Does the way you look matter in the workplace?

In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Office, Toby Flenderson, the HR representative, delivers a memorable line: “What you got to understand is, when you come into work, you give up certain rights.” He was specifically referring to the right to dress as you please. While meant humorously, this quote hits upon a deeper truth – the expectations around workplace attire.

Historically, employees conformed to strict dress codes as a sign of professionalism. In recent years, the rise of flexible work arrangements, hybrid working, and the popularisation of “Casual Fridays” have significantly relaxed these codes. Adding to this shift, the Silicon Valley start-up culture has championed even more casual attire, further transforming our approach to workplace dress codes.

However, as our work attire becomes more casual, it’s worth asking: Has this shift undermined the perceived value of our professionalism? Are we losing sight of how our presentation impacts our standing in the workplace?

The pressure to “look the part”

Her World’s 2024 What Women Want survey revealed an interesting paradox: While 54 per cent of respondents say that their workplaces embrace casual dress codes, 56 per cent also feel judged based on their appearance at work. This dichotomy underscores an important issue – while the norm may be shifting towards more relaxed attire, the pressure to “look the part” remains significant.

Women, in particular, often face heightened scrutiny regarding their appearance. “Society tends to impose more rigid standards on how women should present themselves,” notes image stylist and colour analyst Lee Jung Eun. “Women are often expected to look polished, well-groomed, and adhere to specific dress codes that can be more restrictive than those for men.”

Sabrina Tan, a 29-year-old product manager in the tech industry, shares how casual dress codes don’t entirely remove appearance expectations. “Working in tech, jeans and a T-shirt are pretty standard. But after consistently dressing like that, I started getting comments from some of my male colleagues asking why I never wear anything more ‘girlie’.” She says that though the comments was made in jest, they stuck with her.

“It made me realise that even in environments where dress codes are casual, women still face certain expectations about how we should present ourselves.” This societal pressure to conform to certain standards can influence how women dress and present themselves, impacting their confidence and professional interactions.

Boosting workplace confidence through style

The 2024 What Women Want survey also found that eight in 10 respondents believe that their appearance at work influences their confidence.

Elena Lee, a financial analyst, is one of them. She says: “In finance, where first impressions count, even though our dress code is business-casual, I make sure to dress in a way that reflects professionalism – for example, always ensuring that I have an ironed blazer in the office, and an extra pair of heels under my desk. It not only boosts my confidence, but also establishes my credibility in a field where appearance can influence perceptions.”

Her World Tribe member Dr Jade Kua, a physician and founder of Jade Life and Wellness Coaching Clinic & Academy, also notes that dressing well has a positive impact, particularly when she is coaching. “I’ve noticed a direct correlation between my coaching clients and students complimenting me at the beginning of our sessions on looking sharp, and how we tend to end those sessions on a particularly high note,” she shares. “I’m not sure if it’s their confidence or mine that improves, but the positive outcome is undeniable.”

This demonstrates a “domino effect” in the workplace: When you’re dressed in a way that makes you feel good, it’s easier to project confidence in your interactions. This, in turn, influences how others perceive you, potentially leading to better relationships, stronger influence, and more opportunities. Image consultant and life coach Shireena Shroff Manchharam adds: “Dressing well gives a perceived increase in status, helping with influencing others, getting noticed, and making a strong first impression.”

The psychological benefits of dressing up

The power of dressing well extends beyond appearances – it can shape our mindset and behaviour. Known as “enclothed cognition”, this psychological phenomenon suggests that the clothes we wear can affect our psychological state and performance.

“Enclothed cognition refers to how the clothing we wear influences our psychological processes, including our emotions, confidence and behaviour,” explains psychologist Dr Amelia Shay. “When we dress in a certain way, our brain aligns our behaviour with the symbolism of those clothes. This can lead to increased confidence, focus, or even authority.” What we choose to wear can subconsciously affect our mindset.

A 2024 study published in the Social Psychological and Personality Science research journal revealed that formal wear can make people feel more powerful, enhance their abstract thinking, and even improve negotiation skills. On the other hand, casual attire often triggers a more relaxed mindset, which might be beneficial for creativity, but could reduce a sense of urgency or professionalism in certain settings.

Beyond the cognitive effects, dressing well can positively influence self-esteem and social interactions. For women navigating male-dominated fields like STEM or finance, dressing with intention can be a way to assert authority and feel more in control. A polished appearance can signal confidence, which in turn affects how others perceive and interact with you.

“The act of dressing well creates a ripple effect on behaviour,” says Jung Eun.“When you feel put-together, you’re more likely to approach your tasks with a sense of purpose. The energy you project is contagious – others around you tend to pick up on it, resulting in more positive and productive exchanges.”

Balancing comfort and professionalism in modern workplaces

As the workplace continues to evolve, maintaining a balance between comfort and professionalism is key. Casual dress codes offer flexibility, but aligning your attire with your career goals and workplace culture remains essential.

Dr Kua shares her approach: “I’m often dashing between my coaching clinic and academy, so I pick outfits that are sleek yet comfortable. To elevate simpler dresses, I pair them with great accessories and a bold lip colour.”

Shireena reinforces this point: “The key is to factor in your working environment, the organisation’s values and your role when deciding how to dress. It’s about aligning your attire with your business ambitions and goals, while staying true to your personal style.”

While the lines between business attire and casual wear have blurred in many workplaces, one thing remains clear: the way we dress still holds power. It’s not just about looking the part – it’s about feeling it too.

As we continue to embrace flexibility and individuality in our work environments, the focus shifts from rigid dress codes to cultivating a personal style that aligns with both comfort and professionalism.

The real power lies in finding that balance – dressing in a way that reflects who you are, while empowering you to show up with confidence and clarity. After all, when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it’s not just an outfit – it’s a mindset that can open doors, shape interactions, and elevate your presence in the workplace.