Commissioned post

One of the things I love about mainly working from home is the fact I can wear what I want. With no one to impress but myself (and my fashionista three year old) there’s no pressure to don heels or a pair of muffin-top inducing skinny jeans. That said, I do rather like nice clothes, so sometimes the act of getting dressed in something nice is one I quite miss.

Doesn’t stop me buying the odd treat though (hence this recent purchase – a bargain at £12 from Asda George *polishes fashion guru crown*).

And with that frivolous selfie, I’m welcoming the team from Alexandra Workwear to the blog today.

They know that returning to work after having children can often be difficult, especially if you want to look your best at the same time (seriously, getting out of the house is hard enough – let alone brushing your hair). That said, they also know from an employer’s point of view that it’s still important you don’t turn up to work with half-eaten bits of toast stuck to your front.

With that in mind, here’s the advice from Alexandra Workwear on how working parents can look the part:

Practicality first

This is something that most people, especially parents, may have learned by now but it is certainly worth repeating. You should always strive to put practicality first, favouring it over style. This is the argument of function over form. When it comes to your visual appearance, something needs to be practical before being attractive. In other words, ditch the high-heels and fancy footwear and wear safety shoes for work. They can still be smart but you’ll save yourself the hassle of uncomfortable walking and reduce the risk of encountering an injury due to trips or falls.

As much as you want to impress people in the workplace with your appearance, wearing the right footwear is something which can show you dedication to being professional at all times. It’s better to gain respect for being practical and professional then simply look good. Remember that whatever job you’re in you are there to complete a task and employers will not appreciate someone who puts their appearance ahead of completing their duties.

The professional appearance

Additionally, there are times when a professional appearance can help you secure a job – not just retain one. For interviews, you need to look like you could blend into the office so formal, corporate wear is always important. You need to show an understanding of what is expected in the company you’re being interviewed for and this means dressing to impress.

Additionally, if you already have a job, it’s important to maintain this appearance. Raising a family can take time and resources but you should always be prepared to invest in your appearance. Safety shoes and other clothes need not cost that much, but it’s something that you will get plenty of use out of so it’s worth the investment.

There is nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance, especially at work, but you should always remember to be practical and bear health and safety in mind first and foremost.

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Please see my disclosure page for more information. This content was provided by a third party for the purpose of this post.