What to wear on your first day at a new job
Dress one notch smarter than the team’s everyday look, in clothes you have worn before and that fit well. Ask HR or your manager about the dress code, then choose a plain jacket, a clean shirt and comfortable shoes.
Three outfits that work
Navy blazer, white blouse, charcoal trousers
- navy blazer
- soft white blouse
- charcoal tailored trousers
- brown loafers
- structured work bag
A blazer over a simple blouse looks prepared, and you can remove it once you see how relaxed the office is.
Navy blazer, light blue shirt, chinos
- navy blazer
- light blue shirt
- beige chinos
- brown leather shoes
- slim work bag
A blazer and chinos land between formal and casual, and you can swap the blazer for a knit if the team dresses down.
Longline blazer, wide trousers, hijab
- navy longline blazer
- white long-sleeved blouse
- charcoal wide trousers
- beige hijab
- black loafers
A long blazer over wide trousers covers the arms and hips and stays comfortable through a day of introductions.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light cotton or linen layers, a jacket for air conditioning and breathable shoes. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Blazer and shirt as planned, with a trench coat if rain is forecast. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm coat for the commute, and a jumper or cardigan for a cold office. |
Do and don’t
- Ask the recruiter or manager about the dress code
- Wear one notch smarter than the everyday look
- Choose clothes you have worn and know fit
- Bring a layer for an air-conditioned office
- Wear anything new that you have not tested
- Wear strong perfume
- Show up in sportswear unless you were told it is the norm
- Dress down on the first day; you can relax later
Check the night before
- Confirm the dress code, start time and where to arrive
- Lay out the outfit, shoes and bag
- Charge your phone and pack your ID and bank details for HR
- Check the route and the weather
- Pack a notebook, pen and a snack
Questions people ask
What should I wear on my first day at work?
Business casual one notch above the team’s everyday look: tailored trousers, a clean shirt or blouse and a plain jacket. Adjust after the first week.
What if I do not know the dress code?
Ask the recruiter, HR or your manager, or look at the company’s social media. If you still do not know, choose smart casual with a blazer.
Is it okay to overdress on the first day?
Yes, it is better than underdressing, and you can remove the jacket. Keep it tidy rather than formal.
Can I wear jeans on my first day?
Only if everyone clearly does. Choose dark, plain jeans with a blazer and clean shoes.
Pick First day at a new job in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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