As you all know, I have been working as a hairstylist for the past 4 years, and well, it’s an interesting industry, fashion-wise. In one sense, there’s an obligation to look stylish, and look good, as clients do want to be inspired by what they see being worn on the person they trust to do their hair. But also, it’s an environment of work and professionalism. But on another hand overly formal office-y attire looks out of place in a salon. It’s too corporate. Hairstylists are artists. So this is the dilemma. How do we dress interestingly enough to showcase our personalities while being work appropriate, and elevated?

I feel like this problem is extra difficult for women. We have our truly loved relax wear: i.e.. the t-shirts, jeans, joggers… Our hoodies, leggings, shorts and sweatshirts. But let’s be honest. We end up styling ourselves to look like either 12 year old boys or suburban soccer moms in them. They are too casual, and not work appropriate. They lack personality, flare or elegance. But mostly, they lack style. Another error that can happen more to women is dressing cheap looking. Think crop tees, tops that are too tight/lowcut, ugly materials/patterns. Bodycon dresses that look like club wear. Things that are overly revealing. I’m not advocating for dressing like a prude, but even at a club, there’s a sense of class. There is a middle ground between 12 year old and night walker. I’ve found it.

We need to think more about fun and fashionable pieces, styled with jewelry and make up that compliments us, and accessories that show off our personalities while fading into the background of professionalism. We need to care about how we look, without stressing too much about perfection or being superficial. And we need to have a a little class. Without that, I can’t help you. What is classy to some might be lowbrow to others. But there are universal cues on what is daily, work appropriate class. So let’s talk about it!

Mistakes and don’t dos:

1. Outfits that are too skimpy: Bodycon dresses that are too short. Tight t-shirts/sweaters that are too low cut or sheer; crop top paired with spandex leggings. I’m not against showing skin, but it’s all about balance. When we show off the legs with something short, the tops should be modest. Crop tops are cute, when the bottom half is stylishly covered up with an elegant skirt. Tight body suits make sense, when paired with a relaxed fit slacks. It’s all about balance, and taste. If the weather is cold, wear a fitted turtle neck. It looks put together, but is also sensibly covered up. I used to have a co-worker who complained about being “cold” at work. But she also dressed in flimsy leggings and crop tops. It’s not classy to wear less layers in cold weather. During a heatwave at work, I wore a back-less sundress. The weather made it make sense, and not skimpy. Just think about how you look, and skimpy outfits will cease to make sense professionally.
2. When comfort looks slovenly: Okay so we all like comfortable clothes. Yes. But since when does that mean t-shirts, sweat shirts, and gym leggings can show up to a work environment paired with poor hygiene? Greasy hair? I don’t think so! I have seen a co worker that often showed up with greasy hair tied back in a tight bun, decked in sweats. It’s a look that is barely passable for crying alone at home, let alone what a top stylist would wear. Tying hair back is not equivalent a shampoo! It looks as if you’re fixing back hair to change the cat’s litter, or scrub the toilet. At this point, when aesthetics are so overlooked, would you trust her with styling your hair? The answer is no. At least come to work with make-up to liven up the eyes, freshen up the complexion. Casual wear is barely work presentable even with make-up, but this co-worker would pair no make up with sloppy clothes unthoughtfully.
3. Saying you don’t have “money” to buy on trend clothes. This is a mistake and just an excuse. Thrifting and second hand stores are a great option. And no matter how poor you are, every one owns a simple white shirt that fits, a simple dress that is not trampy, jeans that are not ripped up. Sweaters that don’t reveal everything. And dress pants that are flattering while still covering up. Dressing in a way that shows less skin, or doesn’t look like a gym outfit, is not reserved for the rich. It’s an affordable style that shows self-aware mindfulness a workplace, even if it’s not fashion forward. And once that basic skill is mastered, they can then save up to buy statement pieces that speak to who they are.

The Do’s List:

1. Accessorize with intention. On the flipside, I had a style literate coworker who would wear t-shirts and sweats to work. But she wore them oversized and paired them with elaborate jewelry to avoid the slovenly feel of this kind of style can have. She would wash and style her hair with the outfits. And wear make-up. It just worked.
2. Dress for comfort, but also appropriateness: I’m a fashionista that worked in fashion retail prior, but I also dress in clothes that make sense for my hairdressing job. I don’t wear movement restricting blazers that make it hard to use my arms, even though they are stylish and very professional. I don’t wear skimpy club wear outfits that have me adjusting my hemline or cleavage throughout the busy hairstyling workday. All of the clothes I wear fit the range of bodily motions needed, the weather in place, and the time of day I’m working. They are all thoughtful, make sense and are respectful of the job that I do, and the clients that I serve.
3. Professional dress doesn’t have to be boring. Find ways to showcase your personal style: For example I don’t like dark or drab coloured clothing. I don’t own that many black pieces, or solid dark clothing. I like flowers, prints, and pastels. I like white flowy things. Frilly pink outfits. Light and bright is the way that I dress. Feminine without the trampy siren look. Pretty, without the cattiness. Find out your personality and translate it into a work wardrobe. That’s how to dress professionally, and at the same time express yourself!

I hope my tips/rant helped. I really do feel like there is a parallel to dressing well, and doing the job well. And even if you work in an environment that doesn’t penalize poor style or unprofessional dress…improve your professional styling for yourself. Afterall, you’re the most important member of the audience when critiquing how you look and act. And at the end of the day, you’ll want to look at yourself in the mirror, and be able to agree with others in the room that you do look good.