Dress Code Anxiety: The Return To The Office Fears
February 2, 2025
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Centre Cities reveals that one-third of workers now work in the office at least three times a week, and 90% of companies plan to implement a return-to-work policy in 2025.
This comes as Chums data finds that 57.87% of those close to retirement either plan to continue working or are at least considering it. Exclusive Chums data also shows that only 27.25% of those who want to remain/return to work feel confident doing so.
Here, Chums provides 5 tips on how to dress confidently for work, especially when starting a new job
- Check the dress policy– There will be a different policy depending on where you work. Some offices may require you to dress formally, while others may have a smarter casual approach. Check to see how formally you must dress, and then you can plan your outfits accordingly. If no explicit dress code is provided, you can always take inspiration from what your colleagues wore during the interview process.
- Embrace your personal style—It’s important that you feel comfortable in your clothing, and choosing items that you like wearing can help with this. Whether you enjoy bold colours or more muted tones, don’t feel any pressure to fit in with modern trends—simply wear what you find comfortable.
- Invest in quality pieces—Although it can cost more upfront, investing in high-quality materials such as wool or cotton can save you money in the long run. Soft, durable clothes not only last longer, but they’re also more comfortable to move around in, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk.
- Pay attention to fit—Your clothes should fit you, not the other way around, so make sure to find the right size and style for your body type. By wearing clothing that fits you well, you can look and feel amazing.
- Have a good range of basics – Besides more fun pieces, it’s good to have a collection of wardrobe staples, whether a simple black dress, formal trousers, or a cozy cardigan. You can then build your outfit from there. It’s also helpful when rushing out in the morning so you can easily slip it on and still look ready for work.
