In the evolving work culture, where tech companies have normalized hoodies and startups boast a casual “wear what you want” approach, one might wonder: does what you wear to work really matter anymore? The simple answer is yes, but it’s more nuanced than it used to be. While traditional office environments once demanded strict dress codes, the modern workplace has begun to embrace individual expression and comfort over uniformity. However, regardless of how relaxed dress codes might become, your wardrobe still communicates important messages to those around you, and in some cases, it can influence your professional opportunities.

The Historical Importance of Workplace Attire

Historically, what you wore to work was almost as important as the work itself. In the early 20th century, a man walking into a corporate job without a suit and tie would have been unthinkable, and women were expected to adhere to conservative, professional attire that mirrored their male counterparts in formality. These rigid dress codes were part of a broader societal norm where clothes symbolized professionalism, discipline, and class.

Fashion was not just a reflection of professionalism but of status. Formal workwear allowed people to blend into a structured system, demonstrating loyalty and respect to the company’s culture. This concept, known as “power dressing,” emerged most notably in the 1980s, where professionals donned sharp suits to convey authority, credibility, and capability. Women in corporate jobs adopted power suits that mimicked the structure of men’s suits, showcasing their seriousness and ambition.

Over time, however, the shift from manual labor to knowledge-based industries began to chip away at the formality of workplace attire. Tech companies, in particular, spearheaded this change. The arrival of tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, who emphasized innovation over appearance, began to shift the narrative. Soon, Silicon Valley’s laid-back culture normalized a casual, even eccentric, dress code that would have once been unheard of in other industries.

Casual Workplaces: Are Formal Dress Codes Disappearing?

In the last two decades, many companies have followed Silicon Valley’s lead, moving toward more casual dress codes. The popularity of “Casual Fridays,” which started as a once-a-week event, slowly evolved into full-time casual or business-casual work environments. Many industries, especially creative, media, and tech began to embrace the idea that talent, not attire, was the most important measure of a professional.

But even in these more relaxed environments, the clothes you choose to wear still matter. How you present yourself visually remains part of the impression you give others, and whether consciously or not, people still make judgments based on appearance. According to a study conducted by Professor Karen Pine of the University of Hertfordshire, the clothes you wear can affect not only how others perceive you but also how you feel about yourself. The study found that individuals who wore formal business attire reported feeling more confident and authoritative. In contrast, when participants dressed casually, they described feeling more laid-back and less focused.

So, even in a casual work environment, clothing can signal different intentions, competencies, or professional identities. This is especially relevant in industries that require regular client interaction. A designer at a trendy startup may dress casually on regular office days, but when meeting with clients, they might opt for a more polished look, signaling respect and seriousness about the business relationship.

The Influence of First Impressions

First impressions play a critical role in the workplace, and like it or not, what you wear is often the first thing people notice about you. Research from the Social Psychological and Personality Science journal has shown that people can form impressions about someone’s competence and confidence within seconds of seeing them. This snap judgment extends to how well you’re dressed and whether your attire aligns with the environment you are in.

In the context of job interviews or meetings with higher-ups, dressing appropriately can set the tone for how you are perceived. In these scenarios, formal attire can act as a non-verbal cue that signals respect for the occasion and shows that you take the meeting or interview seriously. Many recruiters still report that they expect job candidates to dress formally for interviews, regardless of whether the company has a casual dress code for its employees.

The Harvard Business Review has cited multiple studies highlighting how people’s attire impacts how they are judged in professional settings. One such study by Michael Kraus of Yale University found that individuals who wore suits were perceived as more powerful and capable than those in casual wear. Interestingly, the same study noted that participants who wore formal clothes also felt more in control and more likely to engage in abstract thinking, critical qualities in leadership and decision-making.

Workplace Attire and Gender

Another layer of complexity to workplace attire is gender. Traditionally, men and women have had different expectations regarding how they should dress for work. While men’s work attire has largely stayed consistent, suits and ties for formal environments, business casual for less formal spaces, women have navigated a more complex set of expectations. Throughout history, women’s workwear has been scrutinized for how it conforms to or challenges societal expectations of professionalism and femininity.

For women in leadership roles, clothing choices can be even more heavily judged. Women leaders, particularly in male-dominated industries, often face the dilemma of wanting to express authority without sacrificing femininity or appearing too “masculine.” A study by Catalyst showed that women, especially in leadership, are more likely than men to be judged for their appearance, with expectations to strike a balance between professionalism, approachability, and authority.

For instance, Hillary Clinton’s use of pantsuits became a notable point of discussion during her political career, with her attire being interpreted as a means of appearing competent, relatable, and powerful. The scrutiny women face for their clothing choices often underscores deeper societal pressures related to gender and professionalism.

In contrast, the rise of casual work environments has allowed more flexibility in dress, which can empower women to break away from these restrictive norms. Casual attire, when done right, can also challenge outdated notions of professionalism by focusing on skills and contributions rather than appearance.

Dressing for Remote Work: Does It Matter If No One Can See You?

The rise of remote work and flexible working arrangements has led to a new question: if you’re working from home and no one can see you, does it still matter what you wear? For many, the answer has been to embrace ultra-casual, comfortable attire for work-from-home days, leading to the infamous “Zoom shirt” phenomenon where professionals pair casual bottoms with a more professional top for virtual meetings.

Interestingly, while no one might be physically present to see what you’re wearing, the impact of your attire on your productivity and mindset can still be significant. Studies suggest that people who maintain a certain level of formality in their dress, even while working from home, report feeling more focused and productive compared to those who remain in loungewear all day.

Fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen has noted that “mood enhancement dressing” can have a psychological impact. When you dress in a way that makes you feel confident or put-together, it can influence your mood, mindset, and even how seriously you take your tasks for the day. Wearing professional attire, even at home, can help create mental boundaries between work and personal life, which is increasingly important in a remote work setup where those boundaries can easily blur.

Balancing Individuality and Professionalism

As workplaces become more relaxed about dress codes, there’s more room for individual expression through clothing. In creative industries especially, employees are often encouraged to embrace their unique styles as a reflection of their creativity. But even in these environments, there’s a fine line between self-expression and maintaining a level of professionalism. Dressing too casually can sometimes give the impression of not taking the job seriously, while being too formal might signal that you’re out of touch with the company culture.

For many professionals, especially younger generations, finding a balance between individuality and professionalism is key to workplace satisfaction. According to a survey by OfficeTeam, millennials are more likely to appreciate casual dress codes and value companies that allow them to dress in a way that reflects their personalities. However, the same survey revealed that many workers, regardless of age, believe there’s still a time and place for formal attire, such as client meetings or important presentations.

So Does What You Wear To Work Still Matter?

The way you dress for work is no longer as rigidly prescribed as it once was, but it still carries significant weight. Whether we like it or not, clothing is part of the non-verbal communication we engage in daily at work. While casual dress codes may be more widespread, what you wear continues to influence first impressions, professional interactions, and even your own mindset.

The key is understanding the culture of your workplace and the expectations of your industry. Whether it’s a tech startup where hoodies are the norm or a corporate environment where formal attire is expected, your clothes are an extension of your professionalism and personal brand. Dressing appropriately for the situation while still embracing elements of your personal style can help you navigate the modern workplace with confidence and ease.