We spend a lot of our time and energy working, and in the last year, that has been in our homes for most of us. We’re going to have to face our colleagues face-to-face again at some point this year, so it’s important that we are looking our best. There will be a lot less loungewear in most of our lives.

Some of us work just to make money to be able to fund the lifestyle that we want. For others, the workplace is more about climbing the career ladder and getting ahead. In either situation, we want to be looking our best at work. Even if it’s not to impress others, feeling and looking our best boosts our own confidence and self-esteem and makes us work to our potential. If you have spent the last year in PJs from the waist down, this is the post for you.

It’s definitely true that you’ll perform better when you like what you see in the mirror. Self-esteem is a huge factor in how well we perform in our jobs. If you look sharp, groomed and ‘on it’, that has a psychological effect on your own mind and gives you confidence at work. How we dress at work, whether we like it or not, has a lot to do with what our colleagues and bosses think of us too. A groomed employee equates to a reliable employee in most boss’ eyes. While you don’t have to be fashionable, looking well-presented and appearing to have put some thought into your outfits will help you in the workplace.

Do Your Hair & Iron Your Clothes

No matter what clothes you wear, it’s important that you look groomed and have a pride in your appearance. This means looking after your personal hygiene, keeping your hair in good condition and brushed and ironing/steaming your clothes. You can keep your hair looking neat throughout the day by keeping a brush in your purse and investing in static-killing silk scrunchies for when you want to tie it back. They’ll not only look beautiful and stylish but will ensure you don’t have any kinks in your hair when you take them out. I’m not going to suggest you should wear makeup because nobody needs to wear makeup for any reason other than it makes them feel good. If you do choose to wear makeup to work, make sure it’s at a level that you have the time to maintain. You don’t want to be going in to work one day looking like Jamie Genevieve and the next like you’ve just walked out of bed.

Practise Self-Care

You can also look your best at work by practising self-care daily and being good to yourself inside and outside of the office. For instance, you should have a good and consistent skincare routine that you follow, and  you should also make sure you get enough sleep so that you minimise those dark circles. Drink plenty of water so your skin and body stays hydrated too. Don’t be afraid to get up and take breaks or walk around the building to give your mind a rest from thinking and reduce your stress too.

Dress Right

Figure out what is acceptable and not acceptable to wear at your workplace and stick to it. If you don’t want to dress that way, there will be another workplace that will embrace how you dress. What’s suitable for an eco charity office isn’t going to be suitable for a stockbroker firm. You don’t want to get into trouble or stand out for all the wrong reasons. You can look your best at work by dressing appropriately for the environment and your body type. You want to avoid wearing clothing that’s too tight or too loose as well. It may be wise to dress in layers so that you can adjust your wardrobe during the day, depending on the weather and temperature. Go through your closet and invest in the right clothing so you can dress well each day. Get rid of anything that’s worn out or no longer in style so that you feel good in what you are wearing.

Maintain Good Posture

Another way to look your best at work is to maintain good posture. Avoid slouching or walking around with your head down. Make good eye contact and walk with your head held high and your shoulders back to look your best and give off a sense of confidence. You want to make sure you make a good first impression when entering a room and you can achieve this goal by focusing on improving your posture. It’ll also help to reduce any back issues or back pain from sitting at a desk all day.

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