Do you dress up for work?

[teeminus8]

Im very early career in a London university, and I've started to dress up on days I'm going in (tiny bit make up, hair tamed, proper shoes etc). I'm starting to resent the mental energy I give to thinking what will I wear on this day, and I need to buy X or Y.

I'm not extravagant by any means, but I'm annoyed I need a summer blazer- but also appreciate I shouldn't show up department wide talks in a t-shirt and shorts.

My HOD is a lovely lady in her 70s and she walks around in her normal biking into work clothes, and I wish we all could. I do know she's earned that in a way and in a league of her own.

Anyways how much do you 'dress up'? Do you think it adds to your career? If I could see the positive benefits I might not be so resentful!

Yes, I am always smart. I think it has helped my career. I don't go mad in suits but I would never wear jeans to work. Usually smart trousers and brogues, for example, or a dress in this heat

I do also go in most / all days and the combination of this means I get put forward for things, invited to faculty-wide or university-level meetings, suggested for talks etc. I am there, visible, looking put together

I don't know why you are resentful, by the way. starting an exciting career doing something you love is a good time in your life. So what if you need to wear a blazer? most jobs require a uniform or a specific style of dress. Buy two nice work outfits from charity shops and save resentment for something worth it

Dressing a certain way for work is pretty normal OP-why do you resent it? I work in HE too and dress smartly when I’m at work. At home I’m usually found in jeans and plaid shirts.

in terms of 'mental energy', buy two complete outfits and just wear them on rotation for ever. three if you go into work every day.

I generally wear a smart dress on days where I’m teaching, but not always on days when I’m just working in my office. Nobody bats an eyelid at people wearing jeans.