Give success a chance!

By Ariane Lellmann, Senior Housekeeping Consultant

There is a common misconception “Work hard and you will get ahead”, but whether you consider it fair or not, that is indeed an outdated myth. In today’s competitive business environment we must recognise that professional success is built on three critical components; ‘Performance’, ‘Image’ and ‘Exposure’. While ‘Performance’ is obviously still pivotal, it is also the minimum to remain in a job and as such is only the first step on the ladder of success. The aspect of ‘Image’ is the message you send before you speak, whether it is intentional or not, and includes your physical presentation and confidence projection. Your image is your brand and you can improve your image if you are open to self-improvement. Finally ‘Exposure’ is making sure that others know of your achievement and builds your reputation.

Does your form of dress and presentation style (even in uniform) communicate your desired impression and image? When was the last time you asked for honest feedback how others see you? Is your self presentation aligned with your desired professional goals and ambitions? This article aims at providing a few practical tips on how you can positively influence your image, realising your full business potential and ambitions. The strategy is to “Dress for Success”!

A few business dress guidelines to enhance your self-presentation and image in the corporate environment include:

Suits, combinations and jackets
Ø    Always choose a well tailored, dark suit in dark blue or mid- to dark-grey, not brown. Suits are the most stylish and professional outfit and most authoritative.
Ø    Don’t wear slightly different colours as a combination. Wear a darker colour jacket with a paler colour for trousers or skirt.
Ø    The jacket is the most important item .Avoid sleeves which are either too short or too long and fold them up – have them altered professionally to fit you perfectly
Ø    Always dry clean suit pieces together
Ø    Hang up suit jackets on hangers with broad backs and let them air

Skirts
Ø    Skirt length to be just below the knee, where the leg is the slimmest.
Ø    Waistbands to be loose enough to insert two fingers allowing it to turn easily; it must hang from the buttocks in a straight line and not curve under.

Trousers
Ø    Trouser pleats are to remain closed, zippers and closings must lie flat. Trousers must be long enough to break in front and fall straight from buttocks. The waistband to be loose enough          to allow two fingers to be inserted and no panty line to show at any time.
Ø    Avoid stuffed pockets with keys, money or phone (use your handbag)

Blouses and tops
Ø   Be careful with blouse collars under jackets, best wear no-collar plain tops without frills and not see-through. They should be made of natural fibres or top quality blends such as silk, crepe, challis, cotton and linen.
Ø   Beware of the wrong colour bra under any top and avoid dressing provocatively ( no revealing necklines, cover your cleavage)

Dresses
Ø    Wrap style and button down dresses are very suited
Ø    Avoid clingy fabric dresses

Different fabrics and fabric finishes
Ø     Suited for official corporate wear: solids or small prints in fine weaves such as worsted wool, wool crepe gabardine, gabardine, crepe, crepe de chine, jacquard.
Ø     Suited for smart casual office wear: solids or medium prints in medium weaves such as herringbone, jersey, knit, broadcloth, oxford cloth, cotton pique, raw silk, tweed – patterned, linen, linen/blends, handkerchief-weight linen, wool flannel, rayon
Ø     Best suited for casual wear only: solids or medium to large prints in coarser, looser weaves such as corduroy, denim, madras, seersucker, poplin
Ø     Remember that the finer the weave and the shinier the fabric, the dressier the garment. Matte finish is less dressy. Avoid mixing fabrics with very different constructions and finishes.

Shoes
Ø    Wear clean and polished, closed court shoes with a medium high heel matching your trousers or skirt. Avoid very strappy sandals or heels you cannot walk on.
Ø    If you wear tights (preferably tan colour, no pattern) have a spare pair packed in case you snag them. Never wear dark tights with paler colour shoes. Don’t wear tights in open toe sandals, showing the toe seam. If no tights are worn, ensure legs are waxed, moisturised and heels buffed.

Accessories
Ø    Jewellery at work: Less is more. Jewellery to be discreet, not dangling or noise making, one ring per hand, good quality watch, one bracelet, one necklace (string of pearls is the most classical, but many fashion beads are acceptable ); earrings close to the ear and avoid loop or dangling earrings in the more conservative business environments.
Ø    Avoid visible body piercing or tribal body painting/tattooing.
Ø    Complete the 15-point check-up before leaving for work: Count each shoe, your stockings, your jacket and blouse and your skirt (if it is different from the jacket). Bright colours count two points and bright nail polish and red hair each count one point. Count all accessories including bracelets, necklaces, each earring, brooches and scarves. If the number exceeds 15, you’ve overdone it

Know what suits your shape – a few tricks and tips

For all figures

Ø    Buy 1 good quality item, rather than 5 badly made ones
Ø    Par down and minimise your business wardrobe – make sure all items can be mixed and matched
Ø    Always buy the right size and items in proportion to your shape
Ø    Have a good seamstress for alterations!
Ø    Buy classic items for work – they last longer and don’t go out of fashion

The fuller figure

Ø    Base your business wardrobe on dark neutral colours and prefer one-colour dressing, adding interest with textures and colourful accessories, preferably close to the face.
Ø    Vertical and diagonal lines are your friends
Ø    Watch proportion and balance, make sure clothes fit properly and are not oversized
Ø    Avoid bulky, stiff or shiny fabrics, they should have just enough weight to fall naturally without clinging

The small and petite figure

Ø    Always wear small prints and patterns, narrow lapels or box style jackets, keep trimmings and accessories in proportion to your body size

 

 

And finally do not forget that your deportment, body language and good grooming also impact on your physical presentation.

Remember that employers don’t hire or promote a person on their qualifications or job performance alone, but they evaluate the entire package – so apply some of the tricks of business and give your success a chance.