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.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Relaxed Business Attire Principle #4: Let's 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.
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!
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!
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.
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?
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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