THE BIG ‘A’ OF PROFESSIONAL DRESSING

Renu Mehra, Image consultant

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For every working man/woman, one big dilemma is, ‘ what to wear to work every morning’. For every HR department it is equally perturbing to see many employees walking into office unkempt, unprofessional and at times dressed for a party.

Different roles, varied goals and innumerable professions demand different dress codes. So what is this ‘Big A’ which binds all these different attires?
The ‘ Big A’ stands for being APPROPRIATE to your organisation’s Image and above all to carve your own Impression. The way you appear first effects the way you feel. If you do not look and feel assertive and confident, you will never be able to perform your professional best.

The right degree of ‘appropriateness’ can only be defined by your company expectation and you. The way you turn up for work, first sends a message to you and then to others. A quick measure of your ‘dress with success’ is the way people respond to you.

Today every organisation needs to train and guide their employees on ‘Appropriate Dressing’. You can make the most beautiful office buildings to enhance your Corporate Image, but till the human resource on the inside does not match the outside, the success story may take a long route.

POINTERS FOR MEN FOR ‘APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL DRESSING’.

– Invest in a good quality matched suit in a solid, neutral colour/ pin stripes. A grey or navy blue is a good first investment.

– Whenever in doubt, bank on a suit.

– A Dress trouser/ pant in black, grey or navy is a must.

– A Navy Blue Blazer/ Tweed/ plaid jackets are safe buys.

– In winters, a double breasted blazer can add extra warmth besides being a hot trend.

– Fleece jackets and Sweat shirts are not acceptable.

– Distressed jeans are a big No- No.

– Crisp white shirt, French shirt, pin stripes, and small plaids in pastels look good.

– Floral shirts, big colourful plaids, Ombre shades are only good for casual scenes.

– Avoid collarless T shirts and ones with slogans across the front.

– Horizontal stripes don’t match up to the zest required at work.

– Slinky, shiny shirts are for parties.

– In winters you can invest in plain V neck or crew neck pull overs. Classic patterns like ‘Argyle’ in subtle colours are good too.

– Home knitted sweaters are best worn at home.

– An overcoat can be added in the mornings and like a pull- over is a layer which can be removed within the office.

– Most important, clothes should be the right size, fit well- neither to baggy nor excessively tight.

ACCESSORIES FOR MEN

– Socks should be dark, solid or geometric patterned and should match your trouser.

– The elastic of the socks should have a good grip and there should be no bare skin visible on the leg when seated.

– White socks are meant for sports and anklets not appropriate.

– Wear bright, socks for more casual and fun events.

– Invest in atleast one pair of Black classic shoes like an ‘Oxford’.

– Loafers can be worn with Business casuals.

– Shoes without socks may be the latest fad but does not garner any brownie points at work .

– Leather belts, matching the colour of your shoe in 1-1.5″ are a must.

– No flashy, oversized buckles please.

– Ties always complete a classic look. Silk ties in deep colours, with a width of 3″ to 3.5″ at the widest are safe buys.

– Geometrics, solid colours, pin dots, diagonal stripes make you look and feel more assertive. Florals & paisleys flirt with fun.

– Very Narrow and knitted ties are for social dos.

– A simple ‘Tie Pin’ can add finesse.

– Cuff links are so charming but one needs to buy special shirts with double button holes on the sleeve.

– Pocket squares can add a burst of colour to your neutral colours.

– The way you fold your ‘Pocket Square conveys a lot. A neatly folded edge peeping out of the breast pocket makes you appear more disciplined than one tucked with asymmetrical edges in soft curves. Colours, fabrics and patterns play an important role too.

– Spectacles are a highly underestimated accessory. Gold and silver frames have more power than coloured plastic or oversized frames.

GROOMING FOR MEN

-Good hygiene is important.

– Sporting a beard is the flavour of the season, but beards need to be neat and trimmed. Stubbles and unkempt beards do not enhance your Image.

– No visible tattoos please.

– Ear studs and ear rings do not qualify in the professional arena ( in most classic professions).

– No open sandals and Indian jootis to work.

– A neat leather wallet and a Visiting Card holder are a necessity.

– Buty a structured lap top bag and keep the total look ‘ Organised’ – it can do wonders for your professional Image.

REMEMBER, ALWAYS DRESS FOR THE NEXT ROLE AND YOUR IMMEDIATE GOAL.

POINTERS FOR WOMEN TO APPEAR APPROPRIATE

-A basic pant suit/ skirt suit or a tailored skirt/ pant and blazer combination are a must.

– Pencil skirts in Neutral colours work well.

– Dresses should be knee length. Anything 3″ above the centre of the knee is too short.

– Simple blouses with collars, basic colours, not too fussy, overly decorated or heavenly printed are worthy of investment.

– Bright collarless blouses are great under a jacket and can add a pop of colours.

– Flash of skin of arms, legs or neck can be distracting.

– Structured jackets add to your authority whether worn over a Western or Indian outfit.

– Jeggings with short kurtis are the biggest faux pas.

– Wearing transparent stockings with skirts completes the look. Fish net stockings can be avoided.

– If Indian attire is your choice, make sure your Kurta has a collar. Even a narrow Chinese collar works well. It adds to your authority.

