The way you dress affects the way other people perceive you. In a professional setting, it’s essential to wear the correct attire so you can make a good impression on your peers and superiors. You can use these tips to help you dress for success at work.

10 Tips for Working Women Who Need to Dress Professionally

1. Dress Like Your Boss, Not Your Coworkers

Even if your coworkers dress more casually than your superiors, it doesn’t mean you have to follow their lead. While you should never copy anyone’s style or buy the same outfits, you should follow the dress code of your supervisor. If they wear a blazer every day, you should opt for a blazer over a cardigan. If they forgo jeans on Friday, you should too. Subconsciously, this will send the message that you take your job more seriously than your peers.

2. Wear Clothes That Fit

When you are dressing professionally, you should choose clothing that isn’t too tight or loose—select trousers, skirts, dresses, and blouses that suit your body shape. You should be able to sit, stand, walk, and bend over without buttons popping open or the waistband of your pants digging into your torso. If you find a piece you like that doesn’t fit right, you should have it tailored before wearing it to work.

3. Avoid Revealing Clothing

Shirts and blouses should provide adequate coverage of your cleavage and shoulders. Wearing revealing tops can make you look less professional and capable. Select stylish womens work pants and skirts that have appropriate hemlines. In an office setting, it’s always safest to choose conservative, modest attire.

4. Practice Good Grooming and Hygiene

The best outfit means nothing if your boss can smell you from a mile away. You should shower, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and apply deodorant every morning before you come to the office. Perfume should be kept light so you don’t trigger anyone in the office who may be allergic.

5. Choose the Right Colors

The colors you wear communicate messages about you. In a professional setting, it’s best to choose neutral and pastel colors. White, navy blue, and black give the impression that you are formal and responsible, making them excellent choices for an interview. Once you get the job, you may feel comfortable incorporating soft pinks, blues, and greens to convey your femininity. Neon colors should never be worn in a professional environment.

6. Use Minimal Makeup

Daytime makeup should be light and natural. Avoid dark eyeshadow and lipstick, and select tones that work well with your complexion, such as nude lipstick and neutral eyeshadows. Eyeliner should be avoided when applying professional makeup. If you don’t know how to apply makeup correctly, you can find help online or ask someone to teach you. Nothing looks more unprofessional than poorly applied makeup.

7. Accessorize Appropriately

Jewelry can enhance your professional appearance when worn appropriately. However, it can also be distracting or tacky if misused. Clunky necklaces and costume jewelry should not be worn in the office. Body piercings other than singular earlobe piercings should be removed. Wear a nice watch and a simple necklace to create a polished, upscale look.

8. Pick Proper Shoes

Sneakers, stilettos, boots, and open-toed shoes should not be worn in a professional setting. Dress flats or pumps with a low heel are most fitting for an office setting. Shoes should be clean, polished, and free of damage. The right shoes can tie together your outfit and boost your professional appearance, so don’t neglect this critical detail.

9. Minimize Distractions

Tattoos, body piercings, and unnatural hair colors are distracting and considered unprofessional by many employers. When you are going in for an interview, be sure to cover your tattoos, remove your piercings, and wear a natural hair color. This will keep the interviewer focused on you and your resume instead of your questionable appearance.

10. Don’t Forget the Details

Before you leave your house and head to the office, be sure to check your clothing for dangling threads, wrinkles, lint, and missing buttons. Make sure there are no stains or holes. Check your shoes for dirt and scuff marks before walking into the office from your vehicle. Taking time to correct minor details will prevent you from looking shabby in the eyes of an interviewer or superior.