On your first day at a new job, they might as well lead you down a catwalk. Not to say we’re all shallow and vain, but we’re all shallow and vain—at least to an extent.

Every meeting and every greeting is your only attempt at a first impression, and whether or not you admit it, everyone in the office is judging everyone.

Put simply, take off those ratty TOMs you so proudly sport. While certain officemates might admire you for buying footwear that benefits someone who can’t afford shoes, they’re making it look like you’re the one who can’t afford shoes.

Even though some pieces of your professional wardrobe might make a bigger dent in your bank account, you had better upgrade your attire now before higher-ups start questioning your hire.

So where do we even begin to address your dress? This infographic is a good start.



In both fairness and full-disclosure, I wrote this wearing flip-flops, a hoodie, and jeans, but I work in editorial. That’s like being exempt, right?

(via Daily Infographic)