Does 'dressing for success' still matter?

The idea of dressing for success used to be wearing formal clothes. The top of the pyramid would dress in a suit, and dressing for the job meant emulating this style.

The rise of the tech sector changed this stereotype. It became more casual - jeans, hoodies, and black turtlenecks.

During the pandemic, workers saw colleagues from the shoulders up on video calls, dressed in a collared shirts, sweatpants and slippers. As workers move back to offices, they need to consider what it means to dress for success.

Dressing for success has always required a degree of subtlety. For example, we might dress similar to our peers to help us feel like we belong, or if you want to advance in your career, you might dress as you perceive the leaders dress.

Studies show managers often hire and promote people similar to them, including how they present themselves. Workers also feel more self-assured and improve work performance when they wear more formal attire.

However, today it is more nuanced to understand dress codes. Overdressing can send a negative message that you haven't read the culture.