Want a promotion? You better look good…

“You know the difference between you and me? I make this look good.” - Will Smith, as “Agent J” in Men in Black

When it comes to getting promoted, it’s not necessarily all about who you know or what you do…but rather, what you wear. According to a recent “Dress in the Workplace” survey by Yahoo! HotJobs and Banana Republic, the majority of the general workforce (68 percent) and of human resource professionals (82 percent) agree that how employees dress at work directly affects their prospect for a promotion.

Common wardrobe problems
Although appearing professional, or “promote-able,” ranked at the top of workers’ priorities, there is room for improvement:

• 36% feel like they are in a fashion rut and have trouble refreshing their workplace wardrobe
• 25% admit to being late to work because they couldn’t decide what to wear or they had a wardrobe malfunction
• 13% have been reprimanded by a supervisor for their clothing attire

“A” for style effort
Management can rest easy knowing that employees are willing to put forth the necessary effort to perfect their workplace attire, even if they still need some guidance:

• 58% of employees re-evaluate their wardrobe and buy new clothes seasonally
• 57% would be willing to spend the money to buy a new wardrobe if it meant getting a promotion
• 52% estimate that of their total wardrobe budget, they spend an equal amount or more on career clothes than they do on non-workplace attire

Work wardrobe tips

• Don’t be afraid to ask. If you have any question about your company’s dress code, seek clarification from your HR Department.
• Take a hint from your boss. If you’re trying to get ahead, then look the part. Take cues from your manager and mirror a similar level of professional dress.
• Be ready. Keep an extra jacket and nice pair of dress shoes in your office to help liven up any outfit, in case you get pulled into a last minute meeting.
• Understand business casual. No matter how casual your office, avoid anything too sloppy or over-exposing. Sweats and ripped clothing are too casual.