The first day of work is a big deal. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and it’s important to make a good first impression.
But what does that mean? What do you wear? What should you say? How do you act?
I’ve worked in offices for years, and no matter what kind of job I had, I always felt like I was unprepared on my first day. So when I started working at [company name], I decided to write a blog about what to wear on your first day of work—to help other people feel like they could walk into their dream job feeling confident and prepared.
What to wear on your first day of work
Hey there! This is [name], and I’m here to tell you what to wear on your first day of work.
I know how hard it can be to feel like you’re doing everything right, especially when it comes to something as important as your career. And that’s why I decided to help you out with this blog: so that no matter what your job is, or what industry you work in, I’ll give you a few tips on how to make a good first impression.
The first thing I want to tell you about is what not to wear for your first day of work. You might think that wearing your favorite outfit will help put everyone at ease around you, but that’s actually the opposite of what happens—you want everyone in the office thinking about how much they love your outfit so they don’t have time to think about whether they’d rather be working with someone else!
Your first day of work is a big deal. It’s the first time you’ll be representing your company to the world, and it’s also the first time you’ll be working with your new coworkers. You want to look like you’re ready for this momentous occasion, but you don’t want to overdo it.
Here are some tips on what to wear on your first day of work so that you feel confident and comfortable during this exciting transition:
First impressions matter.
Whether you’re meeting a potential new client, or getting a new job, it’s important to look your best. After all, how can you expect someone to take you seriously if they don’t even look at your face?
That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips for dressing for success on your first day of work.
When you start a new job, there are a lot of things to think about—how to best get to work, where you’ll park, what time the first meeting is scheduled for. But there’s one thing that’s often overlooked: what you should wear on your first day.
It can be tempting to dress down or wear your favorite t-shirt and jeans, but it’s also important to make a good first impression with your new colleagues. If you want to be taken seriously and gain respect from your coworkers quickly, here are some tips for how to dress for success on your first day of work.
Here’s What to Wear to Your First Day of Work (2022)
HOME • HUMAN RESOURCES • LAST UPDATE: 2022-04-12
Inside this article
Why is it necessary to look well on the first day of work?
What should a woman wear on her first day of work?
What to wear on your first day of work
Formal business attire
Business casual attire
Advice on how to make a good first impression
Common questions
Favorite Resources
Here’s what to wear on your first day of work. You must pick what to dress on your first day at your new job while preparing. Knowing how to dress on your first day of work might make you feel more at ease when you get there and more confident while meeting new people.
Why is it necessary to look well on the first day of work?
Your first day of work at a new job is crucial since it is your first opportunity to create a great impression on your new coworkers. You want your first day of work appearance to convey to your new coworkers that you are professional and capable of performing the task that the firm has hired you to accomplish.
It’s also crucial what you wear on your first day of work since it affects how comfortable and confident you appear and feel. The more at ease and confident you are, the more likely you will be able to concentrate on mastering your new position and giving your best performance.
What should a woman wear on her first day of work?
The culture of your firm mostly determines the appropriate first-day-of-work attire. For example, you wouldn’t want to dress up for a casual startup where your employees wear jeans and shoes. Here are some essential tips for dressing confidently on the first day of work, keeping in mind the context of your work environment:
Make an effort to appear well-dressed.
Choose a fitted and stylish ensemble. The objective is to wear clothing that fits well and appears new, whether it’s a fitting pair of dark jeans and a good shirt or a jacket with dress pants—borrowing a button-up shirt from a buddy who is a size larger or smaller than you is not a good idea. If you don’t have something acceptable in your closet, go shopping.
Starch and iron your clothing.
Although starching and, in some circumstances, ironing are becoming lost arts, performing both will help you achieve a polished, professional appearance. In fact, according to a CareerBuilder poll, hiring managers are 43% less inclined to promote someone who wears wrinkled clothing. Starch works best on natural materials like cotton, making wrinkle removal exceedingly quick and straightforward. Starch is beneficial for commuters who ride their bikes or take public transportation since it preserves the cloth and prevents new creases from growing.
Accessorize with timeless pieces.
Neutral accessories in a classic design may help you seem and feel more professional by tying your outfit together. Think simple jewelry, leather watches, purses, and briefcases. Remove any additional or strange piercings you may have— Employees with piercings other than typical ear piercings are 32% less likely to be promoted.
Be vibrant.
You don’t need to dress as neutrally as you did during your interview now that you’ve gotten employed. It’s okay for men to use color in their shirts, ties, chinos, or socks. Wear a bright pair of close-toed shoes or a patterned shirt if you’re a lady. Are you looking for a particular color to wear on your first day of work? Red is the color of self-assurance.
Take a cautious approach.
Dressing provocatively is the worst of everything you can do to make hiring managers less inclined to promote you. Gentlemen, stay away from flimsy materials, low hemlines, and overly tight clothing. Cover up a sleeveless blouse with a cardigan or jacket, ladies.
