Executive Accessories Principle #7: Less is More

Choose a Purse or a Briefcase – Not Both
For women, a big accessory mistake is to carry both a briefcase and a purse –this can get cumbersome. Instead opt for a stylish briefcase. Today many designers make feminine yet sophisticated cases that can serve as your purse and hold your papers, or even your laptop. You can always stick a small evening bag in the briefcase if you need to go from day to evening. Just leave the case in the office when you go out to that dinner or cocktail hour.  Men, too, are best to use just one carrying accessory.  Invest in a quality briefcase and save the backpack for hiking.

Accessories are a vital part of an effective executive wardrobe. Whatever your professional role follow these ideas to ensure you always feel confident, and look fantastic.

Executive Accessories Principle #6: Quiet!

Watch the Noise

While most shoes make some noise, notice if yours are unusually loud. This can distract those around you and will be sure to make you uncomfortable. Be sure that sling backs are not clicking. The same also goes for jewelry. Save the bells and chimes for the holiday parties and keep them out of the office. Another important tip here is to remember to take off all but one bracelet if you are doing a presentation. You do not want your noisy bracelets to distract from your powerful message.  Your colleagues and clients want to hear only from you, not your clothing or accessories.

Executive Accessories Principle #5: Check Again!

Do A Double Take

As a final step, always take a good look at yourself in the mirror before you leave each morning. Are your clothes clean and pressed? Is fit and style appropriate?  Are your shoes clean and polished? Are your accessories simple and classic? It is helpful to have a second set of eyes give a final nod before you head out the door, to make sure tags are tucked in, hair is removed from shoulder fabric, and loose threads are removed.  When you look and feel well put together, you are conveying the professionalism that your colleagues expect of you.

Executive Accessories Principle #4: Try Outs

Do A Test Run


Take the time to do a “test run” on any new accessory or garment you add to your business wardrobe. Wear it first to run errands or to meet a friend for lunch before you wear it to work so you will not be surprised by an earring that keeps falling off or a necklace that keeps catching your hair. You want to be aware of any challenges and resolve them away from the office.  Again, that honest, competent feedback before hand can be a valuable insight into whether your business accessories are working for you or against you.

Executive Accessories Principle #3: Neutral is Nice

Keep Your Bags and Shoes Neutral

Remembering to coordinate with your chosen core wardrobe neutral(s), choose suede or leather in neutral colors for your bags and shoes. Patent leather is a great way to add flair while still being neutral. Also, choose classic styles rather then the latest trends. Classic shoes and bags in high quality materials and workmanship are good investments and will look great for seasons to come.  Flashier colors and styles are best saved for recreation and socializing.

Executive Accessories Principle #2: Be Jeweled Appropriately

Principle #2 Any Old Necklace Will Not Do

Just because it is real gold does not mean it is working for you. It is important to wear jewelry that compliments your personal coloring, the style of your clothing, and is in proportion to your body size. Too many women wear very dainty necklaces in the workplace, and this does not enhance their authority. Pick jewelry that is an appropriate size for you and specifically complements the outfit you have on.  And remember that trendy pieces are best left for social events.  Style magazines and catalogs are not the best place to get accessory advice, as they are marketing products for sale.  You're safest for business when choosing timeless, classic pieces.

Executive Accessories Principle #1: Be Jeweled

Next in our series of Your Executive Image are principles of effective accessorizing.  As much as you realize the importance of investing in an executive wardrobe to enhance your image, recognize that the garments you select are only one part of your overall executive image equation. Your shoes, jewelry, and other accessories are also influencing factors that deserve your attention so that you always look your best.

These important accents can complement or compete with your carefully selected, executive outfit. Follow these principles to ensure that what you decide to do with your accessories and jewelry is working for you at work every day.

Principle #1 Don’t Skip the Jewelry

Jewelry is important, as it finishes the look. Always wear one pair of earrings to frame your face. Also add at least a necklace or a bracelet, and always consider a watch. Without jewelry you look underdressed in the workplace – and underpaid. Invest in some good classic jewelry that will last a long time, and then each year add one or two more current pieces.

Relaxed Business Attire Principle #5: A Safe Set

A Safe Set

Three outfits that work great for relaxed business attire are a sweater or sweater set paired with a pair of slacks, a turtleneck with slacks (with a scarf and a skirt for women), or a neatly pressed pair of pants or a skirt worn with a pressed long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt. These combinations will always help you be appropriately dressed and ready to get down to business.

