Community Q&A: How should designers dress?
In this community Q&A series I answer questions that come up in my Facebook group and outline my thoughts on what people are asking.
If you want to submit a question for me to answer for this series make sure to join the Facebook group and post your question!
Here’s the question I’m addressing in this post - about how designers should dress.
Here are my thoughts on this:
This can be a tricky situation for the owner of the business.
On one hand, they want to maintain a high level of professionalism and reflect positively on their clients, which can require a certain level of fashion and style. On the other hand, they want to respect their employees' budgets and not put undue pressure on them to dress in ways that are impractical or unaffordable (or not in keeping with their personal style, which is often very important to people who work in a creative career like design).
In this situation, clear communication and guidelines can be helpful. The owner can set expectations for professional attire while still being understanding of the budget constraints of their employees. They can also provide resources or support to help employees present themselves in a professional manner, such as offering to cover the cost of certain items or hosting clothing exchanges.
Here are some ideas and tips that may help:
Dress professionally and conservatively: You don't have to break the bank to look good. Focus on well fitting and neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Consider the company culture and client base: In a high-end residential design firm, it's important to dress in a manner that aligns with the company culture and reflects positively on clients.
Choose comfort over fashion: While looking professional is important, comfort is also a key factor in the work environment. Select comfortable and practical pieces that you can wear throughout the day and for different work needs (including site visits).
Invest in key pieces: Consider investing in a few high-quality, versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Don't compare yourself to others: You don't need to match the fashion sense of the company owner or clients. Focus on presenting yourself in a professional and confident manner and dressing within your budget.
Remember that your work speaks louder than your clothes, so focus on doing your best in your role, building strong client relationships and showcasing your design skills.
Here’s what the owner of the business could be doing if they want their employees dressing a certain way:
Provide a dress code guideline: Clearly outlining what is considered professional attire can help employees understand what is expected of them. The guidelines could include recommendations for colour, style and types of clothing that are appropriate for the workplace.
Offer an clothing allowance or reimbursement: The owner could provide a small allowance or reimbursement for employees to purchase clothing items that align with the dress code.
Partner with local businesses: The owner could consider partnering with local clothing retailers to offer discounts to employees for work appropriate attire.
Bringing in a fashion stylist for sessions could also be a creative solution for the business owner. A stylist could provide guidance on how to put together professional and stylish outfits that are within budget, as well as provide tips on how to accessorise and make the most out of a limited wardrobe.
Ultimately, dress code is about striking a balance between upholding the company's image and respecting the needs and concerns of employees.
If you want to read the rest of the industry views then make sure to join my free community Facebook group where you can read the responses to this post and many more like it (plus ask your own questions as well).
What I've said in this post isn't directed at the person who wrote the post, it’s just a chance to write out my thoughts on the topic.
Thanks for reading and catch you in my next post :)
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
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