Dress for the Job You Want: Style Tips That Get Results
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What To Wear To A Job Interview: Essentials For Men and Women
Professional Fashion Tips: Elevating Your Everyday Style
Young Professional Wardrobe Essentials
How Can I Improve My Style On A Budget?
What the Statistics Say About Dress Codes and Workplace Culture
Dressing For Success In The Workplace: What Is Appropriate Work Attire?
Style For Career Growth: Internal Promotions And Perception
Simple Fashion Tips For Building Confidence
Bullet Recap: Key Rules To Dress Appropriately For Work
Final Thoughts: Style Is A Tool For Transformation
Stephanie Rumble, renowned fashion stylist and host of the Style for Life podcast, dives deep into the role of personal style in shaping professional success. In episode 22, she unpacks the concept of "dress for the job you want" and delivers insightful, practical advice for women and men preparing for interviews, promotions, or career transitions. Whether you're navigating office politics, dressing for success, or building your confidence from the wardrobe up, this episode is packed with wisdom you can wear. It also showcases how fashion can be a transformative tool, aligning your outer appearance with your inner ambitions.
Learn more about Stephanie’s personalised approach to styling through her personal and commercial styling services, where colour, body shape and wardrobe consultations can help define your signature look.
Why First Impressions Matter
Research shows that first impressions are formed in just 15 to 20 seconds—before you've said a single word. Stephanie reminds us that what we wear plays a huge role in that snap judgement. Visual cues such as fit, grooming, colour, and confidence help others quickly assess our professionalism and potential.
“Style is about everything—it’s not just clothes. It’s how you show up.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
In the workplace, visual presence matters more than many realise. The way you present yourself can be the difference between being seen as ready for leadership or overlooked entirely. Stephanie emphasises that your image needs to match the expectations of the next level up—not just your current role.
For those looking to progress, your wardrobe must communicate confidence, credibility, and alignment with the culture of the job you're targeting. What you wear can speak louder than your words when you're positioning yourself for growth.
What To Wear To A Job Interview: Essentials For Men and Women
Stephanie stresses the importance of dressing appropriately for the moment, the position, and the audience. Job interviews require thoughtful planning—this is not the time to experiment or dress casually. The goal is to show respect for the opportunity and to communicate professionalism before a single question is asked.
Interview outfits for women should strike a balance between polish and authenticity. Choose:
A structured blazer with a tailored shirt or blouse
Well-fitted trousers or a knee-length skirt
Closed-toe shoes with moderate height
Subtle accessories and light makeup
These choices create a refined but approachable look that conveys readiness and attention to detail. They help reflect confidence without overpowering your personality.
Simple corporate attire for men is just as important. Stephanie recommends:
A well-pressed shirt with trousers that fit properly
A clean, structured blazer if the role is corporate
Leather shoes and a coordinating belt
Neutral tones or soft colours over loud patterns
Planning your interview wardrobe in advance avoids last-minute stress and helps ensure your appearance matches the tone of the role and company culture. A thoughtfully styled outfit reinforces your suitability for the position and helps make a strong, lasting impression. In many industries, maintaining a standard of professional corporate attire—such as tailored jackets, pressed shirts, and classic footwear—is still widely regarded as part of a polished and professional appearance.
Professional Fashion Tips: Elevating Your Everyday Style
Stephanie outlines 10 detailed strategies for anyone ready to elevate their look. These professional fashion tips serve as a style foundation that you can build upon regardless of your industry or budget. They're especially useful if you're stuck in a style rut or unsure how to upgrade your workwear.
Here are a few standouts:
Fit is king – even affordable clothes can look expensive when tailored properly
Dark colours (like navy, charcoal, burgundy) project authority and polish
Change your default uniform – subtle upgrades help you stand out without being flashy
Plan ahead – choose outfits the night before to avoid decision fatigue
“Fit is king. Cheap clothes that fit well look better than expensive ones that don’t.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Incorporating these strategies consistently not only improves your appearance but also builds confidence and presence. Dressing intentionally also saves time, energy, and reduces wardrobe indecision, especially on busy mornings.
These tips encourage thoughtful investment in your wardrobe and mindset. They position your personal style as a professional asset, not just a fashion statement.
Young Professional Wardrobe Essentials
For those starting out in their careers, it can be difficult to know what constitutes "professional enough." Stephanie advises building a capsule wardrobe that mixes classic pieces with your personality. This gives you the flexibility to dress confidently across a range of scenarios—from meetings to presentations to casual Fridays.
