At the risk of sounding heavily clichéd, I still cannot resist saying, ‘Clothes make a man!’ Grumble all you want, but in today’s era of appearances, you cannot fight the reality that you are almost always judged by what you wear. In fact, 55 per cent of another person’s perception of you is based on how you look.
Dressing carries influence and plays a subtle and imprecise role in your career prospects right from landing a lucrative job to future progression and ultimate success. As top career adviser, Calvin Bruce emphasises, “How a person dresses makes a statement about one’s self-identification and level of occupational aspiration”.
Call it prejudice, a jaundiced eye, unfair discrimination or what you will, but a candidate’s physical appearance often sways interviewers’ opinions. The ‘first impression’ triggers subliminal reactions and becomes a conclusive precursor of candidate credibility and potential. Appropriate attire conveys a diligent and conscientious persona of one who can do the job effectively while under-dressing shows him/her as lackadaisical.
Power dressing is here to stay. When looking the part matters almost as much as abilities and experience, can you still afford to neglect projecting the right image at work? So, why not try to ‘dress as you want to be seen’!
Power dressing
These days, most companies strive to maintain a refined corporate image. Paying a little attention to the way you dress will set the tone for professional success.
But, it goes without saying that how you dress does not play a direct role in how you perform on the job. Yet, again when you look better, you definitely feel better too. Looking the part you want to play not only conveys an impression of power and competence, but also triggers self-assurance, confidence and assertiveness in the wearer. Combining a serious, professional look with understated elegance will confer an ambitious and rising image in the eyes of all – be it you, the interviewer, supervisor, client or the big boss himself!
This does not mean that you have to keep constant tabs on the latest fashion trends or even splurge on an exclusive wardrobe. Investing in staple business attire with suitable personal deportment will lend a stylish elegance to your appearance. The trick is to strive to blend in with others even while making a personal distinct statement.
Rules of corporate attire
Moreover, increasingly relaxed overtones have set in with formal corporate gear giving way to more lenient dress codes. However, most employees abuse the ‘casual’ policy with eclectic, unkempt and/or slovenly clothing. There are certain rules for ‘casual dressing’ too and the informality does not license you to go overboard with a slapdash appearance.
Here’s how to incorporate chic professionalism in the most casual look to shout that you are a winner:
• There is no place for flamboyance in the workplace. Avoid flashy clothes, garish colours or wild prints (jeans and T-shirts too if possible) even for the most ‘casual Fridays’. Be relaxed yet conservative in your dressing with decent, tasteful and coordinated clothes in simple, straight lines. Opt for neutral, sober or solid colours especially for formal wear like suits and ties.
• Rumpled or dirty garments are another strict no-no. Wear clean, well-ironed and good quality clothes at all times. Also, they should be well tailored with good fitting.
• Clean and polished leather shoes with dark socks will better enhance your image than sandals, sports shoes or unmatched socks! Similarly, women should avoid high heels and garish sandals.
• Spiked or coloured hair is strictly avoided. Stick to a neat, well-groomed and professional hairstyle. Men should sport short hair and beards/moustaches should be neatly trimmed.
• Play it safe by covering tattoos and unnecessary piercings that can spark a controversy. Only pierced ears and nose are permissible for women too.
• Go for the minimalist look by passing up on excessive jewellery, accessories or overdone make-up.
• Body odour should be definitely avoided, yet go easy on the cologne/aftershave or perfume.
• Even purses, wallets, briefcases and portfolios should be of good quality and colour-coordinated with your entire ensemble.
These are not carved-in-stone rules, as actual dress codes will vary from company to company. So, consider organisational policies, corporate culture and work environment before selecting apparel, jewellery and fragrances that boost the professional image you want to convey. For instance, trendy attire is essential for advertising agency employees, but detracts heavily from a lawyer’s image! Else, note the dressing style of hotshot executives and power players when finalising your workday wardrobe, to obtain an office-friendly, sophisticated and winning appearance.
If still in doubt, opt for a conventional (not dowdy) and overdressed look. As it has been always said, “The most basic mistake new employees make is under-dressing. If unsure, dress conservatively. The best way to avoid a problem is to understand the corporate culture”.
