The concept of dressing in a plus-one manner was something I first came across during my image consulting training. I still remember it clearly a decade later because it is clear and concise and is more about workplace communication than fashion, so it applies to anyone who works with others.
What is Plus-One Dressing?
Plus-one dressing is the concept of being one step dressier, one step up from your workplace average.
For example:
Wearing a smart business-casual button-down shirt when everyone else is wearing polos.
Wearing a better-cut suit in better fabric if everyone else is in cheap suiting.
It matters because “it signals respect, competence, and situational awareness without appearing out of touch or overly formal” (internet wisdom from an unknown author).
It is a modifier of “dress for the job you want,” because showing up to your entry-level post-uni job in Armani suiting when everyone else is in a polo or hoodie can imply that you are out of touch or even arrogant. One of the most important skills at work is being a team player. Dressing gently plus one implies that you will be part of the group but a focused member who takes the job seriously, is still in touch with others, and can set a good example and lead from within the pack.
How to Achieve Plus-One Dressing With Your Workwear
What you do depends partly on your workplace’s existing dress norms and your style preferences.
Sometimes it is as simple as adding a blazer if everyone else is in just a button-up shirt or blouse. This blazer should be in line with your workplace’s overarching dress “genre”:
Creative: Be a bit arty.
Corporate: Keep it conservative in both cut and colour and aim for excellent fabric quality.
Tech casual: Keep the blazer casual and relaxed in some way—a more relaxed cut hanging straight from the shoulders for men, not overly tailored, and in a fabric that says quality without feeling stuffy or overly upwardly mobile. For example, linen in a warmer climate or a wool blend with a little texture (no shine) for a cooler climate.
This is not just good advice for men. A relaxed blazer with good jeans and a white shirt is perfect in many tech environments for women as well.
Plus one does not have to be a literal addition. It can also be a step up in fabric or cut. It could be a silk polo in a polo-shirt workplace, or a really well-cut suit in a workplace where you have to wear a suit and many people choose cheaper, poorly fitted options.
Using Footwear as Plus One
A nice plus-one option that works even when there is a uniform is footwear.
Shoes are a great way to elevate an outfit because the same great pair can be worn in many situations, making this very cost effective.
The same great shoes can be worn to work every day, depending on your tolerance for repetition, which gives you a strong cost per wear.
This matters because you generally do get what you pay for with shoes. Well-made shoes in a good shape help keep your feet healthy in the long term; most people cannot keep squashing their feet into a small toe box without developing painful bunions.
For your shoes to elevate your outfit and act as the plus-one element, they need to be better than the average shoe at work. They should still be fit for purpose, but you can use the following ideas to let your shoes do the work:
When it comes to dresses, the main differences between a casual dress and a work dress usually lie in the fabric, cut, and level of formality. A work dress is typically more structured, made from materials like wool or cotton blends, and adheres to professional standards with modest hemlines and necklines. In contrast, a casual dress is often more relaxed in fit and style, uses lighter or more playful fabrics, and can feature bold prints or shorter lengths that might not be appropriate for the office.
If everyone is in synthetic shoes, you wear leather.
If everyone is already in leather, you choose better leather.
There are many different processes in leather tanning, and you can go plus one by choosing leathers that look more supple and beautiful, that are worked and styled in a more aesthetically pleasing way. You can go all in with handcrafted shoes such as those made by Trippen, and you can also seek out brands that use ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, such as Naot, Ecco, Trippen, and similar makers.
Pulling Plus-One Outfits Together
Several elements come together in putting successful plus-one outfits together.
You need an understanding of what the current workplace norm is and what the next appropriate step up would be. You also need some awareness of current meta-trends so that you stay somewhere within the bell curve of what is currently normal to wear. This does not mean you have to be highly fashionable—unless you love that and can make it appropriate in your workplace. It simply recognises that we all get accustomed to trends.
My extremely non-fashion-focused father wore a blue bell-bottomed suit to his wedding in the 1970s because that was normal then. It is not now, and we want our plus-one outfits to sit within the realm of current normal, which shifts over time. It shifts more slowly for men overall than for women, but it is not static. If you look too dated you will again seem out of touch.
Then there is the skill of combining parts into a coherent whole. This is the stage where people often feel they have a lot of items but no outfits, as they struggle to combine the pieces satisfactorily. A good way to move past this is to find a few people on a social media platform whose style you like and check what they are currently wearing before you go shopping or when you are struggling to put an outfit together.
What is the ultimate guide for an office dress code?
The ultimate guide for an office dress code emphasizes professionalism while allowing personal expression. Key considerations include understanding company culture, choosing appropriate attire like blazers and dress shoes, and accessorizing minimally. Aim for tailored fits in neutral colors to maintain a polished look that reflects your career aspirations.
Work Dress Code Realities at Major Australian Employers
Navigating the work dress code at major Australian employers can often feel like walking a tightrope, balancing personal style with professional expectations. Different industries exhibit varying degrees of formality, with corporate sectors generally adhering to stricter guidelines compared to tech or creative fields that embrace a more relaxed approach. Employers frequently communicate their expectations through formal policy documents, yet the unwritten rules can be just as crucial. For instance, while a tailored suit may be the gold standard in finance, a smart casual outfit could suffice in a marketing firm. Additionally, regional differences across Australia may influence dress codes; for example, while Sydney's corporate world tends to lean towards polished professionalism, workplaces in Melbourne might celebrate a blend of creativity and comfort. Understanding these nuances can help employees project the right image while feeling at ease in their attire, ultimately enhancing their confidence and work performance.