– You can even create a faux collar on a round/square/V neck kurta, by wrapping your dupatta around your neck like a muffler.

– Keep kurta patterns subtle and non-distracting.

– Salwars are best avoided due to their loose nature. Replace Salwars with straight, narrow, structured pyjama pants.

– Palazzos and Capris do not qualify as professional wear.

– Revealing, Bling and slinky fabrics are to be avoided.

– If draping a saree, choose crisper fabrics like cottons in summers and silk in winters.

– Pin your saree in place.

-Chiffons are best for social functions.

– Saree blouses with a collar and sleeves (half, 3/4 th, full), in basic colours work with most sarees and add Power to your appearance.

– Low cut, short, strappy, net sleeved blouses are not appropriate.

– Do not wrap yourself in shawls in winters, once inside the office. Your efficiency can be doubted.

– Opt for blazers/ jackets/ cardigans, which make you look alert.

– Plain or printed ‘Nehru jackets’ in summers, over your saree or kurta pant set can do wonders to your confidence.

POINTERS FOR WOMEN TO APPEAR APPROPRIATE

-A basic pant suit/ skirt suit or a tailored skirt/ pant and blazer combination are a must.

– Pencil skirts in Neutral colours work well.

– Dresses should be knee length. Anything 3″ above the centre of the knee is too short.

– Simple blouses with collars, basic colours, not too fussy, overly decorated or heavenly printed are worthy of investment.

– Bright collarless blouses are great under a jacket and can add a pop of colours.

– Flash of skin of arms, legs or neck can be distracting.

– Structured jackets add to your authority whether worn over a Western or Indian outfit.

– Jeggings with short kurtis are the biggest faux pas.

– Wearing transparent stockings with skirts completes the look. Fish net stockings can be avoided.

– If Indian attire is your choice, make sure your Kurta has a collar. Even a narrow Chinese collar works well. It adds to your authority.

– You can even create a faux collar on a round/square/V neck kurta, by wrapping your dupatta around your neck like a muffler.

– Keep kurta patterns subtle and non-distracting.

– Salwars are best avoided due to their loose nature. Replace Salwars with straight, narrow, structured pyjama pants.

– Palazzos and Capris do not qualify as professional wear.

– Revealing, Blingy and slinky fabrics are to be avoided.

– If draping a saree, choose crisper fabrics like cottons in summers and silk in winters.

– Pin your saree in place.

-Chiffons are best for social functions.

– Saree blouses with a collar and sleeves( half, 3/4 th, full), in basic colours work with most sarees and add Power to your appearance.

– Low cut, short, strappy, net sleeved blouses are not appropriate.

– Do not wrap yourself in shawls in winters, once inside the office. Your efficiency can be doubted.

– Opt for blazers/ jackets/ cardigans, which make you look alert.

– Plain or printed ‘Nehru jackets’ in summers, over your saree or kurta pant set can do wonders to your confidence.

ACCESSORIES

-Keep your jewelry subtle. You are not attending a wedding.

– Opt for ear studs but if you like hanging ear rings, make sure they do not drop more than 3/4″ below your ear lobe. Indian ‘ Jhumkaas’ have no place in office.

– A simple Pearl string can elevate any dress code and is a great investment. You can use different coloured stone strings too..

– Scarves are a great accessory investment which can even replace a ‘dupatta’.

– Flashy rings and oversized rings do not augment your Appearance.

– One to two rings per hand only and those too simple ones.

– Nail art in Bright colours and studded with stones take the attention away from what you are trying to convey.

– Keep the nail varnish Matt and even better, go for a French manicure.

– Chipped nail polish is a big turn off.

– Shoes should be closed, pumps, bellies with low comfortable heels or flats.

– Knee length boots in winters are not for work.

– Strappy sandals, chappals are not acceptable.

– White or coloured socks in winters are to be avoided. Go for transparent ones.

– Sports shoes are not appropriate, either for men or women.

– Office purses should be structured and functional with pockets for mobiles, keys etc. Carry your make up in a small pouch. De clutter your bag and appear in control.

– Carry your office files in a neat folder.

GROOMING

– Hair should be neat and in place.

– Avoid over streaking and bleached hair- they make you appear nonprofessional.

– Make up needs to be natural. A non-make up look is also a No- No. You can’t see your face but others do for 8-10 hours a day.

– Use a BB / CC cream for a natural finish with a neutral lipstick, light blush and if need be Kaajal.

– Keep your skin clean, moisturized and hydrated. Chapped lips are a put off.

– Glossy, overly plumped up lips, are not professionally appropriate.

– Smokey eyes, may create ‘ Drama’ but dramatics have no place in the office.

– Fancy and oversized ‘Bindis’ can be avoided.

– Fragrances should be light and pleasing.

– Your ‘Dress silhouette’ should always be more than your ‘ Body Silhouette’. Tight revealing clothes are not meant for work.

– Learn how to Dress as per your Body Shape.

With these basic tips you can develop your own, ‘ Personal Style’ at work. Your personal presentation in the office, allows others to extrapolate about your Credibility and Capability. Your Personal Style at work is a way to say, who you are, what is your authority, even without saying a word. Remember, ‘ Being Appropriate’ is the Mantra to a winning Image.