Dressing for Your Job: One Size Does Not Fit All

While it is true you only have one chance to make the right first impression, what you wear to work will depend greatly on your company and position. Business suits, ties, button-down collars, bow-tie blouses, and nylons are not suitable for every setting. However, that does not mean you should be going to work looking like you threw on something you just pulled out from the bottom of your laundry basket.

Celebrity chic and shabby chic may not be the same thing, but they do have something in common: this type of clothing is probably not appropriate for work. And while your company may not have a formal dress-code policy, that doesn't mean you have to be a slob on the job.

Keep in mind that every organization and most industries have their own culture. Banking, finance and insurance industries are rather button-down, low-key and conservative; while entertainment, gaming and dot.com are generally more trendy and relaxed. Parts of the country vary greatly, too. Northeast is more conservative than the Southwest.

If you are getting ready for your first day on the job and are still not sure how to dress, here are some things to consider.

Think about Your First Interview

When it comes to the interview process, you can always ask the person who sets up the interview to give you a heads up on the dress code. Otherwise, you are better off dressing conservatively.

Once in the door, look at what your potential future co-workers are wearing. Not only will it tell you a lot about what you will be expected to wear in the future, you will get a sense of the company culture. Dockers and Ed Hardy are a lot different than Armani and Hugo Boss.

Check with the Policy Police

Many employers have basic written policies about what is and is not appropriate clothing to wear to work. Seek out your human resources department and ask if there is a policy and if not, what they deem appropriate.

Things like tee-shirts with offensive words or pictures, tank tops and see-through garments are never embraced. However, jeans and work boots might be appropriate if you are headed to a construction site. Consider your environment.

And if you find your new employer does not offer any advice, avoid flash and trash. Consider simple, well-tailored and elegant lines in neutral tones with a pop of color.

For men, dress slacks in blue, black, grey and brown and traditional pale shirts of white, blue, and beige will get you started. You may eventually find that other colors - soft yellow, pink and lavender - and stripes are equally suitable. More conservative environments will also require suits and ties. And don't forget polished dress shoes, not sneakers.

For women, knee-length skirts with jackets or sweaters and pantsuits. Tops should be button-up blouses or plain shells. Keep the jewelry and makeup simple. And avoid four inch heels.

Emulate Who You Want to Be

Your appearance can make or break your credibility. If you look like you belong on the street, no one is going to take you seriously. And don't forget that people are sizing you up all the time. Style really does matter. How you dress tells your boss how you see yourself and your job.

If you are interested in furthering your career, then it is important to dress like who you want to be. Look at Donald Trump. He's always impeccably pulled together. Get noticed for the great quality of your work not the poor quality of your appearance.

The clothing does make the person. That doesn't mean you have to spend your entire paycheck on a new wardrobe. It just means you need to dress appropriately for your job.