The classic advice is that clothes make the man or woman. When you land a position as an executive assistant, you’ll need a few essential items to carry you through days working with your employer at his or her home or office. Not sure what outfit pieces you should choose? Here are few elements to focus on.
Go for understated style
Executive assistants may be responsible for scheduling daily events and for completing errands – and they’ve got to look professional no matter where they go. They are a representation of their employer in any given setting. Take a page from Vogue editors, who believe in sophisticated fashion choices.
“I think it’s best to keep the outfit simple, with no designer logos and nothing too loud and bright. It’s important to be comfortable and feel like yourself all while dressing for the job in question. Nothing you wear to an interview should be too loud or over-the-top, but should definitely show some personality,” said Brooke Ely Danielson, the accessories editor for Vogue.
Focus on high-quality items
You don’t need to have endless numbers of tops, skirts, pants and jackets – especially if the materials are thin and will easily show their wear. In a separate article, Sam Greenberg, who is the personal assistant to Beyonce, insisted on buying clothing that is high-quality. She noted that she feels proud of her wardrobe. You don’t have to purchase designer label items, simply look at the tags for fabric content: Check for all-natural fibers like cotton, silk and linen.
“The more fiber there is, the more likely it’s going to last longer,” said Timo Rissanen, an assistant professor of fashion design and sustainability at Parsons School of Design in New York.
While these pieces may cost more, they can last longer all year round. And this same advice goes for footwear!
Aim for more professional attire
If you’re not sure what type of outfit to wear when you first begin your job as an executive assistant, it’s better to dress more formally. The Balance suggested showcasing your professionalism by wearing business formal attire, instead of business casual.
Working as an executive assistant can be a great way to help your employers in their day-to-day lives. In order to succeed, dressing for the part is essential.