What Your Work Wardrobe Might Be Saying About You

Before the pandemic sent many of us home to work in sweats and slippers, I spent years in office buildings watching something unfold that became hard to ignore: how people showed up often revealed just as much about them as how they performed. And no, I don’t mean who wore designer brands or the latest trends—I’m talking about energy. Intention. Message.

While there’s no exact science to this, my years of observation—paired with a heavy dose of field work in human behavior—have taught me that your go-to work style says something. Even now, as hybrid work and field-based roles dominate, I still notice these patterns when we show up for meetings, conferences, trainings, and check-ins.

Let me break it down.

👔 The Conservative Dresser

Blazer. Closed-toe shoes. Neatly pressed slacks. Always polished.

These are often your rule followers. They’re structured, efficient, and rarely get caught slipping. They may not be the first to volunteer for after-work happy hour, but their inbox is clean and their calendar is color-coded. They're the ones that thrive under clear expectations and deliver on time—but can sometimes be inflexible when things go off-script.

🌸 The Free Spirit

Boho blouse, statement jewelry, maybe some Chuck Taylors paired with slacks.

These are the collaborators. The dreamers. The ones who work hard but with a calm, casual vibe. They typically thrive in team environments and prefer autonomy over micromanagement. They’re likely to push the envelope, but not recklessly—more like gently challenging norms with a smile.

🧥 The “I Barely Made It”

Wrinkled shirt, mismatched socks, badge still clipped to the rearview mirror.

These folks are showing up—barely. They’re the ones counting down to payday, to quitting time, or both. If they contribute, it’s usually just enough to not get fired. Energy is low, morale is lower. If they used to care, it doesn’t show anymore. And yes—life might be heavy behind the scenes. But when this becomes a pattern, it often reflects disengagement, not just dishevelment.

💥 The Dress Code Rebel

Jeans when it’s clearly business casual. Crop tops and slogans at mandatory trainings.

They don’t just bend the rules—they break them if they think they can get away with it. Often intelligent, but resentful of authority. You’ll see them testing boundaries in their wardrobe, their work style, and their attitude. The challenge? Their talent might be overshadowed by a need to push limits.

💇🏾‍♀️ Hair Speaks, Too

A fresh fade. Braids laid. Defined curls. Vibrant colors. Clean part.

Hair tells its own story. Those with a consistent personal style are usually intentional. Whether it's a sleek bun or an ever-changing array of color and texture, it reflects someone who values both individuality and control. Meanwhile, the person who shows up with bedhead five days in a row may be waving a subtle white flag—tired, burned out, or disconnected.

🎯 The Mannequin Clone

Always looks like they just walked out of a store window. Nothing out of place.

These are your "play-it-safe" folks. They follow rules to the letter, stay out of office drama, and are rarely on anyone’s radar. Solid workers. Dependable. They may not be the first to innovate, but you can always count on them to do the expected.

🥴 The Try-Hard Miss

Clothes that don’t quite fit the vibe or the dress code. Like they tried… but missed.

This one’s tricky. These are often folks eager to move up. They want recognition. Badly. But they haven't quite found their footing—yet. They’re watching everyone else, trying to mimic success, and sometimes stepping on toes to do it. They're often high-effort, but not always high-impact. Be cautious—they might be watching you next.

A Final Thought

None of this is gospel. There are real factors—like finances, parenting duties, medical challenges, and mental health—that absolutely influence how people show up. But patterns speak. Consistency matters. If you're paying attention, you can often tell who’s just surviving... and who’s strategizing.

As for me, I used to sit back and watch. Now I walk into rooms where what people wear tells me half of what I need to know. And whether it’s polished or punk, predictable or chaotic—I’ve probably seen it before.

Stay rooted. Stay real.🖤 – NL Miles, Field-Based Observer of Everything