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How to dress for success in the modern office
By Administration | February 26, 2008
What you wear to work is a key indicator of what image you will evoke in the work place. The latest trends for men and women suggest that dressing more casually or “dressing down” is now the norm. No longer does a basic, well-tailored suit and expensive tie meet the requirements necessary to achieve a look that generates confidence. The creative, casual environment popularized by the Silicon Valley is a great example of this shift. Indeed, business casual is now the new business formal.
The problem is in the definition of “business casual,” which is often very misunderstood. Business casual can be interpreted in various ways, and this gives a person the opportunity to make big mistakes in the image he or she evokes.
Biggest Mistakes Men Make
If you decide to wear jeans and a Grateful Dead t-shirt to your techno-savvy work place, it can give others the impression that you have very little ambition. If you think that a polo shirt and khaki pants are the true definition of casual, think again. The key to dressing business casual is to evoke the appearance that you have already achieved a superior position within your work environment. However, this is easier said than done, but there are certain image “secrets” you can utilize to maximize your appearance with business casual.
Foolproof Guidelines for Male Business Casual
The best guidelines to follow and achieve an impressive “business casual” are:
- Well pressed, long sleeved, button down collared shirts
- Well pressed, dark, solid-colored slacks
- A plain belt with a simply styled buckle
- Dark colored socks that stay in place
- Nicely maintained leather shoes (Yes, people still NOTICE YOUR SHOES)
The image you project is an external indicator of how much you value yourself, and how seriously you wish to be taken by other people. By keeping this in mind, you can make the appropriate wardrobe choices. A clean and neat appearance will always give a positive impression to clients, managers, and co-workers.
Women and the “Business Casual” Concept
For women in the work place, there is a fine line between “business casual” or “dressing down” and “business faux pas.” The image that a woman projects can directly influence how well clients and managers listen to her. She should be able to find comfortable casual clothing that looks crisp, but she must not wear anything that is too short, too tight or has a bare midriff. Work out clothing, sandals, or athletic shoes just do not represent a good image in an office setting. If you have doubts about what you are wearing, it is probably not appropriate.
The prevalence of fashion in the workplace has given women a larger selection of apparel when it comes to business casual. However, there is indeed a fine line between dressing business casual and being too fashion forward. Remember, you can always inject your own style into your business casual wardrobe, but it is critical to maintain your professional presence.
Infallible Guidelines for Women’s Business Casual
- Casual dresses and pencil skirts
- Neatly pressed slacks with boot cut legs in basic colors such as black, beige or white
- Nicely fitting sweaters or blazers
- Cotton shirts that button, with long or short sleeves
- Low or medium heeled pumps, flats or peep-toed shoes
- Scarves in quiet colors
- Moderate amounts of jewelry
If you are ambitious and want to succeed in your career, you can dress comfortably and still look great! It is possible to be stylish, professional, and well groomed with a few basic wardrobe choices and an appropriate amount of your own personal style.
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