A recent survey has found that 88 percent of Brits believe dressing well improves their chances of achieving career goals, highlighting the continued importance of appearance in the workplace.
The study sheds light on the connection between attire and professional perception, with many respondents admitting that what they wear can significantly influence how they are treated, perform, and feel on the job.
While workplace dress codes are no longer as strict as they once were, 45 percent of respondents still report being bound by formal dress regulations. Among them, nearly three-quarters (73%) follow the rules strictly, with 9 percent of employees admitting they’ve been asked to adjust their outfits by their employers. Interestingly, a previous survey found that more than twice as many women as men had experienced being “dress-coded” in the workplace.
Work Wardrobe vs. Weekend Style
The divide between workwear and personal style is also stark, with 59 percent of respondents maintaining a clear separation between their professional wardrobe and their casual, off-duty outfits. However, two in five employees feel comfortable blurring the lines and wearing the same clothes both inside and outside of the office.
Dressing for Success: Perceptions and Professionalism
Attire appears to play a significant role in workplace dynamics. A staggering 91 percent of respondents believe their clothing choices influence how they are perceived by colleagues, while 73 percent agree that dressing professionally is crucial for being seen as competent and professional. Over 70 percent of Brits even believe that smart dressing could directly enhance their chances of career progression.
The Psychology of Fashion in the Workplace
Colour choices also carry weight in professional settings, with 40 percent of participants reporting that they believe the colour of their clothing affects how they are perceived at work. This highlights the nuanced ways in which appearance impacts office dynamics.
Also, 37 percent of employees feel that their work attire directly influences their mood and productivity, reinforcing the idea that confidence in one’s appearance can lead to better performance. However, not everyone feels confident in their workwear—6 percent of respondents admitted that they often feel uncomfortable in their outfits.
How Social Media is Influencing Office Wear
Social media has also had a noticeable impact on work fashion trends. The rise of ‘Get Ready With Me’ (GRWM) videos, showcasing office outfits, has captured widespread attention. On Instagram alone, the hashtag #officewear has amassed over two million posts. However, not all reactions have been positive, with some users poking fun at influencers who claim to display “corporate style” despite never having worked in an office.
Despite this trend, a third of survey respondents admitted they find it challenging to shop for work-appropriate clothing, underscoring the struggle to balance personal style with professional expectations.
The full survey provides further insight into how dressing well can enhance not just professional appearance but also self-confidence, performance, and workplace interactions.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
