Several large corporations recently announced they want all team members back to the office five days a week. This shift can be an opportunity to rethink how you show up for yourself, your colleagues, and your clients.

As we head into the new year, it is a great time to assess what you are wearing, how you are showing up, and how your clothes make you feel. Taking time to get dressed with intention can transform your mood, productivity, sales, how others perceive you, and whether or not you are remembered.

After working together, I always love seeing the transformation in my clients—not just in how they look but in how they carry themselves. After a recent presentation, I received a review that captured the essence of this concept: “Thank you for your insightful presentation today. I tend not to think about clothes from other than a practical perspective. You have given me a lot to think about!” The feedback reminded me that so many don’t even think of the clothes they put on. It truly highlights a misconception that what you wear doesn’t matter. Clothes are so much more than just part of your day; they can be a powerful form of communication.

Clothes Are a Form of Communication

Vanessa Van Edwards shared in Cues that 93% of communication is nonverbal, so your outfits can communicate professionalism, creativity, attention to detail, or a lack thereof. Your outfit speaks volumes before you say a word. First impressions, trust, and credibility matter in any business setting, and your wardrobe will either reinforce or undermine your expertise. Choosing to dress intentionally every day will help ensure you align with the message you want to send, which helps create trust with colleagues and clients alike.

Clothes Can Lift Your Mood and Confidence

Do you have pieces you can put on and instantly feel empowered? That’s not a coincidence. What you wear directly impacts your mood and confidence. Even adding specific colors can help lift and alter your mood. The simple act of choosing clothes that fit well, reflect your personality, and align with your goals can shift your mindset and give you the extra bit of courage you need to speak up in meetings or advocate for your ideas.

Clothes Help You Be Recognized and Remembered

It takes less than seven seconds for someone to decide if they know, like, and trust you. Creating a brand with your wardrobe and showing up consistently can be a subtle yet effective way to stand out in a sea of cubicles and boardrooms. Being intentional about your style creates visual cues that help people recognize and remember you. A signature color, a standout necklace, or consistently polished outfits signal reliability and competence, fostering trust over time.

Showing Up Intentionally Encourages Standing Up and Speaking Up

When you are crystal clear about who you are, what you want to be, and where you are going, it can be much easier to dress with intention. When you show up authentically, the confidence that comes from feeling good in your clothes empowers you to own your voice, contribute ideas, and take up space in the room—both literally and figuratively.

Make Getting Dressed Work for You

Here’s the truth: you’re going to get dressed most days anyway. Why not make it count? An intentional wardrobe doesn’t have to mean an expensive or complicated one. It’s about curating pieces that align with your goals and make you feel your best. Think quality over quantity, versatility, and alignment with your personal and professional brand.

Embracing the New Normal

As the return-to-office era evolves, dressing with intention can be your secret weapon for navigating change and seizing opportunities. Instead of being frustrated by your wardrobe, view it as a way to feel empowered. Use your wardrobe as a strategic tool rather than a purely practical necessity—you can choose not to “just show up.” Choose to be intentional and show up in an outfit that feels authentic, on brand, and gives you confidence. Use the ever-changing workplace landscape as an opportunity to reset or refresh your professional image. Dress with intention, and watch how it transforms not just how others see you but how you see yourself.