Effectively discerning between what is appropriate and what is inappropriate for business may save your career. Take time to plan in advance what you will wear for those relaxed business days and settings. Use the principles and tools given here to help you set yourself apart from the competition and as you continue climbing the ladder of success in your industry.

Relaxed Business Attire Principle #5: Add a Layer

Add a Layer

Any image professional will tell you the importance of always wearing a third piece. Your shirt or blouse and pant or skirt are the first two and then you need one more – a jacket, a sweater, even a vest.  Even if you in relaxed business attire, you still want to command authority and convey credibility, so be sure to continue to include that third piece.  This piece can often be conveniently hung on the back of your office door, in case you need to increase your visual authority for an occasional meeting or client.  You have options and versatility with your third piece.

Relaxed Business Attire Principle #4: Let's Make Up

Do Make Up

Relaxed business dress does not mean so casual that you forget to put on your face. According to a recent study published in the Economic Review, women who wear makeup for business earn 30 percent more than those "who can't be bothered."  Women who do not wear makeup appear less put together, which can give the non-verbal message that they are tired or overwhelmed. For business, makeup should be natural looking, leaning toward conservative. Be sure to wear only your daytime makeup to the office.

Relaxed Business Attire Principle #3: No Bojangles

Abandon the Banging Bangles


Sometimes trendy jewelry worn to work makes you look more like a fashion victim than a competent professional. Noisy jewelry is distracting.  For women, piercings are best kept to one matched pair per ear. For both men and women, keep your jewelry simple and classic. If you work in a creative industry you have more flexibility. However, wearing an armful of bracelets, huge hoop earrings and a belt that is bigger than a breadbox will do nothing to advance your career.  Save your statement pieces for social events and your classic pieces for business.

Relaxed Business Attire Principle #2: Cover It Up!

Principle #2:  Keep Covered

The more skin you show, the less credible you appear.  Period.  If women are perceived in the workplace as dressing sexy, they run the risk of not being taken seriously. Skirts should be at least knee length. Remember to keep cleavage to a minimum, as it’s not appropriate for business. Save your shimmery, glitzy and glittery fabrics for evening attire.

Hosiery is not necessarily required for relaxed business attire.  For women, hosiery is recommended if you wear a skirt. Also, while open-toed shoes allow you to show off your pedicure, they are better left for the weekend.  For men, hosiery is required with slacks.  Save the sockless look for the boat.

Relaxed Business Attire Principle #1: Use Caution!

"Business Casual":  How to Make It Work For You

Your image is one of the most important contributing factors in business. When it comes to ‘business casual,’ so many people get it so wrong. According to a June, 2008 CareerBuilder.com survey of nearly 2,800 U.S. companies, 35% of employers have sent home an “inappropriately dressed” worker.

You'll notice that I use the term "Relaxed Business" instead of "Business Casual."  There is nothing casual about business!  What does business casual actually mean? There are a variety of definitions, given that business casual is somewhere between formal business wear and street wear.  How do you navigate these confusing waters?

Everyone’s workplace is different and different regions have different practices. Not every business or office is the same, and dress code policies vary across the board. Business casual can also be defined differently across different industries. Get informed about company policies, and know what is “not okay” for your workplace. If you have any uncertainty, look to your supervisor or HR Department for clarification. Still, you do not just want to meet the standards of dress for your company – you want to exceed them.

The following blogs will contain a series of image principles to help you know when and  whether relaxed business attire is right for you and to help you know how to best integrate this style of dressing into your wardrobe.

Principle #1:  Don’t Be Too Casual

Some obvious clothing pieces should always be left at home. These include flip-flops, cut-offs, shorts and ripped or intentionally torn garments or beachwear. Decide to forgo any garment that is too tight or way too baggy.  Remember:  you are conducting business, not recreating or socializing or sleeping!

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #8: Need Help?

When in Doubt, Hire a Professional
This truly is not a pitch for new customers!  When building your most important executive wardrobe, you may simply need help, or at least do better with some professional assistance.  Consider hiring an image consultant, a personal branding coach, or an executive coach to work with you to define your professional objectives and help you put together your best possible executive wardrobe.  The cost of working with an image management professional will be offset by the money and time you save while not making mistakes in purchases and errors in projecting yourself authentically and appropriately.
By following the previous eight principles, you will be equipped with the knowledge and information to build a wardrobe that can clearly reflect your high level of professionalism. Keep these principles with you while shopping or when considering if something is a must have for a wardrobe that will bring many rewards.