Dressing carries influence and plays a subtle and imprecise role in your career prospects right from landing a lucrative job to future progression and ultimate success. As top career adviser, Calvin Bruce emphasises, “How a person dresses makes a statement about one’s self-identification and level of occupational aspiration”.
Call it prejudice, a jaundiced eye, unfair discrimination or what you will, but a candidate’s physical appearance often sways interviewers’ opinions. The ‘first impression’ triggers subliminal reactions and becomes a conclusive precursor of candidate credibility and potential. Appropriate attire conveys a diligent and conscientious persona of one who can do the job effectively while under-dressing shows him/her as lackadaisical.
Power dressing is here to stay. When looking the part matters almost as much as abilities and experience, can you still afford to neglect projecting the right image at work? So, why not try to ‘dress as you want to be seen’!
Power dressing
These days, most companies strive to maintain a refined corporate image. Paying a little attention to the way you dress will set the tone for professional success.
But, it goes without saying that how you dress does not play a direct role in how you perform on the job. Yet, again when you look better, you definitely feel better too. Looking the part you want to play not only conveys an impression of power and competence, but also triggers self-assurance, confidence and assertiveness in the wearer. Combining a serious, professional look with understated elegance will confer an ambitious and rising image in the eyes of all – be it you, the interviewer, supervisor, client or the big boss himself!
This does not mean that you have to keep constant tabs on the latest fashion trends or even splurge on an exclusive wardrobe. Investing in staple business attire with suitable personal deportment will lend a stylish elegance to your appearance. The trick is to strive to blend in with others even while making a personal distinct statement.
Rules of corporate attire
Moreover, increasingly relaxed overtones have set in with formal corporate gear giving way to more lenient dress codes. However, most employees abuse the ‘casual’ policy with eclectic, unkempt and/or slovenly clothing. There are certain rules for ‘casual dressing’ too and the informality does not license you to go overboard with a slapdash appearance.
Here’s how to incorporate chic professionalism in the most casual look to shout that you are a winner:
• There is no place for flamboyance in the workplace. Avoid flashy clothes, garish colours or wild prints (jeans and T-shirts too if possible) even for the most ‘casual Fridays’. Be relaxed yet conservative in your dressing with decent, tasteful and coordinated clothes in simple, straight lines. Opt for neutral, sober or solid colours especially for formal wear like suits and ties.
• Rumpled or dirty garments are another strict no-no. Wear clean, well-ironed and good quality clothes at all times. Also, they should be well tailored with good fitting.
• Clean and polished leather shoes with dark socks will better enhance your image than sandals, sports shoes or unmatched socks! Similarly, women should avoid high heels and garish sandals.
• Spiked or coloured hair is strictly avoided. Stick to a neat, well-groomed and professional hairstyle. Men should sport short hair and beards/moustaches should be neatly trimmed.
• Play it safe by covering tattoos and unnecessary piercings that can spark a controversy. Only pierced ears and nose are permissible for women too.
• Go for the minimalist look by passing up on excessive jewellery, accessories or overdone make-up.
• Body odour should be definitely avoided, yet go easy on the cologne/aftershave or perfume.
• Even purses, wallets, briefcases and portfolios should be of good quality and colour-coordinated with your entire ensemble.
These are not carved-in-stone rules, as actual dress codes will vary from company to company. So, consider organisational policies, corporate culture and work environment before selecting apparel, jewellery and fragrances that boost the professional image you want to convey. For instance, trendy attire is essential for advertising agency employees, but detracts heavily from a lawyer’s image! Else, note the dressing style of hotshot executives and power players when finalising your workday wardrobe, to obtain an office-friendly, sophisticated and winning appearance.
If still in doubt, opt for a conventional (not dowdy) and overdressed look. As it has been always said, “The most basic mistake new employees make is under-dressing. If unsure, dress conservatively. The best way to avoid a problem is to understand the corporate culture”.
PAYAL CHANANIA
No comments:
Post a Comment