“Think of yourself in the role you want—and start dressing like you already have it.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Your young professional wardrobe essentials might include:
Two tailored blazers (neutral and coloured)
A pair of structured trousers and/or a pencil skirt
Two button-down shirts or elegant blouses
Closed-toe shoes in black or nude
A professional yet stylish work bag or briefcase
These versatile pieces allow for multiple outfit combinations and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. As your confidence grows, you can build out your wardrobe with seasonal items or statement pieces that reflect your evolving identity.
Think of these staples as the building blocks of a long-term personal brand. With these items in place, you'll feel prepared and presentable no matter what the workday throws your way.
How Can I Improve My Style On A Budget?
Improving your style doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Stephanie believes in quality over quantity and strategic purchases that stretch your wardrobe. With a little planning, you can upgrade your look without overspending—and without compromising on professionalism.
Here are her key tips:
Invest in a wardrobe of good basics: quality trousers, blazers, neutral blouses or shirts
Focus on grooming: clean nails, a current haircut, and a little makeup for women can go a long way
Limit trend-following and instead develop your own timeless, personal style
Buy clothes that fit your current body and alter them if needed
These ideas align well with anyone asking, "how can I improve my style without spending a fortune?" Take it one step at a time and aim for small upgrades that make a big difference in how you feel and are perceived.
Personal style can evolve affordably with intentional choices. Even one well-fitted blazer or a professional handbag can elevate multiple outfits and add polish to your look.
What the Statistics Say About Dress Codes and Workplace Culture
In an ever-evolving professional world, dress codes remain a complex and sometimes controversial issue. Recent workplace surveys and government updates continue to reshape how we think about attire in professional spaces.
In 2021, New Zealand Parliament updated its dress code to remove ties as a requirement for men's business attire, indicating a shift toward modern professionalism (Employsure).
Around 37% of the workforce cited recognition (public or private) as the top driver of engagement, illustrating the importance of being seen—and dressing appropriately plays a part in that perception (Employment Hero).
34% of New Zealand employees said shorts were acceptable at work “any time,” particularly in corporate offices, while another 31% approved conditionally depending on client interaction (Human Resources Director).
Employers are entitled to implement workplace dress standards if justified, but rigid, inflexible policies can backfire or breach employee rights (Employsure).
These findings highlight that professional appearance still matters—but how we define it is changing. A thoughtful approach to dress, tailored to context and role, is more relevant than ever.
Dressing For Success In The Workplace: What Is Appropriate Work Attire?
So, what is appropriate work attire? The answer depends on your workplace culture, industry norms, and aspirations. But across most environments, there are some universal principles.
Stephanie shares:
Observe the people who hold roles above yours—mirror, but don’t mimic
Look put-together: clean, pressed clothes show respect for the job and yourself
Avoid extremes: too casual, too flashy, too revealing, or too outdated
The ability to dress appropriately for work sends a message that you understand and respect both the environment and your role within it. It also shows that you’re serious about progressing.
What you wear shouldn't distract—it should support your goals. This alignment of appearance and ambition is at the heart of effective workplace style.
Style For Career Growth: Internal Promotions And Perception
If you’re already in a role and aiming to move up, it’s time to be strategic. Stephanie breaks down how to align your style for your career progression. Thinking ahead about the perception you want to create is critical when you're positioning yourself for leadership.
Your current role might not require formal clothing, but the one you want likely does. Visual alignment with upper management is key. If you dress for leadership, you signal readiness.
Consider:
What your future role expects in terms of appearance
Whether your values align with the expectations of that level
How to subtly evolve your look over time to avoid sudden shifts
Dressing for success in the workplace isn’t just about what you wear—it’s a mindset. When you treat your appearance as part of your career strategy, others will begin to see you differently, too.
Elevating your look is a form of internal branding. Done well, it reinforces your ambition, professionalism, and readiness to grow.
Simple Fashion Tips For Building Confidence
Confidence is built from consistency. These simple fashion tips from Stephanie can help you look polished without stress:
Keep your clothes laundered, pressed, and in good condition
Stick to styles that fit your lifestyle and body
Use accessories to express personality in a subtle way
Every outfit is a message. Developing personal style is about curating a wardrobe that works with your lifestyle and values while still helping you stand out for the right reasons. Over time, those small, consistent improvements in how you dress create a ripple effect in how you’re treated and how you feel.
“If you don’t like ironing—don’t buy clothes that need ironing.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
Simple changes—like updating your glasses, wearing clean shoes, or refreshing your go-to outfit—can make a big impact on your presence and self-belief.
