Do you know the dress standards for your workplace?
When a working woman becomes a mother her role within the workplace, by choice or necessity, can often change. Alterations can occur for reasons such as career redirection, part time employment, redeployment or long periods of time away from the workforce. Once the decision to return to the workplace has been made and childcare arrangements decided, there is also another element that needs to be considered - workplace clothing. Many women returning to the workplace have been removed from it for several months or years and maternity outfits are often the last pieces of clothing that are worn in such an environment.
Similar to the ever-changing shape of the workplace environment, the clothing within it can often seem fluid. But while many offices have changed their workplace policies and now opt for smart casual dress, many have not. If your position within the workplace has changed and/or you have been removed from it for a long time it would be extremely wise to ask someone within your company (preferably a senior staff member working in your area) what the dress standards are for the organization. People are judges on their appearance and if you are trying to fast track your career after time away, dressing appropriately could be a key element to aid this.
Professional attire such as skirts, shirts and pants are considered the norm of most offices, but be wary of fashionable replicas. Shape, size and fabric should all be taken in to account when choosing appropriate work wear. A shirt that fitted your pre-baby body may now bulge at the buttons with breastfeeding breasts. Clothing matters. Appearance matters - especially in the workplace.
