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![colorful graphic reads EXPRESS YOURSELF](https://corporette.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/how-to-show-personality-at-the-office.jpg)
The NYT recently had an interesting question from a reader who wondered if they could express their personality at work. We've discussed this a lot in the past, but not recently, so I thought it would be a fun discussion today.
Here's the NYT question (gift link):
“This summer, I will be interning in a corporate setting, and I am wondering if you have any tips for dressing appropriately for work while still being able to showcase my personality? I don’t want to make any big fashion mistakes, but I don’t want to look like a drone either.” — Erica, Berkeley, Calif.
The answer Vanessa Friedman gives is largely a version of our constant refrain: Know Your Office.
The best approach is a strategic one. Begin by playing it a bit bland and observing those around you and what they wear. That will give you a sense of the institutional ethos and how you can stretch it to your own style. Then you can dip your toe in.
Maybe literally. Shoes are a good place to start. If, for example, you like balletcore, Ms. Heller said, pair cigarette pants or a skirt with ballet flats. Don’t appear at work in a “Sex and the City” tutu.
(I love that their example of showing personality is ballet flats. Be bold, ladies.)
How to Show Personality at the Office
When we've talked about this in the past, we've had some further suggestions — in fact, we had a guest post blog from Siouxsie Law, who called her style “corporate goth” a few years ago. Her tips on how to surrender without giving yourself away:
- Play it safe sometimes.
- Once people get to know you, loosen up.
- Casual Fridays and weekends are a great place to start.
- Take it slow and be consistent.
She quoted Maureen Dowd, though, to note that sometimes you need to nurture what's weird about you:
“Sometimes the thing that’s weird about you is the thing that’s cool about you. When you’re young, and even at times when you’re older, it’s hard to fathom this: What needs to be nurtured is the stuff that’s different, that sets you apart from the pack, rather than the stuff that helps you blend in.”
My own big tip on how to show personality at the office: Be intentional. This means you have to Know Your Office first, so you know what is a deviation from it and what isn't. It means you're consciously choosing the parts of your personality that you want to show (and not just, say, wearing the first thing you grab when you open a drawer). A big part here is deciding what you want to convey about yourself at work in general (polished? capable? reliable?), and choosing personality clothing that complements that statement.
Note that sometimes you're going to want to keep parts of yourself separate — we've talked about having a “weekend you” vs. a weekday you, as well as wearing different clothes as a way to help yourself make work/life boundaries. (For example, I always think people should change into jeans or something else that's “them” after work, rather than sitting around in your corporate clothes or changing directly into your pajamas.)
What are your thoughts, readers? Where have you seen people show personality through clothes in a great way that enhanced your professional opinion of them? When have you seen people stumble a bit by showing personality through clothes?
Stock photo via Deposit Photos / Sonya92.
Patricia
On one hand I think these recommendations make a lot of sense. On the other hand my first year in consulting I had a Harry Potter phone case (before any of the JKR issues) and it was a great conversation starter but definitely didn’t make me seem unprofessional.
I dress more colorfully than a lot of people – usually the same classic business clothes but in brighter colors. That’s also been completely fine. When I worked in more formal environments I always looked polished, but didn’t hesitate to wear the colors/patterns I wanted to. None of this has ever been a problem.
Vicky Austin
I love wearing bright/bold colors and have never shied away from it.
Senior Attorney
Same. Although post-pandemic I feel like all bets are off and I’m kind of struggling to make sense of the new normal.
PLB
I agree. I wear a lot of neutrals but part of what many here would call “memorable” outfits. I’ve always been taken seriously.
PLB
Not exactly what you asked but there’s a seasoned attorney at my job (in house in a conservative industry) who frequently espouses women wearing color and showing personality at work. She dresses well, intentionally, and in an appropriate manner, but wears Lilly to the office, bold accessories, and fashionable on/trend shoes (the Valentino rockstar stud heels and flats are a strong example of this). She’s my she-ro!
I am a clothes horse so I typically put together looks, including work looks. My style is classic with a feminine flair. And I don’t mind being known for my outfits/the way I look because my colleagues also know that I’m intelligent, capable, professional, etc.
JENNIFER CONNELL
I think the suggestion about shoes is a great one – this is always where I’ve showed more of my personality, in addition to jewelry. I like my ensembles to communicate “I take my job seriously” and I like my accessories to communicate “this is who I am.” I’m more of a conservative preppy girly girl so I have to own my “privilege” in this area since most of the accessories I like are also recognized as office appropriate. Since our dress code is now more “smart casual” and I don’t have to see clients regularly, wearing comfy shoes that are also fashionable (cool sneaks, flats) is my latest obsession, along with trying to figure out what I can actually do with denim (skinny/slim dark denim rules my closet). Most of my heels and dress pants are now collecting dust except when I pull them out for a rare date night.
Anon
I wear rich colours eg deep blues, greens, reds.
Jewellery
Interesting bags
SueH
I think it depends on your style personality. Obviously, people who are Classics have an easier time fitting into corporate-wear. Those who are Artsy/Boho have a bigger challenge. This is where accessories can really help. Or, choose a printed blouse that has a boho vibe to wear under that corporate jacket and skirt combo.