Does It Really Matter What We Wear to Work?

This past weekend, I attended a charity sample sale by SmartWorks in Stockbridge, Edinburgh. For those who don’t know, SmartWorks is a fantastic organisation that provides interview clothing and coaching to help women enter the workforce. It’s a cause I’m care about, and I’ve supported it in the past by helping organise a sustainable style event at the University of St Andrews to raise funds. Helping women feel empowered through clothing has always resonated with me.

On my way to the event, a woman stopped me on the street to compliment my outfit, particularly the aqua tones I had chosen that day. This happens to me often—strangers stopping to comment on my clothing choices. It made me wonder: What is the significance of what we wear, especially in professional settings? And how can we balance the fine line between dressing professionally and expressing our authentic selves?

The Power of Clothing in Professional Settings

SmartWorks operates on the belief that clothing can be a powerful tool for confidence. When a woman puts on an outfit that makes her feel good, she’s more likely to present herself confidently in an interview, increasing her chances of success. This principle isn’t limited to interviews; day-to-day, the clothes we choose can have a subtle yet real effect on our mood, interactions, and sense of self.

In?Big Dress Energy: How Fashion Psychology Can Transform Your Wardrobe and Your Confidence, Shakaila Forbes-Bell explores the psychology behind what we wear and how our choices impact our self-perception and performance. Forbes-Bell describes the concept of “big dress energy,” which is about using clothing as a tool to step into a more confident, empowered version of ourselves. This idea resonates with SmartWorks’ mission and serves as a reminder that clothes can be more than just an aesthetic choice—they can shape how we feel and act, especially in high-stakes environments like interviews and the workplace.

Professionalism vs. Authenticity: Where’s the Line?

The issue of dress codes and clothing expectations often brings up questions about balancing professionalism with authenticity. As someone who frequently supports students and graduates in preparing for job interviews, I’ve noticed that employers sometimes specify clothing items deemed “inappropriate” for interviews. While guidance on professional dress can make sense, there’s also a risk of stifling individuality.

For me, clothing is a form of self-expression and an important part of my identity. The compliments I receive remind me that I’m embracing my style, and this feels like an essential part of who I am. But in many professional settings, the pressure to dress a certain way can lead people—especially women—to feel they have to conform to a specific image, often at the expense of their authentic selves. When workplaces impose strict dress codes, it’s worth asking: how much room is left for employees to express their individuality?

The Gendered Lens: Why Clothing Expectations Differ

As I reflected on these questions, I couldn’t ignore the gendered aspects of workplace attire. Female politicians, CEOs, and high-profile women are frequently scrutinised for their appearance—whether it’s their choice of clothing, hairstyle, or even the colour of their outfit. A male politician’s suit rarely makes headlines, but a female politician’s outfit can spark endless commentary and critique.

This discrepancy highlights a deeper societal expectation: women are often judged not only by their performance but also by their appearance. For men, professional dress codes are straightforward and consistent. A suit is typically seen as acceptable without question. For women, however, there’s often a fine line between dressing “professionally” and meeting societal standards for what’s deemed “acceptable.”

This scrutiny is precisely why organisations like SmartWorks are so impactful. By helping women find outfits that make them feel both professional and authentic, SmartWorks helps level the playing field. Clothing, especially in professional settings, isn’t just about appearance—it’s about agency and confidence. For many women, dressing in a way that feels authentic can be an empowering act in a world that often polices their choices more harshly.

Moving Toward Inclusive Dress Codes

In an evolving workplace, I hope we can move toward a more flexible approach to dress codes—one that values professionalism without stifling individuality.?Big Dress Energy?highlights how clothing can empower individuals to show up as their authentic selves, increasing confidence and performance. If employers could approach dress codes with this in mind, we’d likely see workplaces where people feel more comfortable and engaged.

Ultimately, what we wear is a part of who we are. Organisations like SmartWorks remind us that clothes aren’t just about conforming to norms—they’re about feeling empowered and ready to succeed. As the world of work continues to shift, perhaps we can reframe our understanding of professionalism to include a little more room for individuality and self-expression. After all, confidence and authenticity are powerful assets—ones that are often fostered by feeling comfortable and empowered in what we’re wearing.

So, does it matter what we wear to work? I believe it does, but maybe not for the reasons we’ve traditionally been taught. It’s less about fitting into a mold and more about bringing our full, authentic selves to the table. And when we have the freedom to dress in a way that resonates with who we are, we’re able to do just that.

First published: The Career Coaches Handbook