Workplace fashion – Polished not fashion victim

When it comes to women’s fashion and a job, you cannot overdress. Want to score that new job or out yourself in the running for a high powered promotion at the current one? Make sure you dress the part. Clothes make a man, clothes project a lot about the personality, mood and goals  of a person, especially in a work place.

The biggest mistake is to dress too casually for a job interview. Some people dress casually for a interview the person interviewing you might feel that will be your attitude towards your work. While a casual look might not necessarily  broadcast you as incompetent or lazy, it could well mean that when the time comes to make personal sacrifices to get a job done, you’re not likely to do it. Dressing well is therefore not about projecting an otward appearance but an inner personality as well.

You should put as much care in dressing up as you would dressing for a date – after all you are trying to impress in both cases. Dressing appropriately for a job interview – if done right you cannot go to far to look good.

Once you have got the job don’t let personal appearance slip. Keeping your dressing habits strong will ensure ” You need to stand out, you need to always be in (your employers’) eye. You always want to be well tailored and well presented so that you’ll be that person they want to promote. Are you work place fashion flunker? Following are some tips:

1… Dark colors go a long way to upping your ante. “The darker the color the more prominent you are. It’s the power thing – dark colors make you stand out.” Buy dark colored pinstriped power suits first and then get some sports jackets. Add brown suits only at the end of your collection.

2… While styles might change, the classics are always a great choices, like white shirt, polished shoes and the pinstriped suit. For men when it comes to ties feel free to show off your creativity but not so much that it overpowers your overall look. Try to wear ties as often as possible but if you absolutely must wear a shirt without a tie, make sure it’s designed to be worn casual otherwise the collar will collapse and you’ll look messy and unkempt.

3… The ultimate rule of thumb for dressing for workplace is you want to look “put together” to imply the thought and care that went into your attire will be the same you put into your job.

4… Nothing kills a look like a ill-fitting clothing, so spend time with a tailor to learn some valuable information that will help you when buying clothes off the rack as well.

5… Iron your clothes while watching your favorite soap opera.

6.. Don’t neglect your head. A quality hat completes an impactful look.

Dress Like Your (Female) Boss

Don’t know where to start working on your career image? You’re not alone because most companies don’t have specific guidelines about what to wear to work.

One of the best clues to company dress codes is what your boss wears. Just think about the styles that the highest-level woman in your organization wears and use them in your wardrobe. Does she wear mostly skirt suits? Or does she rely on pantsuits? Does she wear hose or bare legs? Open-toed shoes or pumps?

Business Dress Codes

• Formal Business Attire- For women this constitutes business suits (a matched skirt and jackets) and, in most workplaces, pantsuits (matched pants and blazer). Closed-toe shoes (no sandals), blouses, hose and conservative hair, jewelry and makeup are expected.
• Corporate Casual Looks-Working women have interpreted this to mean everything from shorts to sundresses, but in its most literal sense it means “smart business.” Dressy pants and a blouse, sleek jersey knits and skirts and tops are all examples of corporate casual. Denim, T-shirts and flip-flops — all ’90s phenoms — are only acceptable in the most casual of work environments.
• Casual Friday – Depending on the business, this can mean anything from corporate casual instead of formal looks or “Wear your company logo polo and jeans.” If in doubt, ask a superior.

Career Killers

Unlike a fashion faux pas, a career killer outfit can do your professional image permanent damage.

Looks to avoid in the workplace:

• Too sexy: see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, sheer sundresses, strappy stiletto sandals.
• Too casual: jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sneakers.
• Too sloppy: wrinkled clothing, too many layers, baggy-fit clothing.