With office wardrobes under scrutiny and social media filled with “Get Ready with Me” videos, UK employees are debating how their outfits impact confidence and workplace perceptions.

instantprint, the largest UK-based online printer has conducted a survey of over 1,000 workers to reveal the challenges of nailing the perfect work look and the hidden messages our clothes send.

Are You Feeling the Pressure of Dress Codes at Work? You’re Not Alone!

We kicked things off by asking survey participants whether their workplace enforces a dress code. Only 45% said their workplace does, and among those, nearly 75% admitted they stick to it. Interestingly, 9% of respondents revealed that they’ve been asked to change or adjust their outfit at some point in their career.

Interestingly, our survey carried out last year on workplace dress codes found that 1 in 5 men said no when asked if they had ever been dress-coded, whereas more than 2 in 5 women said yes. These women also shared that they were asked to change and or cover up by their employer.

Casual vs. Career: 59% Draw a Line Between Workwear and Weekend Wardrobe

We were curious to see how workplace attire compares to personal style, so we asked respondents if their ‘work style’ differs from what they typically wear on weekends or evenings. Over half, 59%, reported having a clear divide between their work wardrobe and casual wear, while two in five are happy to wear the same clothes both inside and outside of work.

Dress to Impress: 91% Say Attire Influences Colleagues’ Perceptions!

Next, we posed the classic question: Do you think dressing for the job you want is important? An overwhelming 88% agreed that how they dress plays a role in achieving career goals.

In fact, wardrobe choices seem to carry significant weight when it comes to perceptions in the workplace. A massive 91% of respondents said they believe what they wear at work influences how they’re perceived by colleagues, whether consciously or subconsciously.

Colour Matters: Nearly 40% Believe Outfit Colors Affect Work Perception!

We also delved into the psychology behind colour choices, asking respondents if they thought the colour of their clothing affects how others see them at work. Nearly 40% believe colour plays a role, while 28% think it can sometimes make a difference. Meanwhile, 32% said they don’t see any connection between colour and perception at work.

Dare to Wear: 6% of Employees Feel Unconfident in Their Work Clothes!

When it comes to confidence, 6% of respondents admitted they don’t feel confident in what they wear to work, while nearly a quarter shared that their confidence is heavily influenced by their outfit choice on any given day.

37% Claim What They Wear Directly Impacts Work Performance!

We also asked if people think their work attire impacts their productivity or mood. A notable 37% said they believe what they wear can directly affect how they feel and perform at work.

40% Have Experienced Different Treatment Based on Work Attire!

Clothing doesn’t just affect how we feel—it can also influence how others treat us. Over 40% of respondents said they’ve noticed a shift in how they’re treated based on their work attire.

Dressing Smartly? Over 70% Say It Could Propel Career Progression

Finally, we asked respondents if they think there’s a connection between clothing choices and professionalism. A strong 73% believe dressing professionally is key to being seen as professional. When asked if dressing smartly could improve their chances of career progression, more than 70% agreed it could give them a boost.

The Social Media Takeover of Office Wear

‘Get ready with me’ (GRWM) videos have taken social media by storm, with influencers and everyday users offering their advice on the best outfits for all occasions, including office wear. However, there’s been a fair share of mockery aimed at those who showcase their so-called “office style” despite having clearly never worked in an office themselves. In fact, the hashtag #officewear has amassed over 2 million posts on Instagram alone, proving just how much attention corporate fashion is getting online.

We decided to dig deeper and ask survey respondents if they struggle to buy clothes for work. Nearly a third admitted they find it difficult—or at least sometimes challenging—to choose the right wardrobe for the workplace.