Making the right impression in a business environment is very important. If you want your career to progress then you need to make sure that you’re owning the part and getting noticed. Obviously, working hard is important, but you’re probably not the only person at your company who’s putting in the effort. It doesn’t hurt to go the extra mile to make sure that you stand out among the crowd – with your great work ethic and great sense of style. You need to develop a work image that differentiates you from your coworkers. This suggestion piece should give an idea on how to do this on a daily basis to become stylish and professional at work.

The “business casual” outfit.

In the business world of 2018, it’s becoming increasingly popular for companies to adopt casual work policies. In particular, this extends to the type of clothing worn in work environments. The days of dull and uninspired work suits are long gone; you can be a little more creative with the type of clothes you wear in the office now. Of course, that doesn’t mean professional goes out of the window. You need to get the blend of casual and business attire just right. It’s important that you still look like a smart and organised individual in the workplace, but you can also take the opportunity to really shine in the clothes you wear. Getting creative with your attire will make you stand out from the crowd.

You could go for the minimalistic combination of smart pants and a smart shirt (minus a suit jacket). Make sure you get a shirt and pants that look tailor-made to your physique. Well-fitted clothing makes more of an impact on people because it looks as if you put in that extra bit of effort into your appearance. Of course, you can add a bit of flair to your minimalistic and stripped-back look. A square-bottom knit tie can look very fashionable and professional at the same time. If you want to go for more of a vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic then you could opt for a denim shirt. It’ll add a bit of an interesting texture and a dash of colour to your outfit.

The sleek company car.

Another part of your image is the car your drive to work. Whether it’s an actual company car or the personal car you use for work, the point is that your vehicle is a part of your image. Obviously, there’s a practical purpose to owning a car, but it still contributes to your business aesthetic. You should think about the car you drive if you have to make a good impression when turning up to meetings with big clients. In fact, you should think about the car you drive when trying to catch the attention of higher-up members of staff in your business (in big companies, it can be hard to enter the radar of your employer even if you’re working hard). If it’s time to upgrade your company car then you might want to research some of the available business vehicle loans out there. There are plenty of used car finance options for professionals who need to make the right impression. Remember, coming across as stylish and professional in a business environment is about more than dressing well; it’s about the overall image you project to colleagues and prospective clients.

The footwear.

As you’re probably starting to understand, every little detail matters when it comes to the look you create in a business environment. You need to be different from your coworkers. You’re not trying to blend in. Succeeding in a competitive work environment is all about being unique. Obviously, you’re trying to look different in a positive way, so you need to make sure that you’re being noticed for the right reasons. And if there’s one tiny detail that really matters then it’s the shoes you wear. This might seem like an insignificant detail, but it could really make a big difference to your overall outfit.

As a rule of thumb, your shoes should be the same colour as your belt. Again, this might sound like a minuscule detail that doesn’t matter, but it makes all the difference. Coordination shows that you’ve put thought into your outfit. And if you put that much thought into the way you dress on a daily basis then your manager and perhaps even your employer might start to notice you more often. After all, visuals say a lot about an employee. But you also need to make sure that your socks are colour-coordinated with your pants. Again, it’s a small detail, but it’s one that could affect the impact on your entire outfit. No matter how smart your shirt, your tie, your pants, and the rest of your attire, it can all be ruined by one tiny detail that feels off.

The smart jacket/sweater.

As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to go for a fully “suited” look in the modern age. A smart shirt with pants is sufficient in many office spaces, as long as your outfit still looks stylish and professional. Of course, some employers might be a little stricter when it comes to clothing requirements. And a simple shirt-and-pants combination might not be sufficient for all business occasions. You might want to wear a smart jacket or a simple sweater over your shirt to make your outfit look a little more complete. Just make sure that you don’t opt for the typical black blazer if you do opt for a smart jacket. You’re trying to stand out in your office.

You might want to choose a bolder suit colour such as blue or maroon to really give your look some flair. Obviously, you’ll need to ensure that you coordinate your entire outfit if you are going to choose a slightly more interesting colour. You still need to make sure that your overall look is stylish and well-calculated if you want to come across as a professional yet fashionable individual in the workplace. There is a perfect middle ground, and finding it will help to differentiate you from your colleagues in the eyes of your employer.