Starting a stressful finance career as an investment banker and have no idea what you’re supposed to wear? Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place to uncomplicate workwear and get down to business. Thinking about what to wear to work should never be more stressful than the job itself.
Trends come and go, but classics are here to stay, especially when it comes to the office. On our quest to find what to wear for work, we’ve learned that what to wear in a formal finance setting has caused much stress for many. When it comes to dressing for success at an investment bank, it’s especially important to stick to timeless classics that will help you to dress the part. Overall, it’s best to stick with suits over dresses, neutral colors, simple accessories, and timeless basics. This will ensure you don’t stand out amongst the banking crowd, allowing for your skillset, hard work, and determination to shine and be the sole reason you stand out at your firm
Below, five quick tips to keep in mind when putting your best foot forward when getting dressed for your investment banking career:
1) In almost all cases, wear a suit. Skirt suit, dress suit, or pantsuit? It’s up to you.
Opt for the most traditional, formal attire when it comes to dressing for an investment banking firm. When it comes to choosing among a skirt, dress, or pant suit - the choice is yours. Just make sure the blazers match and that the skirt or dress fit correctly. Avoid anything higher than a fingertip away from the knee, as the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable at work. You will never go wrong when pairing a timeless black skirt suit with a crisp, collared blouse. Check out our Suite Skirt and 24/7 Blazer from our capsule collection to give you the foundation of your law work wardrobe.
2) Opt for a standard black, gray, or navy.
Make smart first impressions and put your best foot forward by dressing the part of the role you want. In the case of being an investment banker, stick to suits with solid, neutral colors like navy, gray, or black. The point is not to be flashy or noticeable, but to look professional and respectable.
3) Timeless, seasonless blouses do the trick.
When it comes to blouses, avoid anything sheer, patterned, or low-cut to ensure it’s not distracting. By sticking to classic colors like white, black, or beige, you’ll have an option to wear with every suit you own. Comfort is also key here.
4) Simplicity is key when it comes to accessories.
The standard? Shoes? Nice, plain black or beige pumps that aren’t too high or flats are acceptable. Jewelry? Simple necklaces and stud earrings, including pearls or diamonds. Stick with simple, understated pieces that don’t look cheap or costume-y. Bags? Rather than using a normal everyday handbag, carry a leather (or leather-looking) tote bag or women’s briefcase - not only does it give you more room, it helps you stay organized and ready to take on any task.
5) Rely on your natural beauty.
When it comes to makeup, hair, and nails, think clean and fresh. Makeup should be used to enhance your natural beauty. Think simple blushes, mascara, and anything that doesn’t attract attention. Hair should be neat and professional, whether that means in an updo or simply blown out. Nails should be simple. Whether that means trimmed bare nails to red, light pink, or beige being the only colors acceptable, the choice is yours.
Overall, dress simply to let your work shine and don’t let your clothing cloud you. Told you you’d no longer have to stress about what to wear for your investment banking career!
Now in addition to what to actually physically wear, we want you to mentally prepare by always remembering to dress for success. Recent studies have shown us that those who dress more formally for work tend to actually have more confidence, feel more powerful, and are more detail-oriented and results driven than those who tend to not dress up. At Suitably, we offer accessible workwear foundations to those who make smart first impressions. By doing so, we strive to empower women to achieve anything they set their mind to, and it all starts by aiming to dress for success.
Thanks for reading! Good luck at your firm and we can’t wait to see all you accomplish as you start your investment banking career. Feel free to always reach out to hello@suitably.com with any concerns or questions and always remember, success suits you.