A big thank you to Certified Image Master, Marion Gellatly for being my guest blogger and for sharing her wisdom on fashion and professional do’s & don’ts for the office.

Fashion Do’s and Don’ts in the Workplace

By Marion Gellatly, AICI CIM, Powerful Presence

Have you ever felt confused about fashion choices in the workplace? You can usually point to something that isn’t appropriate while still having a hard time figuring out what the new standards are. The bottom line is that we all want to be respected and to show respect to others. By following a few simple dos and don’ts, you could quickly be demonstrating professional courtesy in the workplace.

Dos

1. Consider carefully what is or isn’t age appropriate for your work attire. Looking either too old or too young can be detrimental to your professional image. It’s safest to start with a larger dose of clothes in neutral colors in natural fibers with few details like ruffles, bows, buttons, or fringe. Be cautious however, as too much of a classic look can make you look old and stodgy.

2. Appropriate coverage is insurance that no one gets the wrong message at work. Commit to clothes that don’t show cleavage, don’t gap between buttons and aren’t too tight.

3. On the weekend you can throw on a shirt and jeans and go to your kid’s soccer or football game and blend in with the other parents. At work, it’s important to stand out as a professional. “Finishing” an outfit or looking “polished” is key. Add accessories (not noisy ones), wear shoes that aren’t scuffed, and be sure your nails and hair are groomed. Your work outfit isn’t put together until you’ve attended to these extra details.

4. Check the mirror once or twice before you leave the house in the morning. Checking yourself from every angle before you go out the door is a good idea. Consider installing good lighting in your closet and putting up a full-length mirror.

5. Wear enough makeup to have a polished look. Having a too-made-up face makes you look like you’re thinking more about what’s happening after five o’clock. Wearing no makeup is not professional either. Consider a minimum of powder foundation, a lip color and some eye definition with mascara, neutral eye shadows or brow pencils.

Don’ts

1. Your work outfits should generally not be the place where you express your strong creative side. But this doesn’t mean you need to look boring! Again, getting the right mix is most important.

2. Do you really want to take the chance that you’re looking way too casual? Think about your appearance. Do you look like you’re an asset to your company? Looking pulled together and well groomed sends positive messages. You may be ready to add a few pieces to your wardrobe that help you look like a leader.

3. Don’t wear accessories that can be distracting. Keep the noisy jewelry at home. Having fewer but distinctive accessory focal points is a great idea and will add to your professional image.

4. Shabby chic works as a furniture style but it’s not a good look in clothing. Oversized, rumpled clothes will take away your credibility. The antidote is well-fitting clothes in fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily. Examine the fit of your clothes. Are you in need of a good tailor?

5. Be sensitive to people who are allergic to fragrances. Allergies are becoming more prevalent. Strong cologne, perfume, deodorant or skin creams can throw people into coughing fits or worse. Go to work unscented.

Wouldn’t it be nice to completely stop thinking about what to wear to work? It would be great to know you’re looking your best while you’re doing your best.

If you’ve been thinking, wishing, hoping for someone to guide you in creating a professional image and style to reflect how extraordinary YOU are, sign up for a complimentary 30-minute session with Marion Gellatly of Powerful Presence at http://powerful-presence.com/get-started.html. Or, you can stay in touch with Marion by “liking” her page, www.Facebook.com/powerfulpresence.

Marion Gellatly, founder of Powerful Presence in 1991, is a Certified Image Master (one of only 12 in the world) who teaches the importance of image in communicating confidence and competence in today’s business world. She shows her clients how achieve their goals by developing a professional presence that communicates confidence in themselves and credibility with their colleagues and clients. Marion offers in-person or on-line workshops, and laser focuses her expertise with one-on-one private consulting. Powerful Presence programs are designed to suit you.