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Department of Statistics
Candace Berrett

Wear to Work

Figuring out where to work is hard enough, it shouldn't be even harder to figure out what to wear to work. However, for many of us, the reality is that workwear is not straightforward and often comes with a double standard. In this page, I try to provide basic suggestions in hopes of providing a helpful starting place. Importantly, if you know what you want to wear, ignore this page and wear it!

An article from a 2011 Marriott Alumni Magazine provides some basic guidelines for various settings of the business workplace. A lot has changed since 2011, but the basics are still applicable. There are also many other resources available online. (Note: be specific in your searches. For example, I need "tall" clothes so I might search for "workwear for tall women ethically made.") This is not an endorsement by me nor BYU for any stores listed here; they are only provided as a historical place people have found clothing that works for their body and company.

Interviews

  • Stick to neutral colors: black, navy, gray, beige.
  • While every field is different, it's common for the interview candidate to dress one notch more professional than the company requires. This typically means a dress or pantsuit, but can also mean slacks, collared shirt or blouse, and a blazer or sweater.
  • Each year, BYU and JC Penney host a Suit Up Event where students can purchase workwear clothing at a special discounted rate. This is a great deal and they have clothing options that address a variety of needs.
  • Shoes are typically medium-to-low heeled in a neutral color. Be sure to break them in by wearing them a few times before using them for an all day interview.

Cost Efficient

  • BYU Financial Planning center has put together a page of ideas for how to dress professionally for less.
  • Second hand stores (like DI and Savers), thredUP, discount department chain stores (such as TJ Maxx or Ross), Amazon, WalMart, etc. are all places that offer nice workwear at student-budget prices. It can also mean a bit of extra time to find the right type of clothes for you.

Tips and Store Suggestions from Former Students

  • "When I started my job, I bought just 1-2 key pieces that I could wear until I figured out how formal/casual the dress culture was at my work."
  • "Ann Taylor. SNL joked about it, but it really is a reliable place to get a variety of work clothing."
  • "Find clothing that fits you. A nice suit can look really unprofessional if it doesn't fit well."
  • "Places that offer workwear in extended sizes are Amazon, Athleta, J Crew online (tall), Universal Standard, department stores."
  • "If someone tries to talk to you about your clothing/body, make sure you ask to include HR or another ally in the discussion."

Got a tip you want to share? Email me and I'll add it to the list.