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #7: What's Essential?

Essential Pieces
So exactly should you be looking for, now that you're ready to write your shopping list and head out to acquire the new pieces you've determined you need?  While the task of getting your closet into “executive shape” may seem daunting, this list will help you find the essential pieces to start with to build your executive wardrobe:

1. Two dark suits in your core neutral color(s)
2. For women, one dark skirt in one of your core neutral colors
3. Two pairs of slacks in one of your core neutral colors
4. Two solid shirts or blouses (not prints) in your accent colors
5. Two accent-colored shells or vests that would look great under your suit jackets
6. A jacket that is tailored, yet loose, in an accent color
7. For men, coordinating ties based in your core neutral color(s)

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #6: Budget Matters

Keep Your Budget in Mind

You've cleaned and organized your closet.  You've chosen the core neutral color(s) around which to build your executive wardrobe.  Once you put together your shopping list, do not just grab your purse and go. Do some Internet research to see what is out there, look for sales and calculate what a realistic wardrobe budget might be. You won’t feel good in your new clothes if you have gone into debt to pay for them. Establishing and writing down a realistic budget before you begin purchasing items will keep you on track.
When shopping, remember that quality is important and you are going to spend more for quality. Leave trendy clothes for your weekend activities. Start with clothes that will last for at least a few years.  Quality, timeless classics will allow you to get more for your money in the long run.

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #5 Color of Success

Start With Your Core Color


Start with at least one great suit that fits you perfectly, and in one of your neutral core colors. Your core colors are colors that are the same as your eyes or hair: black, brown, green, blue etc.  Repeating your personal coloring in your clothing choices, especially around your face, is most flattering.  Your core neutral colors generally should be deep and dark.  You will build around this color (or these colors if you choose 2 neutrals) as you add secondary pieces and accessories to your wardrobe. 

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #4 Lucky 13

Build A Baker’s Dozen

After your closets have been purged of items that don't work, your goal should be to have thirteen outfits in your closet. That does not mean thirteen suits. It means that with mixing and matching, your shirts, blouses, jackets, skirts and pants make up at least thirteen outfits that will comprise your executive wardrobe. You don’t have to be at thirteen immediately, but it is what you want to work towards.  This is called clustering, or making sure that each item you buy will coordinate with one or more items in your wardrobe.  Clustering your clothing allows your options to grow exponentially with each new item you add.  Even as few as 5 pieces--three tops and two bottoms--can be combined to create more than 12 different looking outfits.  Twelve pieces can combine to create 48 or 72 outfits!  So be thoughtful and purposeful in acquiring your coordinating pieces.  Your options can then be nearly endless!

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #3 Clean Up, Clean Out

Start With a Closet Audit

When starting to build an effective executive wardrobe, you need to start by being sure of exactly what you have already – before you make a list of what you need.
First, designate three areas (piles or boxes) where you will place your items:  one for KEEP, one for DONATE, and one for TAILOR.   Pull out everything in your closet.  Separate those items that could possibly be worn to work. Try everything on. Make sure it fits well, that it looks fantastic on you and that it is in good condition. If you don't love the way a garment fits and makes you feel, donate it!  Make room in your closet so you can see your daily choices.  Make a list of garment categories that you need to fill, e.g., slacks or jackets or shirts.  You are on your way to a more organized, professional wardrobe!

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #2 What Are You Doing?

Consider What Activities You Will Be Doing 9-5


If you look uncomfortable doing whatever your job requires you to do because your wardrobe selection is out of place, you will not be taken seriously on the job. Be sure you build outfits into your wardrobe for each activity.

If you are an outside sales rep you will be doing a lot of driving around and pounding the pavement. You may want to wear more pants than skirts, or select suiting made with some stretch in the fabric, or wear less tailored styles that are easy to move around in.

Building an Effective Executive Wardrobe Principle #1 Where are You?

