You finally got the offer. You signed the papers and passed the background check. Now you have to show up. The night before is usually full of nerves. You look at your closet and nothing feels right. Figuring out what to wear on a first day of a new job is often the most stressful part of starting. You want to look like you belong but you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. I’ve been there myself. I once showed up to a tech startup in a full three piece suit while the CEO was wearing a hoodie and flip flops. I felt out of place for the whole week. You can avoid that feeling by doing a little bit of homework before your alarm goes off on Monday morning.
Research the company culture first
Before you pick out a single shirt, you need to know the vibe of the office. Every company has a personality. Some are formal and some are very relaxed. The best way to figure this out is to look at their social media pages. Check out their LinkedIn or Instagram. Look for photos of the team in the office. If you see people wearing t-shirts and jeans in every photo, you probably shouldn’t show up in a blazer. If the photos show everyone in crisp white shirts and ties, then you know you need to step it up. You can also check out LinkedIn to see what people in similar roles at that company are wearing in their profile pictures.
If you’re still not sure, you can always ask. It’s perfectly fine to email the recruiter or the person who hired you. You can say something like, I’m really excited to start on Monday. Could you let me know what the typical dress code is for the office? They won’t think you’re silly for asking. They’ll think you’re prepared. Most people appreciate that you care enough to fit in from the start.
Specific styles for what to wear on a first day of a new job
Most offices fall into one of three buckets. Knowing which bucket your new job fits into makes choosing your outfit much easier. Here is a breakdown of what to look for in each category.
Business Professional
This is the most formal level. You see this a lot in law firms, big banks, and high level government jobs. For men, this means a suit and tie. Stick to neutral colors like navy blue, charcoal grey, or black. Your shirt should be white or light blue. Make sure your shoes are polished and match your belt. For women, a pantsuit or a skirt suit is the standard. You could also wear a professional dress with a blazer over it. Keep jewelry simple and avoid anything too loud or distracting.
Business Casual
This is the trickiest category because it means different things to different people. In general, it means no jeans but no suits either. For men, chinos or dress pants with a collared shirt are the way to go. You don’t need a tie. You can add a sweater or a sport coat if you want to look a bit sharper. For women, you can wear blouses, sweaters, or dressy tops with slacks or skirts. Many people also wear dark wash jeans with a nice blazer in business casual offices, but I’d save the jeans for your second or third day just to be safe. You can learn more about the history of these standards on Wikipedia.
Smart Casual or Tech Casual
This is common in creative agencies and tech companies. You can wear jeans here, but they should be clean and have no holes. Pair your jeans with a nice polo, a button down, or a high quality sweater. Avoid graphic tees with jokes or band logos on your first day. You want to look relaxed but still like a professional who is there to work. Even if the office is very casual, showing up in a hoodie on day one might be a bit too much. Try to be the best dressed version of casual.
The one step up rule
If you’re stuck between two outfits, always pick the slightly nicer one. It’s much better to be a little bit overdressed than underdressed. If you show up in a suit and everyone else is in sweaters, you can just take off your jacket and tie. Now you’re in business casual. But if you show up in a t-shirt and everyone else is in suits, you can’t really fix that on the fly. Being slightly better dressed shows respect for the job and the people who hired you. It shows you’re taking the opportunity seriously.
This rule also helps with your confidence. When you know you look good, you act with more certainty. You’ll be meeting a lot of people and shaking a lot of hands. You don’t want to be thinking about your wrinkled shirt while you’re trying to remember your new boss’s name. You want your clothes to be the last thing on your mind once you walk through the front door.
Don’t forget about the small details
Your clothes are only half of the equation. People notice the small things too. Make sure your clothes are clean and have no wrinkles. If you don’t own an iron, a handheld steamer is a great investment for your career. Check for loose threads or missing buttons. These things might seem small, but they contribute to the overall image you present to your new team.
Shoes are another big detail. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be clean. If you’re wearing leather shoes, give them a quick wipe. If you’re wearing sneakers in a casual office, make sure they aren’t the ones you use to mow the lawn. Your bag or briefcase should also be in good shape. You’ll be carrying your laptop or notebook around all day, so make sure your bag looks professional and isn’t falling apart at the seams.
Grooming matters just as much as the fabric you wear. Make sure your hair is neat. If you have facial hair, trim it up. If you wear makeup, keep it fairly natural for the first few days until you see what others are doing. You want people to focus on your skills and your personality, not your bold neon eyeliner or your messy hair.
What to wear for remote first days
If you’re starting a remote job, you still need to think about your outfit. Even if you’re sitting in your living room, you’ll likely be on video calls all day. You should still follow the same rules from the waist up. Wear a nice shirt or a blouse. It helps you get into a work mindset. Plus, you never know if a senior executive will hop on a call to welcome you. You don’t want them to see you in your pajamas. Also, avoid busy patterns that might look weird on a webcam. Solid colors usually look best on screen.
Getting dressed also helps you separate your home life from your work life. When you put on your work clothes, your brain knows it’s time to focus. When the day ends and you change back into your lounge clothes, it helps you relax. It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference in how you feel about your new role.
Preparation the night before
The morning of a new job is usually chaotic. You might be worried about traffic or finding the right building. Don’t add clothing stress to that list. Pick out your entire outfit the night before. This includes your socks, your belt, and your shoes. Try everything on to make sure it fits and you feel comfortable in it. There’s nothing worse than realizing five minutes before you leave that your favorite pants have a stain on them.
Check the weather forecast too. If it’s going to rain, make sure you have an umbrella and a coat that looks okay over your outfit. If it’s going to be hot, pick fabrics like cotton or linen that breathe well. You’ll likely be walking around the office a lot for tours, so comfort is a real factor. You might also want to read about what to bring to your first day of work so you have your bag packed and ready to go.
Once you have your outfit ready, put it on a hanger and leave it somewhere easy to grab. This saves you time and brain power in the morning. You can use that extra time to eat a good breakfast or look over your notes about the company one last time. You want to arrive at the office feeling calm and ready to learn. Knowing exactly what to wear on a first day of a new job takes a huge weight off your shoulders.
After your first day, you can adjust. You’ll see what your coworkers are wearing and you can match their style for the rest of the week. But for that first morning, stick to the plan. Be professional, be clean, and be yourself. You already did the hard work of getting the job. Now you just have to show up and do it. If you’re feeling nervous about other parts of the start, you might want to check out how to introduce yourself to new coworkers to make those first meetings easier.
Deciding what to wear on a first day of a new job shouldn’t ruin your sleep. Pick something that makes you feel confident and professional. Once you’re through the door, your clothes won’t matter as much as your attitude and your willingness to learn. Good luck on your first day. You’re going to do great.