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Tip #31: “Start Conservative”
On the first day, it’s often best to dress conservatively. This means not only avoiding one extreme of casualness, but also the other extreme of formality. Showing up in a three-piece suit could be just as odd as a t-shirt and jeans, depending on your position. You just won’t get in trouble for it, but looking like you take this too seriously isn’t a great look either. It can come across as desperate, eager, or wanting to please. If you are far above what everyone else is wearing, you will need to tone it down. Keep an eye on this during an in-person, on-site interview before landing the gig.
Tip #32: “Always Reconnoiter”
Despite the official policy, you can often get away with less formal attire than has been stated. The guide here is what others are wearing, but you must know what they do for a living. Someone like a network engineer might need to get down on the floor and therefore they get away with jeans instead of slacks, but you won’t. See what peers have on their torso, legs, and feet. Black jeans might pass in a “no jeans” environment. Nice mocs may pass in a no-sneaker one, depending on color.
Tip #33: “Don’t Tantalize”
This one is more for women. Be aware that leaning over in a low-cut blouse offers a cleavage vantage point not appropriate at work. So does wearing a skirt and putting feet on a chair so that your knees are under your chin, the skirt falling to your hips, giving everyone a view of undergarments. Outfits that reveal a tattoo might also be a poor choice, regardless of its location. For men (usually), there’s the infamous “plumber’s crack” from crouching in pants that are too tight for that. Be aware that you could find yourself in a literal position that you weren’t expecting when you dressed that morning, resulting in one of these tantalizing glimpses.
Tip #34: “Keep a Layer at Work”
You never know when the AC suddenly goes into overdrive or you’re forced into a meeting in a freezing room, for hours. It can sometimes be painfully cold at work and it’s wise to keep a light jacket or sweater handy for such occasions. The opposite happens less often – it gets uncomfortably warm (sometimes due to AC failure) and you are tempted to drop a layer. The same solution applies – keep something light but appropriate on hand.
Tip #35: “Beware of Casual Days”
Casual Friday is still not an opportunity to wear inappropriate things to work, whether it’s because of what they say on them or how revealing they are. You still need a sense of decorum. Sure, wear something comfortable. Just remember not to make other people uncomfortable because you’re wearing it!