As my friend likes to say, “Just because you don’t believe it, doesn’t mean it isn’t true”. This is very evident in how you dress for work. Whether you like it or believe it, your perceived professionalism is tied to how you dress, how you present yourself and how well you do your job. They are all equally important so neglecting one can spoil your results.
In a professional environment much of your credibility hinges on how you are perceived and part of that perception is in how you dress. If you work in a business environment and see clients, help customers, give advice, teach, or promote products or services your professionalism is important. Even if you love fashion your workplace is not a place to display your fashion sense, nor is it a place to dress casually. If you want to be promoted you have to look promotable – that is, you need to look like you know what you’re doing which means how to dress appropriately. You also need to show self respect, which means not showing too much skin or wearing tight clothing. For example, leggings and a short top if you are seeing clients sends the message that since you don’t know how to dress appropriately maybe there are other things you don’t know. So many women believe that when it comes to work attire anything goes and it will be, if it is not already, to their professional ruin. Those who choose to believe that how they dress is not important will not get the promotion, not get the respect they want and may not keep their job.
It used to be that women who “dressed for success” and who were known as ‘power dressers’ donned themselves in clothes made from expensive materials such as silk and wore jackets that had a masculine shape. Today things have changed. Although image is still an important part of appearance and moving ahead in a career, the styles are less rigid and have more variety and color. Also the idea of power is beginning to change. Power, in the western world, is no longer seen as an outward force but an internal strength.
Today dressing for success is less severe and more polished, colorful and friendly. The idea is not to dress to gain authority and push to the limit, but to let others see that you are competent and reliable.
Here are some suggestions:
- To be a professionally dressed woman and to do it with ease begins with an organized closet. The first step is to get rid of all that you don’t wear, doesn’t fit or has been taking up space in your closet for just a little too long. The second step is to stock your closet with items that mix and match. If you don’t already own them, purchase 3 items – pants, skirt and jacket in the same colour and fabric (this makes mixing and matching easier). Now find tops in your closet that match these 3 items in style, fabric and colour. How many outfits can you pull together with what you already own? If your wardrobe is really disorganized you might not find many. However, from this base you can build a wardrobe that works by making a list of what you’ll need to complete outfits. Try starting with purchasing just a few items in 3 colours for less confusion and more ease.
- I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing the right colours. The right colours (colours that match your hair, skin and eye colour) make you look more vibrant which impacts how people respond to you. This is extra important if you speak publicly or if you see clients on a regular basis.
- No matter where you go, always maintain a professional look – you never know who you’ll see. Doesn’t it always seem that just the time you run out to the store to buy milk with your hair messy and wearing sweats is when you see a potential client or a potential mate? Don’t let that happen. It’s is not enough just to look well-dressed your grooming must be impeccable as well – don’t forget your hair and makeup.
Start today – boost your image and style and see the difference it makes in your life. I guarantee it!
Guest Writer – Sheila Dicks
Sheila Dicks is a fashion stylist who helps women choose styles and colours that suit their body type so they look fabulous and attract more of what they want. Get her audio recording – The # 1 Secret of Well Dressed Women along with the IN Focus Style & Fashion newsletter here: www.womeninstyle.ca