THERE is a first time for everything, including getting dressed for your first professional job.
Everybody has to start somewhere. If you are about to dip your toe into the pool of adulthood, chances are you will begin as a trainee employee.
For the average newcomer to the workforce, perhaps the main reason for first-day nerves stems from wanting to fit in at your new workplace.
Newbies often want to make a good impression on their more seasoned colleagues.
Dressing smart is key for Ira whose goal is to look polished and professional. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT and LEE JUNE LING/The Star
So you find yourself standing in front of your wardrobe, trying to figure out what to wear.
You may ask your family members or, as many often do, look up outfit inspiration online.
Dressing properly for work gives you a chance to present yourself in an image that you wish to convey.
Proper workplace attire allows individuals to project a professional, trustworthy image.
You would prefer to work with someone who looked like they knew what they were doing, wouldn’t you?
With so many fields and varied expectations, a one-dress-code-fits-all policy is unlikely.
To find out more about what the new generation wears to work, StarMetro spoke to interns in different fields about their wardrobe choices and what they look for when putting together an outfit.
Collared shirts are a requirement for men in a formal setting.
Creative flexibility
For 23-year-old Choo Dao Jun, being an audio editor intern grants him the freedom to dress nearly however he wants for his behind-the-scenes role.
“As long as my outfit isn’t too casual, like a tank top or basketball shorts, I can pretty much wear anything I like,” said the T-shirt and sweatpants-clad youth.
Choo stays in a studio all day without needing to interact with anyone; it’s only his desktop and sound equipment, so comfort is his top priority.
But the one with the most freedom when it comes to work attire among those interviewed, is graphic design intern Whitney Khoo, 22.
“There’s no dress code at my workplace. Our boss even compliments us when we dress up,” she quipped.
Being in the creative industry encourages Khoo to express herself through the way she dresses, with her usual work wardrobe being made up of beanie hats, tennis skirts, and knit sweaters in all kinds of colours.
Creative industries allow for more freedom in one’s dressing.
However, for someone in event planning, dressing smart is vital as some of the individuals they interact with are at the top of their respective industries.
As such, Ira Syahirah, 23, makes it a point to look polished and professional.
To achieve this, her go-to work outfit comprises a blouse and well-fitted slacks paired with appropriate footwear depending on the occasion.
“Sneakers are the best option for a typical day at the office.
“It’s easier to run errands in them,” said Ira, who occasionally opts for sandals or high heels.
As for menswear, marketing intern Adib Marzuki, 25, emphasised that collared shirts were a requirement.
“Our footwear needs to be proper dress shoes too,” said Adib.
Looking effortlessly put-together, yet casual, is a go-to for many young interns.
Practical and polished
Dressing professionally is key for hotel receptionist intern Chong Siew Wen, 22, whose company spells out its strict guidelines to follow, which leave little room for creative fashion liberties.
“As I serve guests at the front desk, my role reflects the hotel’s image, and guests are likely to notice the way I dress and act,” said Chong.
Colours also play a role in presenting an image of professionalism for those working in a formal setting.
“I often dress in dark or basic colours, like black or white, following my workplace’s employee guide.
“These colours convey simplicity and let us blend into the background as their staff,” said Chong.
She added that flashy, bright colours were prohibited for front desk staff.
Looking unkempt at work is disrespectful.
However, she is aware that different hotels implement different dress codes for staff.
“Some are allowed colourful, Hawaiian print shirts.
“It is all about what kind of image the hotel wants to present,” she added.
Similarly, bank intern Evone Lee, 22, is required to show up in formal attire every day except for one day.
“We can forgo our usual blazers and button-downs on Fridays, when the staff can sport jeans and sneakers instead,” said the 22-year-old.
For Lee, the bank environment is less strict when it comes to the palette for work outfits.
“All sorts of colours are welcome, we just have to ensure that the clothing itself is appropriate.”
She said her office did not allow women to wear skirts that were too far above the knee.
“The most leeway we get is two fingers’ length above the knee,” she said.
“Longer skirts also provide a more put-together look,” she noted.
As for tops, or blouses, Lee said they should not be cropped nor should a piece have revealing portions.
“Straps of a top should be a couple of inches wide.”
Any unnecessary showing of skin, like the back or midriff, is not allowed (at her workplace), she said.
As for accessories, those in a formal office setting follow a regulated rule of not more than five pieces of jewellery for women.
“A pair of earrings count as two pieces,” said Lee.
“Then you have an allowance for three more, which could be a necklace, watch and a bracelet.”
Overall, one of the biggest no-nos in workwear is showing up to work looking unkempt.
“It’s a basic form of respect to your internship and your employers,” Lee added.
