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Shine by Dressing for Success

Dress for Success. Is that irrelevant in todays business world? How much importance do we place on dressing up for work? Well I think in some instances - not enough.

What message does your image send? Do you feel confident in the way you present visually through what you wear? It seems that there is still a lot of confusion in the work place about how we should dress. I read a posting recently on small business website Flying Solo which detailed one guys dilemma about what to wear to a client interview and possible photo shoot. To wear a tie or not to? Well the reaction from the comments posted were varied, from I wear a funny bowtie to break the ice to my best suit to who cares?

How well do you understand the image you put across? Image is created by a lot of different ingredients acting together. Physical appearance, dress, voice, manner, the views you express or the fact you dont express any and the way you react to the people around you. These impressions are made instantly. Images are so powerful because however little you may like it they do say something true about your personality. Its no accident that you dress, talk and behave the way you do.

So what is your visual appearance like? Do you grab the first thing you see in the morning or put some thought into what is the most appropriate outfit for that day? Having an extensive wardrobe of all the latest fashions isnt really necessary. Establishing your own image and a strong sense of individual personality and style is the key. You may only need a few quality, signature pieces that reflect your individual style and that you can mix and match. You dont have to look different every day, you just need to look good and look professional.

Lets look at the scenario of work from home.

Get up and get dressed! Ditch the pjs and trackie daks. Put on something smart and comfortable. Ive often read that it helps to have a separate work place in your home, a dedicated office phone line. Well its the same with your personal brand. To be making calls, sending emails and acting in a professional way to run your business, means dressing in a professional way too. Now I dont mean you need a shirt and tie or a corporate outfit but choose clothes that make you feel like youre working. You must look smart not only in the eyes of the people youre around but your own as well.

Going out to meet a client? Dress appropriately for the occasion. Do your research. You wouldnt go to a client meeting without knowing something about the company. Find out how the boss dresses, thats a start, or the code of dress in that organisation and take it up a notch. After all youre there to win the clients business and that wont happen if you dress inappropriately or look like a slob.

Think about what theyre looking for. If youre in finance, law or other professional services they want you to look like a credible, successful business person. You might be in IT or a creative service. Your potential client wouldnt expect to see you in a 3 piece suit. However does that mean you need to wear jeans and scruffy sneakers? Think about it, plan it out. You are part of the package that youre presenting to the client. People shouldnt judge us by our outward appearances, but of course they do.

I know a number of professional speakers, its the industry Im in. Let me share an example of two men, both $10,000 speakers. One works mostly with creatives yet has invested time and money into developing his image, finding the right cut to suit his body shape, wearing flattering colours, and choosing smart casual outfits. He looks like a $10,000 speaker. Another with a great reputation for the work he does with leading entrepreneurs still chooses to wear the tried (or maybe tired) and trusted jeans and black jacket. Mmmmm.

This scenario should be considered also by those that work in a slightly more casual workplace environment or have to endure casual work days. Jeans just dont cut it. They are what you wear when you are out and about at weekends or going out with friends at night.

Your appearance does label you; therefore it is crucial to get the right label! If your appearance shows that you care, people will recognise this. If you look like a slob, they begin to question your professionalism. Its not trivial to concentrate on your outward appearance. When you carefully select your wardrobe and create your look and personal style, you propel yourself forward by having a unique self brand.

Lets take a look at the corporate workplace.

Each workplace usually sets its own standards. However in the corporate environment there is an underlying code of dressing which is smart and professional. Suits have been the most acceptable form of dress in most industries with a trend today toward more casual wear particularly in IT and advertising and similar industries. Men have it easier than women in the matter of image. They at least have an example to follow. If everyone in the office wears suits theres no question they will do the same.

I think if you have one good working outfit for every day of the week that is all you really need. The idea is to mix and match and choose good, quality pieces. You can update with shirts, ties and accessories. What your clients or bosses want is someone who looks speaks and acts like they think someone in that position should speak or act. I think a woman or man who dresses smartly, elegantly and looks neat has a clear image of his or herself and what they are presenting to the outside world.

What do you think?

January 7, 2009 | kpbk.com | edit