What to wear on your first day of work
The work you’ll be doing and the setting you’ll be working in will influence what you wear on the first day of your new job. You must dress in a manner that complies with the company’s specified dress code. This list will assist you in determining what to dress on your first day of work:
Formal business attire
Choose formal business outfit apparel if your new company’s set dress policy demands employees to dress in business attire. If you’re not sure what your new company’s dress code is, it’s typically preferable to go with formal business wear. On your first day, it’s usually preferable to be overdressed than underdressed.
What to wear first day of work
The following items are examples of formal business attire:
Suits
Formal business suits usually consist of two parts made of the same material and get designed to be worn together. A formal business dress and a suit jacket get included in particular suits. Trousers with a suit jacket or a skirt and a suit jacket are the most common business outfits.
Blazers
Blazers are similar to suit jackets. However, they feature a somewhat more simple shape. Blazers get generally identified by their naval-style metal buttons.
Solid-colored, button-down dress shirts with a collar are standard formal business tops.
Slacks with a dressy look
Dress slacks are pants consisting of smooth wool knit or mixed fabric. Dress slacks are similar to formal suit pants but with a more relaxed fit and trim.
Ties
When wearing formal business apparel, such as a suit, you can wear a tie. With or without a blazer, you may wear a tie with dress trousers and a formal business shirt.
Shoes for a formal occasion
Dress shoes are non-sneaker or boot-style shoes with a closed toe. Although some dress shoes feature a high heel, they are often constructed of the same black or brown leather and polished to the same high standard as other dress shoes. Dress shoes with a high shine are often constructed of black or brown leather for formal business dress.
Business casual attire
The suitable attire for a casual business environment varies depending on your employer’s policies. Some businesses encourage their staff to dress more casually and have a dress code that falls under business casual.
What to wear first day of work
For your first day of work in a firm with a business casual style dress code, you should wear the following sorts of clothing:
Polo shirts
Polo shirts have a collar and a three-button neckline. Polo shirts are often short-sleeved, but they can also be long-sleeved, and they may or may not feature a pocket on one side of the chest on the front.
Blouses
Blouses are loose-fitting tops. They usually cluster around the waist or hips and hang loosely around the rest of the upper body.
Shoes for a formal occasion
You can use the same dress shoes for a business casual outfit as you would for formal business attire. Dress shoes that are a little more casual, such as flats or leather boots, may also be suitable.
Denim in a dark shade
If you work for a firm that permits employees to wear jeans and you want to wear jeans, dark-colored denim is a good option.
Slacks with a dressy look
You can wear the same style of dress slacks for a business casual dress code as you would for a formal business outfit dress code.
What to wear first day of work
Advice on how to make a good first impression
Here are some general pointers to help you make an excellent first impression on your first day on the job:
Look into the dress code.
Pay attention to what the folks in the company are wearing when you go to your interview. This might assist you in determining what kind of attire is acceptable for the workplace. You may also directly inquire about the interviewer’s or hiring manager’s dress code policy. Knowing this information ahead of time will help you pick an outfit for your first day of work with confidence.
New trends should get avoided.
Rather than picking an outfit based on current fashion trends, go for timeless items that never go out of style. The idea is to try for a professional yet modest aesthetic.
Consider using items that you already own.
Many individuals like purchasing new clothing for their first day of work, but this is rarely essential. Choosing attire you already possess and have worn will make you feel at ease on your first day of work.
Common questions
Questions from job seekers.
Should you overdress for your first day of work?
Dress up if you want to feel more strong and more confident. Dress as though you’re coming in for a second interview on your first day at the company rather than wearing jeans.
What is formal attire?
The formal business attire category is clothing that falls into a suit and tie. For women, this could include a pantsuit. This is a formal blazer and formal suit trousers. Attorneys, insurance agents, and other white-collar professionals could see more formal attire.
What to wear on your first day at work
If you’re like most people, you’re probably a little nervous about starting a new job. It can be hard to know what to wear to work—and we get it! Here are 5 tips for what to wear on your first day at work:
- Be comfortable! While you don’t want to look sloppy or unprofessional, you also don’t want to be so uncomfortable that you can’t focus on the task at hand. If you feel like your clothes are too tight or too loose, they probably are.
- Be presentable! You know how they say “dress for the job you want, not the job you have?” Well, that applies here too. If you want them to take you seriously when it comes time for promotions and raises (or even if you just want them to stop making fun of your shoes), then dress up for the occasion—even if it’s casual Friday! (And yes, this means wearing pants.)
- Make sure everything matches! It doesn’t have to be perfect—but if one thing doesn’t go with the rest of your outfit then it will stand out. Keep things simple by choosing one color palette
Welcome to [company name]! We are so excited to have you join the team.
