I was browising thorugh the 'work wear' section of some of the popular high street brands online a few weeks ago, and I must say was astonished to what they deemed as 'work wear.' So really, is a micro skirt coupled with a see-through blouse really work wear, or at the age of 25 am I just too old school now?
Seeing as these website clearly helped to answer my own questions as to why the young graduates and ladies in the office dress so inappropriately at times, I thought I should write a tip on how to dress professionally in the corporate world. Now this blog is NOT about telling people off and 'correcting' or defining 'in-appropriate dressing' in a snobbish-like manner. What this tip and furthermore what TBD Image Consulting represents is to help you to understand that what you wear may say a lot about who you are. My ambition is therefore to help us all take control of what we say about ourselves, rather than being un-educated in this area and allowing fashion to speak for us in a way that is beyond our control or awareness.
In the corporate world, what you wear will speak very loud and clear to your clients, colleagues, managers, boss and others you associate with within the work environment. Professional should not mean matronly or boring, it can and should be smart, stylish and tailored. I believe in the age old motto of 'dress for the job you want, not the job you have' do that and you will go further in your career.
Tip 1: Avoid over-powering scents during working hours. Scents often remind us of people, memories or incidents... who wants their boss thinking of the liason they had with their wife the previous night because she was wearing the same perfume as you are currently? Not me!
Tip 2: Accessories are a must, but leave the jingles to the Christmas carol singers. You should not be walking down halls jingling. Also avoid plastic and costume jewelery as it lacks professionalism and shouts 'cheap.' I always advise clients to invest in themselves, you can't afford not to. You'll also save more money that way contrary to popular belief, as its less likely you will be spending money continuously replacing the plastic pearl that just fell out.
Tip 3: Underwear is the beginning of an excellent outfit. No-one should see it, but they should see the effects of it. Visible panty lines are not acceptable, laddered tights and unacceptable and push-up bras that reveal everything, and mean your breasts are spilling out or bursting through a blouse or shirt are completely inappropriate and have no place at work.
Tip 4: Invest in pretty and stylish shoes with heels. Heels are associated with powere, who doesn't feel more confident and powerful when they are uplifted and placed on a pedestal? With heels you will stand taller, but you must be able to walk in them or you'll look silly, and too high and you've ruined the outfit, as they become the focal point. Open toes are not advisable, neither are trainers or flip flops, these are for training (gym) and flopping on the beach respectively, not for work. I also advise clients to wear small heels for commuting rather than trainers, to avoid the embarrassment of bumping into that important client who used to see you as a high powered woman, until he saw the dirty 1995 Reeboks you were sporting to the office.
Tip 5: Tailored clothes will give you a youthful and professional look rather than something that is big or just ill-fitted in certain areas of the body. A tailored look will give the impression that you are organised, stylish, conscientious, efficient and professional (i.e. you mean business). Invest in outfits that will flatter your shape, that are not too loose or too tight and that do not expose you inappropriately (see tip 3).
There really is no need to feel you have to spend a fortune to look good, but it is worth saying that investing in 3 quality suits can do wonders for your confidence and career. They can always be interchanged and dressed up or down with different tops and shirts. Try to create timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched, including shoes, accessories and tops. Accessories such as belts, scarves and necklaces can also transform an outfit remarkably.
Its a fact that though many women may appear as bubbly and have sex appeal in the business world, it is not, at the end of the day, what matters when it comes to the bottom line and company/individual profits. The trick therefore is to not lose sight of what exactly you are there for so you can enjoy success. Fair or not, that's just the way it is.. don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger :-)
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