You have worked hard to achieve the success you have right now. In today’s highly competitive world, putting attention on cultivating an executive wardrobe will accentuate the professional image that supports your objectives. While you know that you get only one chance to make the all-important first impression, it is equally imperative to make every day a day that you look your very best, even if you have no meetings except for the impromptu get-together you have in the lunchroom or around the water cooler.

Follow these tips to build an effective executive wardrobe that will convey confidence and competence throughout your workday.

Principle #1:  Know the Environment


Office climates are continually changing. Knowing what is considered appropriate for your office environment will ensure that you do not make any expensive mistakes when building your wardrobe. For example, in a conservative office a suit is a must; while in some offices, you might wear a pair of trousers with a sweater set. Keep this in mind when visiting another office that might have a different business dress style than yours.

Tips for Fuller-Bust Fit

The often-yeared-for fuller bustline does create challenges for those who are so endowed.  Here are some principles that will create an attractive, well-fit sillouette:

1. Always have a professional bra fitting each time you buy a bra. Your breasts change continuously, as do bra manufacturers as they adjust cut and fit in even the same bra make and style. A properly fitted bra can take visual inches off your figure and make all the difference in how your top pieces fit.

2. Consider and try a minimizer style bra. Look for styles that don't add side bulk to your silhouette. You may not need a minimizer for all tops, but it can make a significant difference in fit, especially for button tops.

3. Add depth to your neckline and shape to the fit in your waist. This will draw the eye to the smaller areas of your frame.

4. Listen to your mother and stand up straight! Numerous studies have shown that you can be perceived as 10 years younger and 10 pounds lighter by simply rolling back-and-down your shoulders and lengthening your spine.

Effective Executive Communication Principle #7 Be Consistent

Be Consistent

Keep your message consistent. Don’t contradict yourself from one communication to the next or be inconsistent in your words on the same subject to different people. This can quickly put your coworkers in the position of distrusting you. Consistent communication is key to building confidence in the workplace.

Each time you speak you solidify or confuse the effective executive image you have been working hard to create. Identify which of these communication areas need the most attention from you, and get started today. Your communication is the cornerstone of your executive image. Make sure yours is working for you.

Effective Executive Communication Principle #6 Be Prepared

Be Prepared Even When You Think It’s Not Necessary


So often executives think that, because they know their work or their projects so well, they can “wing” a briefing or even a fairly long report or presentation. Don’t do it. Winging it never works well unless you have delivered the same message or report or presentation a hundred times. Take five minutes to figure out your talking points, or take even longer for a major presentation. Preparation makes you feel confident and ensures your nerves will not get the best of you.

Even before you call a client or leave a message for your boss do not hesitate to take a few moments to jot down your ideas. This way you will always come across as the competent professional that you are.

Effective Executive Communication Principle #5 Look Here!

Maintain Appropriate Eye Contact

Another huge challenge many executives have when they are talking is that they look everywhere except at the people to whom they are speaking. Do not let that be you. When you avoid looking at people, they may subconsciously feel that you are not telling the truth. You are also more likely to lose their attention. Maintaining eye contact makes people feel like you are speaking to them personally rather than just speaking out loud.  We should maintain direct eye contact about 70-80% of the time.  If you start to feel awkward or uncomfortable, glance away and up, not down, and return to eye contact.  Your company will feel your interest and respond favorably.

Effective Executive Communication Principle #4 Slow Down!

Pay Attention to Your Pace


Everyone has their own natural pace for speaking. When nervous, many people really speed up. When you talk too fast you convey a lack of experience, and you do not allow time for your listeners to comprehend what you are saying. On the other hand, have you ever wanted to just blurt out, "Spit it out, would you!"  It can be frustrating to listen to someone who is measuring and weighing every word and taking forever to communicate their thoughts.  Pay attention to your pace, be sure to breath, and do not be afraid to pause. 

Effective Executive Communication Principle #3 What Are You Saying?

Be Articulate

The most prevalent challenge in everyday business communication is the lack of clear articulation in conversation. Every time you use a speech filler as in “ah” or “um” or “you know” or “so,” you are detracting from the confidence you want your words to convey, and you diminish the power of your message. Ask a trusted colleague to tell you what your speech fillers are, and then work to eliminate them. You can also record a few of your phone conversations; you will be surprised at what you hear.

Remember to be clear about the message you are delivering. Don’t cloud the issues you are talking about. If you are delivering a message about appropriate office attire, you don’t want to start giving detailed messages about the upcoming company picnic.

