What to wear to work

What to wear to work

You are what you wear, right? So, if you want to make a good impression in the workplace, it pays to think about your attire.

The rules about what to wear to work have changed radically in the last five years, according to YouGov just 7% of workers wear a suit to work with 60% of workplaces adopting a casual approach to dressing for the office. In some workplaces in Sweden, they actually have a “no shoe” policy which means employees can only wear slippers. We are not quite there yet but we are becoming more relaxed.

If you’re dressing casually to work, there may be boundaries and standards which need to be kept up with.  

The concept of "dress for success" has faded in the modern workplace, with comfort now taking precedence over power dressing. Women wearing high heels (which they were made to do not so long ago) have sharply declined with trainers preferred instead.

When starting a new job, it is always best to dress smart as you never know what the dress code might be like once you get there. It is definitely better to be overdressed than underdressed, especially for a new job.

There are always occasions where you do need to dress smart within the workplace. Whether it be; meeting your boss or someone of high importance who you know likes to dress smart 24/7, if you are interviewing a new candidate for a role or meeting potential clients/current clients.

If you’re dressing casually to work, there may be boundaries and standards which need to be kept up with. For example, try not to wear ripped jeans, this isn’t professional and depending on your profession you wouldn’t show up wearing gym wear to work when you work in an office.

Some people think that there is a benefit to dressing in a particular way for work: you can draw a clear line between work and leisure at the end of the day.

So, there you have it. The rules of workplace clothing are simple: dress well, in a way that’s appropriate to your role, and the situation you’re in. But if you’re in the running for a new job, dial up the smartness factor and turn on the style. You’ll be on the road to success in no time.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
The Just Recruitment Guide to interview dressing
Distraction Alert!

 

Published: 12 September 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Workshop Fitter
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Clacton-on-Sea
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC16
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based near Clacton-on-Sea, to recruit a Workshop Fitter to join their long-standing team.

Duties include:

  • Precise fitting of mechanical and potentially electrical components according to technical drawings and specifications.
  • Operating and utilising a variety of engineering tools and equipment with expertise and safety.
  • Contributing to the overall build process from sub-assembly to final machine completion.
  • Working collaboratively with the experienced team to ensure top-quality output.

Key skills required:

  • Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering workshop environment is essential.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of engineering tools and equipment, and a track record of using them effectively.
  • Skilled in fitting parts together and building complex machinery with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in your work.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Order Processing Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC15
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit an Order Processing Administrator to join their long-standing team.

The role will primarily focus on uploading orders and quotes, accurately interpreting dimensions from drawings, and demonstrating a keen eye for detail to ensure items are produced with the right first-time approach, meeting customer requirements.

Duties include:

  • Vetting of customers' drawings and orders
  • Uploading orders and quotes onto the internal system
  • Ensuring all orders are checked within the agreed KPI’s
  • Sending orders to out-sourcing and responding to queries and questions that may arise
  • Processing delivery notes and invoices
  • Investigating and processing remake paperwork
  • Undertaking any administrative functions within the office as and when required

Key skills required:

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational skills to manage the workload for the team
  • Confident with technical information (or confidence to learn)
  • Self-motivated
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Computer literate (Excel/Word)

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Customer Service Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC7
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit a Customer Service Administrator to join their long-standing team.

You will be responsible for delivering a high level of customer service to both regular customers and internal stakeholders, including production, accounts, transport, and the sales team. You will work towards key KPIs to ensure that the highest standards of customer service are maintained and continuously improved.

Duties include:

  • Vet customer orders ready for processing onto the system.
  • This includes applying the correct delivery dates to suit the customer requirements whilst ensuring it fits in with the production dates, capabilities and delivery areas.
  • Proactive response to answering the telephone within 3 rings.
  • Enthusiastic attitude to deal with and resolve customers' queries or issues promptly.
  • Proactively follow up with customers to resolve queries if they have not responded. Ensure all verbal correspondence is confirmed in writing and the system is updated with correct information.
  • Support the end-of-month invoicing procedure, investigate and find any missing delivery notes.
  • Routinely speak to key accounts and regular customers to grow a productive working relationship with them.

Key skills:

  • Exceptional customer service skills - must have a friendly and positive phone manner.
  • Energetic, self-driven and motivated.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to continually multitask.
  • Ability to prioritise your time to plan and organise your day.
  • Ability to learn and absorb information.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more