Posts tagged Dress Code
What Women Should Wear to Work
Sep 5th
Women are notorious for not being able to decide what to wear. Even when we have a closet full of clothes, we will still stand in front of it and say ‘I don’t have anything to wear.” The decision of what to wear becomes even more of a challenge when it’s time to choose the appropriate clothing for work. The confusion becomes all the more complicated if there are not specific dress codes to follow, or if the dress code is too strict. However, there are ways to make sure that you can dress appropriately for any office without giving off the wrong impression and still be professional and presentable.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes women tend to make in choosing appropriate work attire is in not taking into consideration the model of the company they are working for. Companies have an ideal image that they like to project and have respected by their employees. How their employees dress for work has a major impact on that model or ideal. When shopping and deciding what types of outfits to purchase and wear for work, research the company well to find out what they favor most. Perhaps they like everyone to be uniform in colors, or always wear pant suits instead of dresses and skirts. Or, perhaps they don’t have much of a code at all, which gives you a lot more options. Whatever the case, knowing the details before hand will help you to decide on the right outfits to choose.
Another mistake in choosing a wardrobe happens when the work place has a very casual atmosphere. Casual does not usually mean jeans and tank tops. Although some companies allow jeans on special days, or once a week, the jeans you wear should not be faded, and should be cleaned and even ironed. A nice blouse will still present a casual appearance but will also spruce your outfit up enough to be appropriate for the office and any customers and vendors you may come into contact with. Casual wear does not mean that you should wear the same clothes you would choose to hang out in during the weekend and your days off of work.
Always get clothes that fit correctly. When clothes are too tight, not only are they not appropriate for the work place, but they also restrict movement and can make your day uncomfortable. On the other hand, clothes that are baggy and too loose will swallow up your figure and can make you appear drab and unprofessional. Avoid shirts and dresses that show off too much cleavage; you want to be professional and be recognized for your intellectual assets, not your physical ones.
It’s nice to have designer clothes and trendy styles, but be careful with these types of outfits in the work place (unless you work for a fashion company or another related business whose objective is to display the newest trends on the market). Overdressing in the trendiest outfits with bold colors and flashy jewelry will only distract from your abilities. Keep your outfits up to date, but with neutral colors and modest cuts. Add a splash of yellows and oranges with scarves and purses to brighten up outfits.
How Women Should Dress for an Interview
Sep 5th
The first impression has the greatest impact on whether your interview will succeed or fail. Statistically speaking, a person forms an opinion based upon their first impression within thirty seconds. Thirty seconds isn't that long to try to sell your abilities to a potential employer which is why knowing how to dress for an interview is so valuable. Follow these tips to help you when you are deciding on just the right outfit to go to an interview.
Before going to that scheduled interview, do a thorough research of the company. Most companies have websites that you can skim through to learn about the company, what they are about, and what kinds of services and/or products they offer. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the company before an interview so that you will be able to interact with the interviewer with advance knowledge that will gain you a few brownie points for being prepared and interested in their company. However, another benefit of researching their website is that they usually have employee sections that discuss their dress code and office rules. This will give you an idea of how you should dress for an interview using the company’s standards.
Pants Suits or Skirts?
It used to be the chic fashion for women to wear high-powered business pants suits. However, research is showing that this isn’t necessarily the case anymore. A nice business skirt with neutral toned blouses seems to be succeeding where pants suits used to. Pants have a tendency to wrinkle easier, and may be somewhat intimidating to the interviewer, depending upon the company and job you are applying for. Another disappearing trend is nude colored pantyhose. Choose colored hoses that compliment your skirt suit without clashing or appearing garish.
Shoes
Shoes should always be closed toes; do not wear sandals or sexy six inch high heels. Low heeled pumps (no more than a couple of inches depending upon your height) are the most appropriate. Choose a pair of shoes that match your skirt or dress or even a shade darker to accentuate your attire.
Accessories
Keep the accessories to the bare minimum. Don’t use your everyday purse filled with all of your belongings; instead use a small, compact purse that is in good shape and matches your outfit. Jewelry should be nominal; a delicate necklace, earring studs and perhaps a tasteful watch should be the limit to your jewelry ensemble. Do not wear flashy jewelry, sparkles, or overly large pieces to distract the interviewer from your personality and abilities.
Fingernails
A lot of women don’t stop to consider how important their hands and nails are in an interview. Manicures and acrylic nails are not necessary for an interview; however clean and well groomed nails are essential. Use either a clear coat or very light polish to brighten up your fingernails.
Remember, you only have about thirty seconds to make that first impression. You don’t want that first impression to be one of bright red, inch long nails and sparkly make-up with five inch heels. Instead, you want to present yourself as a woman in control, a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it.
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