So you’ve just got your first job as a receptionist. Well done! No doubt you’re excited, and perhaps a little nervous, but you know you’ve got the skills and you’re keen to get started. But…what should you wear as a new receptionist?
Sometimes it is these seemingly small decisions that can be totally overwhelming. It’s silly, you’ve trained, you’re certified, you’re an excellent people person, but you just can’t think what outfit to put on for your first day!
So let’s break it down a little, and look more closely at what you should be wearing in your new job as a receptionist…
Find out if there is a dress code or a uniform
First of all, you should simply ask.
It may be that the business you’re going to be working for provides a uniform, and then that is your problem solved, you have no choice but to wear the outfit you’re provided with.
Even if you’re not keen on the uniform, it does solve a lot of problems and having to wear a uniform comes with a lot of benefits
For one, you won’t have to decide what to wear, and you don’t risk being reprimanded for wearing the wrong clothing! When you’re given a uniform, you’re saving both time and money shopping for workwear, which can be expensive. and for many, a pretty boring job. When your outfits are provided, all you’ll need to add are your undergarments, which requires no extra thought, and shoes, which we’ll mention in more detail later in this article.
If the company doesn’t provide a uniform, they may still have a policy regarding what you can wear to work, so it’s important that you find out about this in advance, to save you spending money buying unsuitable clothing, or feeling embarrassed when you turn up inappropriately dressed.
So if there are guidelines, follow them to the letter, but if there isn’t, you need to use your common sense.
Consider the type of business you’re working for
Think about the job you’re going into and what will be expected of you.
You would be safe to assume that the outfit you’d be expected to wear working as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic would differ from that of a receptionist on the front desk of a 5-star hotel.
While both will need to be smart and clean, for one, a polished, ultra-professional appearance will be vital, and for the other, an outfit that’s hard-wearing and easy to wash after all those doggos come to say hello is perhaps a priority. An expensive, dry-clean only suit would not be conducive in such a role!
Think smart, and bear in mind your budget
It’s obvious that your outfit needs to be smart and spotlessly clean.
All clothing deteriorates over time and can begin to look scruffy, so it’s likely you’ll need to replace your work clothing more frequently than you would your casual clothes.
When you score your dream job as a receptionist, it can be tempting to rush out and treat yourself to an expensive designer suit so you truly look the part, but is your salary high enough to keep up that trend?
It may be wiser to shop cheaper, so you can afford to replace items more often, to ensure your outfits always look crisp and new.
Look for low-care items
Getting ready for your new job is exciting, but the novelty will wear off eventually, especially when you’re preparing your work outfits on your precious weekends or early in the morning.
Keep this in mind when you’re shopping for work clothes. Do you really want to wear shirts that are very difficult to iron, or trousers that have to be dry-cleaned?
Being a receptionist is busy work, and you may be working long hours. Are you sure you want to spend your free time ironing or taking your clothes to the dry cleaners? Low-care clothing saves a lot of time and effort.
Keep it simple and respectable
Classic styles and colors will suit any work environment, and you’ll always look professional.
Unless you’re absolutely sure it’s appropriate, you should avoid particularly garish colors and patterns. While there may not be a formal dress code, it may be presumed that you’ll dress in appropriate, smart, neutral workwear.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, opt for something fairly conservative to begin with until you know what is expected. So leave the mini skirts and crop tops at home and go for something classic, like a shirt, neatly pressed, teamed with an elegant trouser suit or knee length skirt.   Â
Comfortable shoes are essential
Standing behind a reception desk can take its toll on your back and feet. Even if you are provided with a chair to sit on, this type of work is busy and it’s likely you’ll be on your feet more than not.
If you have an image of a super-stylish receptionist power-dressing in high-heeled shoes, we urge you to think again before you go down this route!
Save the stilettoes for the work’s Christmas party and wear sensible flat shoes for work. Comfort is everything, and wearing the wrong shoes can actually damage your feet and back over time.
You should also ensure that your shoes fit perfectly. If you usually simply grab a pair off the shelf, you might want to take a little longer choosing your work shoes and go to a store that properly measures your feet to ensure they are the perfect fit for you.
While we have already mentioned perhaps skipping the designer workwear if you’re on a budget, one place you shouldn’t compromise is on your footwear. Breathable, comfortable, well-fitting shoes are worth their weight in gold and will make all the difference to your day.
Don’t forget your hair
So far we’ve focused on clothes, but what about your hair?
Of course, your hairstyle also needs to be smart and tidy, so if your hair is unruly, you’ll need to tame it with products or tie it back if it’s long enough.
Don’t start your first day with wild hair! The same applies to facial hair. If you have a beard or moustache, make sure it’s also neat and tidy.
What’s the most important thing to wear?
There’s one thing that sits head and shoulders above everything else though. What is this ultimate workwear? Easy… it’s your smile! It doesn’t matter so much what clothes you’re wearing, if you’re meeting and greeting customers with a friendly welcome and a delightful smile!
