The type of work wear in Melbourne that you need to invest in will depend entirely on your profession, your workplace’s dress policy and your independent fashion sense. The dress code may also differ slightly for men and women; we have outlined some of the basic items of clothing that you should expect to invest in for your work wardrobe.
Men
- Long sleeved shirts are considered more professional than short sleeve, however, these are appropriate in some industries. Choose shirts in conservative or hi vis colours, and avoid any slogans unless they are those of your company. Make sure you shirt is tucked into your pants.
- When wearing a dress shirt and slacks, wear mid-calf dress socks in conservative colours. If you work in a corporate sphere, opt for dark leather shoes. If you are in the industrial sphere, opt for steel capped or even just plain leather boots.
- Avoid jeans unless your workplace allows them. If you work in a corporate sphere, opt for unrumpled and clean slacks in conservative colours. If you work in an industrial sphere, opt for sturdy trousers in either conservative or hi vis colours.
Women
- If wearing a dress or skirt, make sure that the hem is around the knee (or longer) and is not too tight. If wearing slacks, make sure that they are clean and unrumpled. Avoid jeans unless your workplace allows them (and, if they do, make sure that they are neat).
- Choose shoes that are appropriate to your profession. Whilst heels may look nice, if you are going to be on your feet all day a nice pair of flats will be more appropriate. Likewise, if you work in an industrial sphere, make sure your footwear offers protection.
- Avoid blouses and shirts that show too much cleavage or are see-through (wear a camisole underneath if you are worried about this). If you work in an industrial sphere, choose shirts in conservative or hi vis colours that are appropriate for your profession.
Whilst we have aimed to outline a basic guide to the work wear in Melbourne that you should be buying, you are likely to find more exact examples in your company handbook or by observing how your coworkers dress. Overall, as long as your clothing has a good fit, is unripped and unsoiled, you should find that you are dressing appropriately for the workplace.
