The definition of success is usually defined as to what your skill set includes, what your personality type is, who you know and what your ambitions are. However success can also be determined by how you present yourself - more specifically, in how you dress.
Business outfit
Many of us have heard the coined phrase: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” However you should take that statement and think of it in a more three dimensional way.
First answer the following questions: Where am I now? Do I want to move in a different direction from here? If so, where (keep it broad)? And what makes me happy? By answering these questions, you are reminding yourself what is important to you not just in your professional life, but also in your personal life. Yes these questions don’t have anything to do with outfit configuration - but then again, maybe they do.
When we are more confident and satisfied either with our current job situation or with the path that it is taking us to where we want to go, we carry ourselves in a manner that can only be termed as “glowing”. When you wake up in the morning and you had a wonderful night’s sleep and that cup of coffee tasted even more delicious than you thought it would - chances are that you are going to take a little bit more time in making sure your appearance resembles your attitude. When you are happy, you want your hair to match your demeanor and your makeup to work your blushing cheeks.
With that being said, you need to own what you dress. Obviously you physically own your clothing, but when you truly ‘own’ what you wear, you feel as comfortable, confident and happy wearing it as you would after that amazing night’s sleep and delicious cup of coffee I previously mentioned. Here are a few tips to make sure that your closet works with you to make sure that there is always a skip to your high-heeled step!
1.) Wear clothes that fit you.If it’s too tight, too big, if the arms are too short or if the pants are too long, most likely you will spend more time adjusting your clothing that getting work done at the office. Buy clothes that fit you or find a tailor that will take these ill-fitting garments the promotion they need within your working wardrobe.
2.) Dress appropriately for your surroundings.You may love your strapless top or your mini skirt, but neither of those items are appropriate for the office. You can love what you wear that your boss would love as well - just make sure it’s not too short, not too tight and not too low in the neckline.
3.) Make sure that there is a splash of ‘you’ in your outfit.You may have an amazing suit that would work wonders at a networking event. However it may not earn a single business card merely because it’s just not ‘you’. Personality radiates off of people, and when you don’t feel comfortable in what you are wearing, chances are people will see that and take it as insecurity or an aloof personality. And neither of those traits are very good in a business environment. Whatever your personal style is, find ways to sneak it into your dress code making sure that even though you are at work, you still feel like yourself and not like you are acting out a role.
4.) Don’t be afraid to make a statement.If you like chunky jewelry or loud colors, don’t be afraid to sport them at work! Just make sure it’s tasteful and not too much. For example, wear a chunky necklace and keep your other jewelry very simple or don’t wear any other jewelry at all. Or if you want to wear your blue booties, make sure you wear them with a neutral-toned ensemble that will compliment your footwear versus sending you home for a wardrobe change.
5.) Wear clothing that makes you feel good. Bottom line - you need to feel good to look good. Wear clothing that is comfortable, makes you feel ‘pretty’, and doesn’t distract you from your job. Dressing for success isn’t about wearing the appropriate outfit for the appropriate occasion. It is about knowing who you are and what you want, and dressing for the occasion. Rachel Yeomans Rachel Yeomans of RachelAnna Consulting, a business fashion consulting company, and Creator and Editor-in-Chief of TheWorkingWardrobe.com, has been writing, editing, and coveting fashion since her first magazine purchase.
Upon entering into the corporate world, she mulled over what to wear from the office to cocktail hour or how to glamor the trade show and golf outing without blending in or sticking out.
She found herself constantly pondering how her business fashions could still pull off a sense of style.
She then decided to take her love of fashion to the workplace, and see if her working wardrobe, while continuing to work for her, could work for others.
You can also read Rachel’s thoughts on fashion through her contributions with SecondCityStyle.com and LittleDesignerBook.com.
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Rachel Yeomans Rachel Yeomans of RachelAnna Consulting, a business fashion consulting company, and Creator and Editor-in-Chief of TheWorkingWardrobe.com, has been writing, editing, and coveting fashion since her first magazine purchase.
Upon entering into the corporate world, she mulled over what to wear from the office to cocktail hour or how to glamor the trade show and golf outing without blending in or sticking out.
She found herself constantly pondering how her business fashions could still pull off a sense of style.
She then decided to take her love of fashion to the workplace, and see if her working wardrobe, while continuing to work for her, could work for others.
You can also read Rachel’s thoughts on fashion through her contributions with SecondCityStyle.com and LittleDesignerBook.com. |