Employees are the real MVPs in business. They come to work every day to help business owners reach their goals. If not for their skills, expertise, hard work, and dedication, providing customers/clients with quality products and services would be impossible. That’s why many business owners go the extra mile to reward their team for a job well done.
Public Recognition Goes a Long Way
There are both small and large things that employers can do to show their employees some appreciation. However, none seem to resonate better than public recognition for their efforts. Hosting an employee appreciation awards ceremony is a fantastic way to recognize your employees and their talents to those that mean the most to them.
What to Wear
Whether you’re an employer, the chosen host for the event, or an award recipient, deciding what to wear to the employee appreciation ceremony can cause some confusion. Though you’re off the clock (and likely not on in the workplace), you want to make sure that you dress appropriately for the event. If this happens to be your dilemma right now, here are some fashion tips to help you out.
Check the Invitation
Deciding what to wear to the employee appreciation awards ceremony might be easier than you thought. This is especially true if the event has a dress code or provides clues for you. It may be requested that the guests dress for a black-tie event, wear a certain color, or dress according to a certain theme (i.e. 1920’s, masquerade ball, etc). So, before you get stressed out, read the invitation to see if there are guidelines you need to follow.
Keep it Classy
Though it is an after-hours event and you’re officially off the clock, you shouldn’t go too extreme with your attire. After all, it is still a business-related event. Therefore, wearing things that are too provocative, revealing, or tight should be avoided at all costs. It’s best to keep it classy when deciding what to wear to the ceremony.
Black is Timeless
If you want to wear something that is timeless and classic, you can’t go wrong with the color black. Gentlemen will look dapper dressed in an all-black tuxedo, a black bowtie, a white or black button-up shirt, and a pair of snazzy black dress shoes. Ladies can look equally as stunning in an all-black evening gown paired with some black pumps or strappy sandals and bedazzled jewels for accessories.
Dress for the Time
When is the awards ceremony being held? This can be a huge indicator of what you should wear to the event. For instance, if it was a brunch or lunchtime event, going with business casual fashions seems best. This would mean pencil point skirts and matching blazers, printed knee-length spring dresses and cardigans, or a business pantsuit for women. Guys, on the other hand, would opt for lightweight suits, ties, and loafers, dress pants, a button-up, and a cardigan or sweater vest, or a nice pair of khaki pants and a polo shirt.
If the event was being held at night, however, ladies would wear floor-length evening gowns or knee-length cocktail dresses with matching pumps and fashionable accessories. Men would stick with traditional colored suits like black, navy, gray, and tan with matching button-up shirts and comfortable dress shoes.
Spotlight on Ya
If you’re the MC, an award presenter, or a guest speaker, the spotlight will be on you for a better part of the night. With all the eyes watching you in the audience along with the flashes of cameras snapping and recording, you want to dress to impress. Keeping the above fashion tips in mind, go the extra mile to make your outfit stand out. Ladies might add some personal style by wearing statement jewelry or going with a bold pair of shoes to add a pop of color to their attire. Fellas might flex with a fancy watch, stunning cufflinks, a bold tie and handkerchief, and some snazzy footwear.
It is both an honor and a privilege to receive an award for the hard work you’ve put in each day in the workplace. As an invited guest to such an event, it’s only right that you want to look your best. The above-mentioned fashion tips should be a great start in helping you to narrow down your options so you can turn heads while giving/receiving thanks for a job well done.
