Things move at an incalculable pace today. As people are pressed for time, only the things that immediately catch our eye capture our attention. This goes for ads, magazine covers, product packaging, and of course, people. Because we’re so busy, appearances count for a lot more than they used to. It is what makes the first and most lasting impression as well as what reflects one’s personality and attitude. In the professional world, this is even more important than you may think.
Having an elegant work outlook is highly imperative. It encourages others to take you seriously. Regardless of your age or status, your words are more likely to fall on deaf ears if you wear an unbuttoned-plaid shirt over a faded rock concert T-shirt, than if you sport a snappy outfit.
If still in doubt, go to the bank twice, one wearing the former outfit, and another wearing the latter, and see the difference in the treatment you receive. You will eventually find out that “how you dress is how you will be addressed”.
Aside receiving warm receptions, snappy clothes also help you bestow a good first impression, which is very crucial when meeting with clients, as well as new people within the corporate community.
A well put together outfit also delivers the subtler message that you pay great attention to detail. It further suggests that if you put so much effort into your image, then you are probably just as meticulous in your work. Here are therefore ten (10) pocket tips on how to dress correctly.
First Tip: Neutral colours such as blue, grey, white, khaki, black are guaranteed hits in a professional setting. Avoid wearing party shirts to work. Do not wear loud colors or patterns that are too bold. Subtle colours look good in offices. Plain shirts are always in style but you can also go for shirts in stripes, checks or micro-checks. Colours such as red, yellow, orange usually are not preferred to be worn at the workplace.
Second Tip: Polka dots shirts or shirts with sequins are a strict no-no in organizations. Avoid wearing short sleeves to work. Full sleeves shirts look professional. Make sure your sleeves touch the base of your hand. Do not roll up sleeves at work. Take care of the fit of the trouser.
Third Tip: Avoid baggy trousers as one looks lazy and sloppy in that. Your shirt should not be too tight. You should be able to button your shirt properly without any gaps. Slim fit or flat front trousers in solid colors, such as grey, black, blue, look best at workplaces. Clothing should be clean, wrinkle free and ironed.
Fourth Tip: Shoes should be polished. Keep a shoe shiner handy. Prefer dark leather shoes (Black or Brown) with black laces. Wear dark-coloured socks to work. Do not wear sports shoes or sneakers to work.
Fifth Tip: Avoid wearing chunky necklaces or too many bracelets to work. Remove all other rings except your wedding ring. Remember, there is a huge difference between your college and professional life. College were the days when nobody told you anything when you wore ripped jeans, T shirts, sneakers, hats and proudly flaunted your tattoos and body piercings. If you wear an earring, remove it immediately. Tattoos and body piercings are not at all acceptable in a professional environment.
Sixth Tip: If you have a moustache, make sure it is neatly trimmed. Do not attend office with beard unless and until there is an emergency. Hair should also be neatly combed for a professional look. Short hair looks best in offices.
Seventh Tip: Remember, your tie should complement your overall look. Silk ties are always a safe bet. Do not wear ties in loud colors or jazzy patterns. The tip of your tie should touch your belt buckles.
Eight Tip: Avoid wearing strong cologne or perfume. You don’t need to tell others that you have arrived at work.
Ninth Tip: Do not wear flashy belts with broad buckles. Wear leather belts in dark colors preferably black or brown.
Tenth Tip: Do not carry a thick wallet or keep your car keys in your pocket as it creates an asymmetrical bulge under your clothes. Also, avoid chewing gums at work. It looks completely unprofessional.
Most organizations expect their employees to dress well. One needs to dress appropriately as per the work culture for a pleasing personality. It is not necessary that you have to wear your business suits daily to work. A crisp white shirt teamed with a black well fit trouser can give you that desired professional look. Dressing formally therefore helps you to create the right professional image.
After all, diplomatic dressing is not about flaunting designer business suits, but about dressing appropriately in line with the culture of the diplomatic community.
Compiled by: Diplomatic Call News Desk
