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Dress for Success
Most of our working day is spent interacting with other people, so appearance does matter and first impressions can last forever. If you look good, you feel good, and you work better and harder! Whether you are the receptionist or president of the company, the way you dress can help or hinder your career to a large extent. For those of us who are lucky enough to work in relaxed, casual office environments, being told what to wear to work can be quite invasive. Others however, find that their outfits are regulated down to the last button.
But no matter where you work, there are some tips that can help you dress for success:
There are 3 types of business dress codes:
- Power Business: This is the most formal of all office dress codes, so a suit will be required (trousers or skirt). Confine your colours to black and navy and refrain from showing bare legs. A pencil skirt is also a lovely option in this type of environment, paired with a great button-up, collared shirt. Statement necklaces are also acceptable, as long as they don\\\'t detract from the formality that is required.
- General Business: This dress code is a little less formal so separates are acceptable. Your accessories can be more daring, and baring your legs from the knee downwards is also suitable.
- Business Casual: This unfortunately does not mean that anything goes: tank tops, flip flops and halter tops should be left for the weekends, and while jeans are acceptable, they are only so when in a dark-wash style. Think of this as SMART – CASUAL, so tailored tunics and sweaters are appropriate, and your accessories can be fun and trendy.
Now that you know the general office dress codes that exist, here are a few more tips to help you in your quest to look the part at work:
- Wear sensible shoes: Go for chunkier or sturdier heels as you will probably be on your feet a lot and you don\\\'t want an innocent trip to the printer to end up in an embarrassing spill in front of your co-workers
- Get a bra that gives you smooth coverage and support – leave prettier bras at home for the weekend or fun evenings out.
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You want to be known for your work - not your body - so don\\\'t go too revealing: in more formal environments, skirts should end below the knee, while casual offices allow for skirts to end just above the knee
- Incorporate navy into your wardrobe as this colour makes you look professional and approachable and is also one of the most versatile colours in your colour palette.
- Don\\\'t wear black all the time – inject a little colour into your 9 to 5 wardrobe through your camisoles or cardigans.
- Regardless of what type of office environment you work in, there are some things that you should never wear:
• Anything see-through
• Dirty clothing
• Clothing that is obviously too tight for you
• Gym gear
• Leather skirts and pants
• Shorts
• Beach wear
• T-shirts with slogans or offensive words
The time of year can also be a great indication of the clothes you should be wearing to the office:
Spring / Summer:
- You can pull off brighter colours that you wouldn\\\'t necessarily be able to in winter or autumn.
- Simple gold or silver jewellery will help you look effortlessly fashionable.
- Prints are acceptable, provided they don\\\'t make you look like you\\\'re ready for a day at the beach.
Winter / Autumn:
- Work wear is more conservative during the colder months, so slip on those suits and smart trousers when the chill creeps in.
- The colder months are also characterised by darker colours: cranberry reds, navy, dark greens and purples.
- Blazers or fitted jackets will keep you warm, fashionable and professional in both formal and casual environments.
- Cardigans will be a great way to keep toasty this winter, and will also help to add some interest to your outfit.
- Closed shoes or boots go with everything and will keep you comfortable.
- Tights – textured or not – will also make a great style statement
Remember that making a great first impression is half the battle won. Looking the part in a work context is vital to getting noticed and being remembered.
PIPPA LYNCH is a Fashion Stylist and specialises in Personal Branding. To Contact Pippa, email: pippa@pippalynch.co.za, cell: 084 608 2138 or find her on the web at www.pippalynch.co.za
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