Bullet Recap: Key Rules To Dress Appropriately For Work
Plan outfits in advance to reduce stress
Prioritise fit over brand names
Choose darker neutrals to convey authority
Keep grooming neat and current
Avoid excessive trends or overly casual attire
Maintain hygiene and cleanliness at all times
Update eyewear and accessories regularly
Dress for the role above yours, not the one you're in
Following these clothes to wear to work guidelines ensures you’re always putting your best foot forward. These aren’t just fashion rules—they’re tools for professional success and self-expression.
Keeping these principles in mind will help you dress with intention and confidence every single day.
Final Thoughts: Style Is A Tool For Transformation
Stephanie Rumble’s insights in this episode of the Style for Life podcast go far beyond surface-level fashion advice. Dressing well is a form of self-respect. It helps others see your potential before they even hear you speak.
Whether you're navigating a career change, going for an interview, or seeking promotion, how you show up matters. Your wardrobe becomes your calling card. The choice to dress for the job you want is about alignment—with your future self, your values, and the professional life you aspire to.
Use Stephanie's professional fashion tips as a guide to craft your personal brand from the outside in. With the right tools, you won’t just look the part—you’ll become it.
If you’re looking to bring this same level of intentionality into your team or workplace, Stephanie also delivers education and workshops focused on confidence, professionalism, and communication. These sessions are ideal for businesses wanting to support their staff’s development from the inside out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “dress for the job you want” really mean?
It means dressing in a way that aligns with the position or level you’re aiming for—not just the one you're currently in. People often make snap judgments based on appearance, and looking the part helps reinforce the impression that you're ready to take on more responsibility. It’s not about being flashy, but about presenting yourself in a polished, intentional way that fits the expectations of your next role.
What are the biggest mistakes people make with work attire?
Common mistakes include wearing clothes that don’t fit properly, sticking to outdated pieces, or ignoring grooming. Another issue is dressing too casually in environments where polish matters, especially when aiming for a promotion. Stephanie also notes that many people default to the same outfit formula every day, which can come across as tired or lacking in effort.
How do I start building a career-appropriate wardrobe?
Start with a few high-quality basics—like tailored trousers, a good blazer, and classic shoes—that fit well and suit your role or industry. From there, build a capsule wardrobe that makes it easy to mix and match. If you're unsure where to begin, a wardrobe audit or style consultation can help identify what you already own that works and what gaps to fill. Bright Red offers services to help with exactly this.
Is professional grooming really that important?
Yes, grooming plays a huge part in your overall impression. Clean, styled hair, tidy nails, and appropriate makeup (if applicable) all signal that you take pride in your appearance—and by extension, your work. Stephanie shares that even subtle grooming changes can dramatically shift how people are perceived professionally.
What if my workplace doesn’t have a clear dress code?
When in doubt, dress slightly more professionally than the average standard in your office. Observe what people in senior roles are wearing and use that as a benchmark. If you’re still unsure, Stephanie recommends building a wardrobe that’s versatile enough to dress up or down depending on the occasion.
How does clothing impact confidence at work?
When you wear something that fits well and feels right, it can change your mindset. Confidence increases when you’re not worrying about your appearance. Stephanie emphasises that dressing with intention isn’t just about impressing others—it’s about how it makes you feel, which has a direct impact on your performance and presence.
Can I still follow trends while dressing professionally?
Yes, but sparingly. Stephanie suggests using trends as accents—not as the foundation of your work wardrobe. A trendy blouse or accessory can add personality to an otherwise classic look. But overly trendy items can quickly date your outfit or come across as unprofessional in more conservative settings.
Is it worth investing in style help or a wardrobe consult?
Absolutely—especially if you're transitioning roles or feel stuck in a style rut. A professional can help you shop smarter, dress more confidently, and save time by eliminating guesswork. Stephanie Rumble’s styling services are designed to help individuals dress with confidence and purpose, both in life and career.
How should I dress for a promotion or leadership role?
You’ll want to elevate your wardrobe to match the visual tone of those already in leadership, without overdoing it. Think structured pieces, darker tones, and well-fitted garments that convey authority. It's about subtle sophistication, not making a loud statement. Stephanie talks about taking cues from those above you and integrating that into your look.
What role does body language and appearance play together?
They work hand-in-hand. Dressing well gives you the confidence to stand taller, speak more clearly, and take up space. Stephanie notes that when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your posture and energy—two things that are key to making lasting impressions in professional settings.
