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for those in the work force, some tips from smh …
well, having cracked the interview and getting ink on the employment contract, i guess it’s time to blend in and make the most of the new job. here are some tips (albeit a little dated – 2009 – but still fairly pertinent):
What not to wear at work
By Megan Byrne
The Sydney Morning HeraldShort, sheer, tight and bright have no place in a professional woman’s work wardrobe.
Appearance is a powerful thing especially at work. A study by the Aziz Corporation revealed that a quarter of employers admitted they were more likely to hire a woman who wore make-up than one who didn’t.
It’s statistics like this that led a quarter of British businesswomen in 2005 to say they would consider cosmetic surgery if it would boost their career prospects.
It seems that plain Janes and those who value their mind and personality over their appearance have a fight on their hands.
But how do you dress up if your company’s dress code encourages a dressing down of the standard business attire? The term “business casual” has turned dressing appropriately into something of a minefield for all workers but particularly women.
Many image consultants argue that such a code should actually be referred to as “relaxed business”: in other words, it is OK to have a relaxed attitude to your work but not a casual one.
In terms of your attire this means that if you’d wear it around the house, to do the food shopping, or down to the video shop on a Friday night, don’t wear it to work. Ditch the pumps and stockings by all means but don’t replace them with ugg boots. And avoid slouchy pants at all costs, says image coach at careerclothing.com, Birgit Francis.
But Francis says the most important thing to steer clear of are low-cut tops and pants.
“You are not there to show off your sexuality, you’re there to do a job,” she says. “You should also avoid short skirts they should fall just above or below the knee but never on it and tight skirts, which can
look very unprofessional.”But even if you’ve got the level of attire sorted, how do you mix it with the office glamazons? Francis says well-fitted clothes can make all the difference.
“Bigger women and older women seem to think they should wear baggy clothes with big prints but this is the worst thing you can do. Clothes that are tailored and fitted particularly at the waist can have a fantastic slimming effect, even if you are a size 26.”
As a general rule, if a jacket has buttons, you should be able to do them up and never wear a shirt if it gapes or pulls between the buttonholes. Shirts, skirts and pants should never be so sheer or tight that they reveal the cut or colour of your underwear and you should always do your best to avoid the biggest taboo of them all the visible panty line (VPL).
If you’re self-conscious about your body shape, there are videos on the web that teach you how to hide big hips and minimise a large bust, among other things. Cibeline Sariano, the owner of a clothing boutique in the US who has produced a series of videos for about.com, suggests wearing dark-coloured pants with a front zip no high-waisted, slim-legged pants with pleats, side zips or back pockets and tops with rounded square necklines and vertical seams.
To complete the polished, professional look, Francis advises wearing minimal accessories, light make-up, clean shoes and having clean hair tied back off the face. You should avoid bright nail polish, chipped nails and heavy perfume; leave bright, bulky and jingling jewellery at home (it can distract people); and swap slouchy handbags for more structured shapes, which give the impression of being organised.
Good presentation does wonders for creating a good first impression keep it up and you’ll make a lasting impression.
But if after all your effort you still feel intimidated by the fairest among our sex, smile smugly in the knowledge that, according to the Journal Of Applied Psychology, people with intelligence earn more in their lifetimes than those who are attractive or self-confident. Brains trump beauty in the end.
Published: 13 June 2009
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