Effective Executive Communication Principle #2 Speak Up!

Project Your Voice


Recognize that the purpose of the volume of your voice is not exclusively to ensure that the listeners hear you. Volume adds authority to your vocal presentation and it is important to speak up to project volume that deserves attention.  Become aware if people are asking you to repeat yourself often, of if your conversational mates are moving away when you speak. Ask a few honest, unbiased listeners to critque your speaking volume and tone, and try out their suggestions. 

Effective Executive Communication Principle #1 Posture Power

Here is the first in a series of Effective Executive Communication.  Following these prinicples, most of which are simple and cost-free, will move you forward on your way to professional confidence and success.

As an executive, when you communicate you want to convey confidence and credibility, and you want people to feel compelled to listen. Considering that a lot of what is communicated is non-verbal, your body language and vocal inflection can miscommunicate your real message. Use these seven tips to increase the effectiveness of your communication and ensure that you always get your point across.


#1 Recognize the Power in Your Posture

Your communication starts with the stance you choose when you speak. Whether you are talking on the phone or you are in a meeting, it is always best to stand up when you speak. To be sure to get your point across, pull your shoulders back to slightly exaggerate your posture and open up your diaphragm. Do not play with a pen, fidget, or cross your arms and legs when you speak. Using open body language conveys that you mean what you say and are open to the input of others.

10 (Free) Ways to Improve Your Image, Part II

Whether you are interviewing for a new job, trying to move ahead in your career, or hoping to impress or influence someone, an effective personal image is key. In these tough economic times, nearly everyone is trying to save a buck here or there, so here are the second 5 of 10 ways you can improve your image without spending a dime. Take my word for it, the effort you put into these activities will start paying immediate benefits for you.

6. Smile. Author Charles Gordy stated, "A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks." How true that is! I'll bet you know someone who is rather non-descript who suddenly becomes stunning when he or she smiles. But there's more to smiling than good looks. A DePauw University study showed that people who smiled more in old photographs had longer, happier marriage. Does that extend to personal and business relationships? Here's food for thought: "In a national survey conducted by Grass Roots, not smiling was one of three top complaints by 25.9% of customers, not meeting customers' needs was 26.4%, and not being friendly was 25.8 percent" (Lucie Willsie, Customer Perspectives). Since we generally display our friendliness by smiling, I'd say that over 50% of customer complaints were directly related to a sour countenance.

7. Eliminate your verbal pauses. Uh, OK, So, what do I want to say about, uh, verbal pauses? You know, verbal pauses occur when your brain is searching for the next words to say. According to business coach Steve Pavlina, "Verbal pauses are distracting in communication. They can make you sound less intelligent and clear. They muddle your message. Verbal pauses are simply noise, not communication" (StevePavlina.com). I would like to add that verbal pauses can also make you seem less honest and forthright. You may be seen as someone who is trying to figure out how not to tell the truth. Pavlina says that awareness and practice are the two best ways to cut back on those annoying space wasters. So, ah, let's get started!

8. Develop and practice your elevator speech. What's an elevator speech? My old pal Wikipedia defines it as "an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch should be possible to deliver in the time span of an elevator ride, meaning in a maximum of 30 seconds and in 130 words or fewer." Have you noticed that we live in a fast-paced world? People want information fast and clear. When someone asks you, "So what do you do?" they are not asking for a dissertation, nor do they want to stand around while you try to pin down what exactly it is that you do. Write down your elevator speech and practice it so that it rolls off your tongue like honey--or maybe I should say money.

9. Say "You're Welcome." This is one of my pet peeves. When someone thanks you for something, there is no other proper response than "You're welcome." "No problem," which seems to be the in-vogue response is just plain rude when you stop to think about it. The converse would be, "Helping you out was really a big problem for me, so don't ever walk through another door and expect me to hold it open for you!" Being courteous should not be thought of in terms of whether or not it was a burden. "You're welcome" is one of the most gracious sounding expressions in our language.

10. Speak well of others. It is not possible to fling mud on someone without getting it all over yourself. People who gossip or disparage others are not viewed as trustworthy, credible, or loyal. And business and personal relationships are hard to establish when those qualities are missing.

There you have it! My favorite 10 image principles that won't cost you much except some awareness and a little effort, which will pay incalculable interest.