Recent articles in magazines bemoaned the fact that the growing trend amongst job seekers indicates a lack of professionalism in the way they dress. To compound the issue, this “epidemic” is even infecting corporate Europe and America as well as the hoard of interviewees looking to gain entrance into a career field. The underlying premise in both circumstances is that people today, whether actively seeking career employment or already employed in a career endeavor, do not dress for success.
This leads to the question, “Who is the professional?” The harsh reality is that whether it is blue jeans or sweats, sweat shirts or T-shirts, spiked heels or spiked hair, none of this is acceptable if you wish to find a job or be considered a professional in the corporate arena once you are there. The bottom line is simple. Both the muscle T-Shirt combined with a teddy bear stomach (guys) and dressing like Paris Hilton (gals) is unacceptable.
A lot of blame appears to be falling on the corporate level itself. Casual dress days, e.g. “Dress-Down Friday” have become an all too familiar standard in a lot of businesses and corporations. Additionally, more evidence is showing how interviewers and management personnel are equally as guilty of slovenly dress habits. The basic mistake that so many new hires succumb to today is “undressing”, i.e. dressing too casually. But it doesn’t stop there. Advice given by numerous experts indicates that if you aren’t sure of the proper attire, then you don’t understand the corporate culture. Well tailored bespoke men’s shirt with proper formal men’s accessories can go a long way in making that first right impression.
Granted, the workplace is filled with fashion anomalies and extremes as it were, in that Merrill Lynch would not appreciate you showing up in cut-offs and flip-flops any more than a Fitness program wants you to dress in a 3-piece suit. Additionally, there are way too many fashion “wannabes” who think that the Grunge or Paris Hilton look is appropriate. So once again, what actually is involved in order to dress for success? If you understand the corporate culture, then this isn’t that difficult to answer.
Consider first the 3 basic rules regarding dressing for success:
Rule #1 – Image is everything. Ultimately, it is your appearance combined with the way in which you present yourself to your clients and superiors that is paramount. Remember that an interviewer or members of upper management will make no less than 10-12 psychological as well as value judgments about you within the first 30 seconds of making eye contact and speaking to you.
Rule #2 – Dressing casually does not mean dressing slovenly or tacky. In most cases, removing one’s tie is about the extent of it. However, a conservative pair of dress slacks, a button-down white or light blue oxford shirt, darker and polished shoes, and a contrasting sportscoat is not a bad look.
Rule #3 – Dress yourself the way you expect others to see you. In other words, there are four facets of your character/personality that should be assumed without you ever uttering a word:
• You are prepared and ready to meet your clients/customers
• You are a ALWAYS a professional
• You are serious about your career and your work
• You achieve your goals and are upwardly-mobile
Should you be employed in a professional setting that enforces a dress code, hopefully this will make your job a lot easier. For new hires, whether at the entry-level or at the management level and higher, one of the recommendations we have made in the past is to take a “hard” copy of the corporate dress code with you when you go shopping for that new attire. To express this more succinctly, a quote from Forbes.com is in order:
“ . . . Understand (that) elegance beats flash and trash five days a week. That means men shouldn't dress like aspiring rock stars, and women should shun the Paris Hilton look.”
The following is a list of helpful suggestions regarding how to dress for success (being gender specific) and exude that air of professionalism.
Men
• black, charcoal, or navy blue suit –OR- dress trousers that contrast with but compliment a dressier sportscoat
• button-down dress bespoke shirt (referred to as an “Oxford”) preferably white or powder blue (no pink or yellow)
• polished black shoes – lace-ups not loafers
• black or navy blue socks (depending on the color of the suit and shirt)
• conservative tie (NO sports logos or Warner Brothers cartoon characters)
Women
• dark colored suits (see above) or pantsuits –OR- a dress skirt that hits at the top of the knee with a contrasting yet complementary blazer
• light blue or white blouse (depending on the suit or the skirt and blazer)
• sweater vest (optional)
• limited jewelry
• pantyhose (if mandated by the dress code or if that appears to be the norm)
On a couple of closing notes, keep in mind that professional attire varies geographically. Additionally, don’t overdo the after shave, cologne, or perfume. Better yet, go without it until you see how others in the office use it.
About Green and Jack's Bespoke Shirt Maker
Green and Jack's is a bespoke shirt maker based in London. Green and Jack's combines traditional hand tailoring techniques with three step easy ordering process to create high quality bespoke shirts. Perfect fit guarantee ensures free alterations.
Visit the Green and Jack's online store to purchase bespoke shirts from £79 plus free shipping within the UK or £5 delivery to the USA and Western Europe.
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About Green and Jack’s Bespoke Shirt Maker
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