Do you ever wonder what happened to all the clothing codes? The term "distant past" may spring to mind depending on when and where you are on any particular work day. It's tough to tell whether people don't know what to dress to work or have lost sight of the importance of looking for professional success.
According to reports, the Queen of England advised Prince Charles, "Dress provides an outward sign from which others might determine one's inner state of mind. They can see one but not the other." Clearly, she was saying something that many people find difficult to accept: that people assess us based on how we dress. Our outer look delivers a statement in all contexts, business and social.
Try going to a crowded restaurant for lunch. Look at what others are wearing and see if you don't form opinions about who they are, what they do, their personalities, and their skills based on what they are wearing. Consider how you feel when you are dressed in business clothes rather than informal attire. Your business attire reflects your professional demeanour and credibility. If you want to present yourself and your firm in a positive light, you must learn how to dress for business.
The business in which you work, the job you have within that industry, the geographic area in which you live, and, most crucially, what your client expects to see all influence how you dress.
Professional Dress for Men
Fashion in men's clothes does not change substantially from season to season, but office wear is about appearing professional rather than fashionable. It's all about presenting oneself in a way that makes your clients feel at ease and confident in your abilities. The rule is still to dress for success. When determining what to wear to work, the competent businessman should keep these few points in mind.
Select a conservative navy, black, or grey suit, in a pinstripe or solid pattern. The quality of the material speaks just as loudly as the colour and might be the difference between sleazy and elegant.
A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves provides the most professional appearance. The more pattern and colours you choose, the more attention will be drawn to your outfit rather than your professionalism.
Ties should be made of silk or fabric that looks like silk. Avoid cartoon figures and aim for something simple and understated if you want to increase your trust.
Socks should be at least calf length. Check that they complement not only what you're wearing but also each other. A simple check in good light before leaving the house can spare you from humiliation later in the day. If you'll go through airport security and remove your shoes, look for any holes.
Shoes should always be conservative, clean, and well-polished. Lace-up shoes are preferable to slip-on or flip-flops. Don't believe for a second that people don't notice shoes. Many people will stare at your feet first, then at your face.
Belts should match or coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality is important.
Wear as little jewellery as possible. In an era where men wear gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, the business professional should stick to a conservative watch, a wedding band, and perhaps his college ring.
Personal cleanliness is an important factor in achieving success. Freshly washed triumphs over overly fragranced every time. Save the aftershave for after hours, but never shave.
The businessman's accessories are the finishing touch: briefcase, portfolio, and pen. When it comes to closing the transaction, a top-of-the-line suit, a silk tie, and a good pair of leather shoes can be overshadowed by the ballpoint pen you picked up in the hotel meeting room the day before.
Women's Professional Dress
When women entered the office in greater numbers in the 1970s and 1980s and began to advance into roles previously occupied by males, many believed that they needed to copy male business clothing. As a result, women began to arrive at work in skirted suits or matching skirts and jackets with tailored blouses and accessories items that resembled a man's tie. Thankfully, those days are over. While the businesswoman may now wear trousers to work, she does so to appear professional while also enjoying the flexibility and comfort that pants provide over skirts. Her goal is no longer to look like her male coworkers.
Women's work clothing follows the same general guidelines as men's. Business attire does not represent the most recent fashion trend. A woman should be remembered for who she is and her professional abilities, not for what she wears. Her business attire should be acceptable for her industry as well as her position or title within it.
For the most conservative style, start with a skirted suit or pants suit. A suit with a skirt is the most professional. Except for a few exceptions, dresses lack believability unless accompanied by matching jackets.
Skirts should be knee-length or slightly longer or shorter. Avoid going to extremes. A skirt that extends more than two inches above the knee attracts attention and raises questions.
Pants should come to a stop at the top of the foot or shoe. While Capri pants and their fashion siblings in various lengths ranging from mid-calf to ankle are the latest fads, they are inappropriate in a conservative professional setting.
Blouses and sweaters add colour and diversity to a woman's wardrobe, but they should be fashionable rather than exposing. Necklines and waistlines that are not acceptable can give the wrong impression.
In the professional environment, women must wear hose. Stockings in neutral or skin tones are the greatest options. Wear dark hose with light-coloured apparel or shoes at all times. Unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the workplace, have an extra pair of stockings in your desk drawer.
In business, the focus should be on the face, not the feet; therefore, choose conservative shoes. Flats or high heels are less professional than low heels. Despite current fashion and the sandal craze, open-toed or backless shoes are inappropriate for the workplace. Sandals are not only dangerous, but they also reflect an official objective.
When it comes to jewellery and accessories, less is more once again. Please keep it simple: one ring for each hand, one earring for each ear. Accessories should represent your personality rather than detract from your believability.
Weekend and evening clothing differ from business attire. Purchasing a professional business outfit is an investment in your professional future. Consider those who believe it is not what you wear but who you are that determines success. Personal appearance and that all-important first impression are just as vital as business skills and experience
0 Comments