Professional image
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Keep a spare dress shirt at work in case your current one tears or gets ruined.
Having a backup allows you to change immediately if your shirt is damaged.
one person who lived it
Keep air freshener at your desk to spray surfaces, clothing, or the air to neutralize bad odors.
It can change smells from putrid to fresh.
one person who lived it
Heed farts as a warning sign of impending bowel movement.
A fart serves as a poop alarm.
one person who lived it
Wear a suit during phone interviews or while working from home.
It makes you feel more prepared and confident, leading to higher productivity.
one person who lived it
Keep old but nice dress pants and underwear at work or in your car as a backup for unexpected accidents.
You never plan on having an accident, but being prepared avoids looking unprofessional.
one person who lived it
Use wrinkle-resistant material for spare work clothes and steam them before wearing.
They hold up better throughout a rough day compared to other fabrics.
one person who lived it
Keep a coat and umbrella in your car if weather can change dramatically between home and work locations.
One person noted that even with an hour commute, weather has been several times dramatically different at work than at home.
one person who lived it
Occasionally dress formally in a casual office environment to signal that you might be interviewing elsewhere.
You will stand out less if or when you are interviewing for other jobs.
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Ask colleagues to change clothes in private spaces like bathrooms rather than shared offices.
It is proper workplace etiquette and respects boundaries.
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Dress nicer than usual when hungover to distract colleagues from noticing your condition.
Nicer clothes draw attention away from hangover symptoms.
- Some people prefer to blend in and deviate as little as possible from their regular appearance because others are perceptive.
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Focus on changing undergarments over outer clothes if you are sweaty, as they retain moisture longer.
Shirts dry out more quickly than undergarments.
one person who lived it
Keep closed-toe shoes in your car if you wear sandals, as some jobs prohibit open-toed footwear for safety.
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Ask the interviewer or hiring manager what attire is appropriate for the interview.
A manager offended by this question is likely inexperienced and not worth working for.
one person who lived it
Overdress rather than underdress for social events like birthday parties.
Being the only person overdressed looks better than being the only one underdressed.
2 people, independently