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Professional Dress Do’s & Don’ts

May 2, 2015 by procourtesy

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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.

Office Christmas Party

December 4, 2014 by procourtesy

Business group people in santa hat at Xmas party.
Office Christmas Party…how to attend with style.
Corporate holiday parties can be stressful and unappealing for some people in an organization. However, you may be committing a huge faux pas and sabotaging your chances for advancement by not attending. Attending shows you are a team player. It is the opportunity to get to know those you don’t know well or have time to chat with during your regular business hours. And it is a chance to meet some of the spouses and significant others in your co-workers’ lives.

It is a bad idea for an employee not to participate, but an even larger mistake for a boss not to show up, without a very good reason. Not attending sends the message that bosses don’t really care about their employees and that they set themselves above those who work for them — a huge insult in my book. And if that is the message that the employees take away from their absence, it can damage the employees’ perception of how much they feel they are valued and how hard they want to work for the company. Corporate cultures and attitudes start at the top.

So, here are some tips to get you through the party and make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Be sure to respond to the invitation and let the planners know whether you are bringing your spouse or a guest, only if they are included in the invitation.
Dress for the event. This may be the time to jazz it up a bit with your attire, but be careful not to get too sexy. That plunging neckline may not be forgotten on Monday morning. Ditch your jeans…dressing appropriately shows you care.
If you bring your spouse or a guest, be sure to introduce him or her to your coworkers.
Mingle! This is a perfect time to meet others in the company you don’t usually have the opportunity to see.
If you are one of the bosses, circulate and don’t just hang with the other bosses.
Pace yourself when it comes to alcohol consumption. You don’t want to be the topic of conversation on Monday morning.
If a meal is involved and you are ordering off a menu, go middle of the road with price. Ordering the most expensive thing on the menu can look as if you are taking advantage.
Thank your hosts upon leaving and send a handwritten thank-you note the next day.

So when that invitation arrives for the company party, say yes to going. Happy holidays!

Keeping Cool While Staying Professional

June 20, 2014 by procourtesy

girl with a briefcase walking on green grass field

Keeping Cool While Staying Professional
When summer temperatures soar most of us scale down our clothing in an effort to stay cool. And going to work in traditional business attire can be a challenge on hot days. However, getting too skimpy with your clothing can be a real liability in how you are perceived as a professional.

Your job, position and work environment should dictate the level of formality needed in your attire. If you are in a serious business, like finance, law or other highly professional fields, it is very important not to get too casual.
Here are some of my dos and don’ts to maintain a professional image on hot summer days:
• Don’t expose too much skin. Sleeveless, low cut tops are not appropriate in traditional work settings.
• Don’t flip and flop with your shoes. Slides, flip flops and sandals are not as professional as closed toe shoes or closed toe sling backs.
• Don’t get too high with your heels. Anything over two inches can be perceived as “sexy”
• Don’t get too short with your skirts… one –two inches above the knee should be the limit, regardless of how great your legs are.
• Don’t reveal all of your assets. Cleavage on either end is too much information. Be careful not to expose your bare midriff when raising your arms.
• Don’t wear tight tee shirts, tanks or sheer tops. No one wants to tell the temperature of the room by what a woman has on. Layering or a lined bra can help avoid this faux pas.
• Don’t wear capris or long shorts or cargo pants. Light weight long pants are a better choice.
Consider:
• Do wear lighter weight wrinkle resistant fabrics.
• Do lose the tie and wear an open collar if ties are not required.
• Do remove your jacket, but keep one handy if something pops up during your day that might require one.
• Do go bare legged if hose are not required.
• Do wear lighter weight skirts if long pants are too hot.
If you question if something is appropriate for work…it probably isn’t. If you find yourself apologizing for what you have on…it’s wrong.

Professional Dress Do’s & Don’ts

Office Christmas Party

Keeping Cool While Staying Professional

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