We know that your first day is going to be full of excitement and nerves, but we want to make sure it’s also fun and productive. We’ve put together some tips for what to wear on your first day that will help you feel comfortable and confident while learning the ropes of your new job.
When you’re first starting out at a new job, the last thing you want to worry about is what to wear. You just want to show up looking like the professional person you are, and feel confident in your ability to perform well.
But that doesn’t mean that your clothes don’t matter—quite the opposite. The way you dress (or don’t dress) can make all the difference when it comes to how people perceive you and treat you in the workplace.
So how do you know what’s appropriate? What should you wear on your first day at work? And what’s too casual?
What to Wear on Your First Day of Work
By Indeed Editorial Team
Updated October 28, 2021 | Published February 25, 2020
As you prepare for your first day at your new job, you need to decide what to wear. Knowing what to wear on your first day of work can help you feel more comfortable when you arrive and confident when meeting new people. In this article, we discuss what to wear on your first day at a new job to make a positive impression with your new coworkers.
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Why is appearance important on the first day of work?
Your appearance on your first day of work at a new job is important because it is your first opportunity to make a positive impression on your new colleagues. You want your appearance on your first day of work to tell your new colleagues that you are professional and able to perform the work the company hired you to do.
What you wear on the first day of work is also important because it impacts how comfortable and confident you look and feel. The more comfortable and confident that you feel, the more likely you will be able to focus on learning your new role and performing your best.
Related: What to Wear to a Job Fair
What to wear on the first day of your new job
What you choose to wear on the first day of your new job may vary based on the type of work you will perform and the environment you will work in. It is important for you to wear clothing that, at a minimum, fits into the company’s established dress code. This list can help you decide what to wear on your first day of work:
- Formal business attire
If you know your new company’s established dress code requires employees to dress in business attire, choose clothing that falls under the formal business attire category. If you are not sure what your new company’s established dress code is, it is also usually best to choose clothing from the formal business attire category. It is always better to be over-dressed on your first day than it is to be under-dressed. Formal business attire includes:
Suits
Formal business suits typically include two pieces made of matching material intended to be worn together. Business suits usually comprise either trousers and a suit jacket or a skirt and suit jacket. Some suits include a formal business dress and suit jacket.
Blazers
Blazers are like a suit jacket but have a slightly more casual cut than a suit jacket. You can usually identify a blazer by its naval-style metal buttons.
Tops
Formal business tops typically include solid-colored, button-down dress shirts with a collar.
Dress slacks
Dress slacks are pants made of a smooth, wool knit or blended material. Dress slacks are like formal suit trousers but have a more casual cut and trim.
Ties
You can wear a tie when dressing in formal business attire such as a suit. You may wear a tie with dress slacks and a formal business top with or without a blazer.
Dress shoes
Dress shoes are closed-toed shoes that are not a sneaker or a boot. Dress shoes for formal business attire are typically made of black or brown leather and a high-polish. Some dress shoes may have a high heel but are usually made of the same black or brown leather and high-polish as other dress shoes.
Related: How to Succeed in Your New Job: The First Week, Month and 90 Days
- Business casual attire
Some companies encourage their employees to dress more comfortably and establish their dress code under the category of business casual attire. The clothing appropriate for a business casual workplace can vary based on your employer’s specific guidelines. Typically, the following clothing types are appropriate for your first day of work in a company with a business casual attire dress code:
Polo shirts
Polo shirts have a collar and a neckline with three buttons. Polo shirts are usually short-sleeved but can also be long-sleeved and may or may not have a pocket on one side of the chest on the front of the shirt.
Blouses
Blouses are loose-fitting tops. They usually gather at the waist or hips and hang loosely around the other upper part of your torso.
Dress shoes
For business casual attire, you can wear the same dress shoes you would wear for formal business attire. It may also be appropriate to wear slightly more casual dress shoes such as flats or leather boots.
Dark denim
If the company you are working for allows employees to wear jeans and you want to wear jeans, consider choosing dark-colored denim.
Dress slacks
When dressing for a business casual dress code, you can wear the same type of dress slacks you would wear for a formal business attire dress code.
Related: Your Guide to Making Good First Impressions
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Tips for making a positive first impression
Here are a few general tips to help you make a positive first impression on your first day of work:
Research the dress code
When you go to your interview, pay attention to what the people in the office are wearing. This can help you determine what type of clothing is appropriate for the company. You can also directly ask the interviewer or hiring manager what their dress code policy is. Having this information before your first day can help you confidently choose your outfit for your first day of work.
Avoid new trends
Instead of choosing an outfit that follows current fashion trends, try to choose classic pieces that are always in style. The goal is to choose a look that is professional and understated.
Consider choosing pieces you already own
Many people like to buy a new outfit for their first day of work, but this is usually unnecessary. Choosing pieces of clothing that you own and have already worn can help you ensure you will feel comfortable throughout your first day of work.
