Whether you’re headed to a job fair, an interview or a networking event, there’s a transition step a lot of veterans overlook: Building a civilian work wardrobe.
In the military, when it came time to make an impression, the wardrobe guidelines were spelled out for you. In the civilian sector, every industry, job, company and geographic region seems to have its own, often unstated, dress code.
Some tendencies exist: Tech companies skew casual (jeans, sneakers, T-shirts), while the East Coast skews more formal (suits, dress shoes) — and sometimes the CEO is the only one who shows up in jeans. Beyond that, the rules are as varied as the companies themselves.
Investing in quality staples, as outlined here, means you’ll always have what you need when an interview or big conversation calls for you to look your best. Until then, you’ll be stylish, confident and comfortable doing the work in front of you.
Before you set out to buy your post-military wardrobe, consider:
1. What Type of Work Are You Pursuing?
If you’re heading into construction, you don’t need a suit. If you’re aiming for Wall Street, a suit is non-negotiable. The work itself dictates your day-to-day wardrobe, and always dress up a notch for the job interview. That construction worker probably won’t wear a navy suit to interview, but a long-sleeve dress shirt shows respect.
Read More: The Hidden Costs of Leaving Active Duty and How to Prepare Financially
2. What’s Your Budget?
Clothing costs can add up fast, so set a wardrobe budget, and stick to it. If you’re going into sales, for example, a few dresses, slacks, blouses and blazers that mix and match will get you further than a closet full of suits, which are less flexible than coordinating separates.
Buy the best you can afford, and budget for upkeep and tailoring while you’re at it. Invest it in quality staples — slacks, shoes, blazers, shirts — and they’ll last you for years.
3. What’s the Climate?
If you’re in a location with real seasons, plan for a bigger wardrobe: waterproof or snow boots, a heavy coat, hats and gloves for winter. In warmer climates, a lightweight raincoat usually covers you.
4. How Much Will It Cost to Maintain?
Quality garments need to be dry cleaned, an expense that can sneak up on you. Where you can, buy pieces (slacks, blouses, sweaters, etc.) that hold up to careful home laundering. Either way, budget for upkeep: resoling shoes, mending and cleaning.
Read More: How Much Should You Keep in Savings vs. Checking?
5. Is It Comfortable?
The sharpest suit or dress won’t help your career if you hate wearing it. If the fabric pulls, rides up or makes you sweat, it’s headed to the back of the closet. Whenever possible, try everything on, make sure it fits and moves the way you need it to, and lean toward natural fabrics (cotton, wool) when you can.
6. What’s Your Style?
Finally, what do you actually like wearing? Do neutrals make you feel put-together? Are you a bold colors and patterns person? Your style is what makes the wardrobe feel like you, so build it in. Just limit the bold statements to accent pieces. Trendy items age fast, and repeat outfits get noticed; staples don’t. That’s what keeps a wardrobe evergreen.
Your wardrobe will evolve as your body, career and job change, and that’s normal. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, plenty of people got used to wearing a nice top paired with pajama bottoms for meetings and video calls, and that habit hasn’t fully gone away at some companies.
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