In a 2010 national poll conducted by the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania, “appearance” ranked second only to “communication skills” when respondents named qualities most often associated with professionalism. “How an individual dresses for work can be a powerful extension of his personal brand,” says Matthew Randall, executive director of the CPE. “Clothes, accessories and even the footwear an employee chooses to wear help to reinforce or diminish his skills and qualities in the eyes of his employer, co-workers and clients.”
Universal dress rules can’t be set in stone, because what is considered appropriate varies by workplace, field and what is happening on a given day. But if such a tablet were to be created, there’s a good chance it would include the following:
1. Modesty is a virtue.
Get noticed for your great work, not your tight pants, overdone makeup, short skirt or cleavage-revealing shirt.
“Nothing undermines how you are perceived in business as leaving nothing to the imagination,” says Chris Hauri, founder of Mirror Image, a Chicago-based image and identity consultancy.
2. Keep holy the casual Friday.
Yes, the workweek is almost done — the key word being almost. “Casual Fridays are a recipe for fashion disasters,” says Lizandra Vega, author of “The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want.” Don’t jump the gun by wearing your weekend plans, whether that be catching some rays in a halter top and short shorts or cleaning out the garage in your college sweatshirt and cut-offs.
3. Thou shalt wear the right shoes.
Your feet should look prepared for work. Vega suggests skipping flip-flops and other open-toe shoes, while Hauri notes, “High high heels may be fashionable, but not for actually working. Image conveyed: I can’t pitch in and do any work because I really can’t walk in these things. Want to be a team player? Wear flats.”
4. Honor thy leaders.
Not sure what is appropriate for casual Friday or a client meeting? Look around. “The wisest employees often observe and take cues from the most respected individuals within their organization on what is appropriate workplace attire,” Randall says.
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article courtesy of MSN.com
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