Dressing to impress while staying true to your values and identity.
Gender Identity and Attire: Dressing professionally doesn’t mean fitting into a narrow definition, but you can instead consider basic clothing that feel gender-affirming while meeting professional expectations:
Vests & Blazers
Shirts that align with your style – collared, button-up, etc.
Slacks
Prioritize Clothing that Feels Affirming
Gender-Neutral Professional Wardrobe Tips
- A gender-neutral look could combine traditionally gendered items like pairing a masculine blazer with a feminine shirt.
- Masculine-presenting people may feel more comfortable in soft fabrics and colors, and feminine-presenting people may like structured or tailored cuts.

Choose clothing that resonates with your sense of self!
- Incorporate small, personal touches like accessories and jewelry to add subtle nods to your gender identity
- Experiment with styles and fabrics that make you feel comfortable and confident without worrying how/what you “should” wear based on traditional gender norms
- Combine button-down shirts with a vest for a polished look that avoids hyper-gendered styles
Maintaining Authenticity in Professional Spaces
Building a supportive network
Finding mentors and allies who can help provide guidance on their experiences navigating similar situations is always a great resource to have.
Identify inclusive employers using Glassdoor or the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index to gauge a company’s LGBTQ+ friendliness. Many LGBTQ+ individuals bring exceptional adaptability, empathy, and innovation to the workplace. Your unique perspectives and experiences will always benefit the team.

Navigating Pronouns and Names in the Workplace

Modeling in Everyday Communication: Consider adding your pronouns to your email signature and encourage others to do the same.
Allies: Advocate respectfully when you see misgendering, even if the individual is not there.


Utilize Group Settings: Encourage group introductions that include “names, roles, and pronouns.”
Casually introduce your pronouns when meeting new colleagues!
Additional Resources
Out & Equal: Provides resources and toolkits for best practices for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
Human Rights Campaign: Resources on inclusivity access and practices on authenticity as an individual and how companies can promote inclusion.
National Center for Transgender Equality: Resources and guides on transitioning in the workplace and your employee rights to avoid unlawful discrimination.
Written by Alena Clark
PennWest Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives