outfit, like Steve Jobs and his black turtleneck.

Are you feeling inspired?

If you’re wondering exactly HOW to integrate your Personal Brand into what you wear to work, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

  • Start with something you love. This could be a colour, accessory, or outfit.
  • Ask yourself what someone with your expertiseambitions, and values would do with that.
  • Make it part of your identity and what people remember about you.
  • Match your clothing to your personality

What NOT To Wear

Based on my research, here are some clothing DON’TS:

1️⃣ Don’t violate the DRESS CODE

  • Your office’s dress code may be formalized in writing, or implicitly understood. When in doubt, look to successful senior members of your team for guidance and inspiration.
  • Be aware of seasonal dress codes. It can be easy to get too casual in the summer. When in doubt, err on the side of formality.

2️⃣ Don’t wear anything DIRTY or RIPPED

  • Never wear dirty or stained clothes to work.
  • Avoid torn or frayed clothing. Save your trendy ripped jeans for after work.
Talk About Talk #122 - What to Wear to Work - image of a person wearing ripped blue jeans
Oleg Troino’s Images via Canva

3️⃣ Don’t wear FRAGRANCES

  • Scent allergies are very real!
  • You never know how your perfume or cologne will affect those around you, so save those for your day off.

4️⃣ Don’t wear anything TOO REVEALING

  • No short shorts, no miniskirts, and no bare midriffs! (No matter how proud you are of your rock-hard abs!)
  • Short sleeves and sleeveless shirts may be acceptable in the summertime. If you’re unsure, check your firm’s dress code, or ask your supervisor.

Talk About Talk #122 - What to Wear to Work - image shows four people sitting side by side wearing work attire
Andrey Popov via Canva

5️⃣ Don’t forget about FOOTWEAR

  • There’s a lot more leeway when it comes to shoes. In many offices, it’s not uncommon to see sneakers worn with business suits or dresses. (Just make sure they’re clean!)
  • NEVER wear flip-flops and Crocs. Save those for the beach or the garden.
  • Open-toed pumps or sandals may be acceptable in some workplaces, especially in the summer. But if you’re not sure, my advice is to cover your feet.

My three teenagers would agree, as you’ll hear in the podcast episode!

That’s it for this week. I hope this helps make it easier to decide WHAT TO WEAR to work.

If you have any questions or feedback, or maybe you just want to tell me your favourite colour? Please email me anytime.  I love hearing from you.

Talk soon,

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