How to Dress for Your First Day of Work
While what you wear on your first day of work will depend on a variety of factors including your specific job, place of employment, and location, there are some general ideas and guidelines to consider. By following your company’s policies and using your best judgment, you’ll look stylish and smart for your first day of work — and every day afterward.
Understand the Office Dress Code
It’s likely that you wore a complete business suit or other more formal business attire during your initial interview. However, many workplaces today have adopted a relaxed business dress code, semi-casual dress code, or business casual dress code. This means that in most cases, you’ll have lots of options in choosing what outfits to wear. Keep in mind that the level of dress required always depends on the company’s specific policies and guidelines. If you are unsure, check with a representative from your human resources department to be clear.
Required Workwear
If your job is one that requires you to wear a uniform or specific types of clothing, you’ll have less choice over what to wear, but you won’t have to stress about putting together outfits, either. Whether you’ll need to wear uniform shirts, scrubs, or other business logo work clothing, make sure your uniform or work clothing is neat, clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to go for your first day. Make sure your undergarments fit well underneath your work clothing and that you have well-fitting optional or layering pieces like camisoles/undershirts, tights, leggings, jackets, and sweaters.
Dressing for Casual Workplaces
If you work in a casual office, you’ll likely feel right at home in some of your everyday outfits. All items should be neat and not in need of any repairs. Clothing should not be faded or worn, either, so it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials like tunics, blouses, sweaters, slacks, leggings, and more before your first day. Outfit ideas for casual workplaces include:
- Dark denim pants and print blouses
- Long tunic tops or sweaters with dark leggings
- A-line, wrap, or other custom business dresses
- Denim or khaki skirts (knee-length is best) with sweater sets or turtlenecks
- Slim slacks with a fitted tee and jacket
- Long skirt with a lightweight sweater
- Capri pants and a long-sleeved top or light blouse
- Company polo shirts with khaki or dark denim pants
Business Casual Outfit Ideas for the First Day of Work
Dressing for the first day of work at a job that requires business casual work clothing is also relatively easy. Stick with classic pieces and neutral or traditional colors for your best bets. Outfit Ideas to consider include:
- Dark navy or black trousers with a complimentary print button-up blouse
- Pencil skirt and smart sweater set
- White women’s blouse with professional khaki pants or a khaki skirt
- Sport trousers with a cardigan and a custom dressy blouse
- Long or mid-length skirt with a jacket and solid-colored top
- Business-appropriate dress styles like sheaths or professional-looking shift or a-line designs
- Wrap or fit-and-flare dresses with modest necklines and muted colors
- Wide-legged trousers with a fitted button-up blouse or turtleneck sweater
- Neutral slacks or corduroy pants with a matching jacket and on-trend top
More Formal Business Attire for the First Day
If you work in certain workplaces or positions, a higher level of dress may be required. You may need to wear a classic pantsuit or skirt suit in a neutral color with a white or light-colored blouse in this case. Other options may be formal dress pants or skirts with blouses and blazers or business dresses and matching jackets.
Artistic or Creative Fields
Working in a creative or artistic field may give you some additional freedom over what you can wear to work. However, for the first day, stick to more basic pieces like neutral slacks and skirts and add some flair with a trendy top, jacket, or accessories like a scarf, jewelry, or shoes.
Notes on Makeup and Hair for the First Day of Work
Regardless of your field, it’s usually best to keep makeup light and natural for your first day of work. Neutral lips, lightly defined eyes and brows, and a muted blush all work well. Hairstyles should match the professionalism of the workplace dress. For more formal attire, ladies may need to have hair in a formal look like a bun or chignon. In many workplaces, hair may be worn down in casual styles like low ponytails or barrettes. Opt for “less is more” when it comes to your hairstyle on the first day. A simple side part and a sweep of your straightening iron might be all your hairstyle needs to look put together for your first day on the job.
Look Polished for Your First Day on the Job
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you look your best on the first day of work. Wear smart-looking clothes that are stylish and comfortable for a great look that will boost your confidence and make your first day incredible.