Not sure what to wear to work? It can be confusing. According to an OfficeTeam survey, 56 percent of employees said they prefer casual dress codes; 41 percent admitted they're unsure about what is office-appropriate dress; and 48 percent would rather wear uniforms.

Metro market manager for OfficeTeam in Central Jersey, Dora Onyschak, says what really surprised her about the survey is that 56 percent of workers ages 18-34 prefer to wear formal attire to work — meaning a suit, neutral colors and conservative footwear.

Onyschak says your attire says a lot about you. She says if there is a company dress code policy you need to abide by it. About 23 percent of employees in the survey say they don't even know if their company has a dress code policy.

"You also need to take a look at what's your manager wearing and your co-workers are wearing. That's the No. 1 way to figure out whether or not what you're wearing is appropriate," says Onyschak.

If you're concerned you're revealing too much, the answer is probably yes. So when in doubt, change.

Onyschak suggests avoid wearing wild colors and patterns. Ask yourself, "Is it attracting attention for the wrong reason? Is it too distracting?" Most workplaces would rather you wear neutral colors and simple patterns. Also, she says, take into account excess jewelry, makeup, too much perfume and cologne.

Not all companies have a relaxed dress code for summer. In fact, according to the survey, only 29 percent of companies actually relax the dress code for summer. So business casual is probably the way to go, says Onyschak. Dresses and skirts with blouses for women and khakis and short-sleeved collared shirts for men are acceptable.

Spaghetti straps, ripped jeans, crop tops, mini skirts, T-shirts, open-toed shoes, flip-flops are all no-nos. Dora's rule of thumb? "If you can wear it to a club, you shouldn't wear it to the office."

Before you leave the house, make sure you do a final check of your clothes, shoes, hair, jewelry and makeup. Make sure you don't have any stains and nothing is wrinkled, she says.

The bottom line, according to Onyschak, is that you need to feel confident in what you're wearing and what you look like. So if you're uncomfortable in your outfit, that will show. Confidence is critical in the work environment.

 

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