Monthly Archives: October 2011

Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Is Black a Good Work Wardrobe Colour?

1 Comment

I love black! It is mysterious, chic and intriguing. And it is the perfect colour to wear any time you want to look dramatic, especially in a social setting.  But is it a good colour to wear to work? The answer is… it depends on what message you want to convey.

Black being the darkest colour is also the most authoritative colour. If you want to come across commanding and have others follow direction that you give without question, black is definitely your colour.  However, that might not always work in your favour. What about those occasions when you are trying to create rapport and you want interaction? Looking authoritative can be good, but in this situation it might be over-kill. Because black is such an authoritative colour, it can also be very intimating.

If you like black but still want interaction with others here are my suggestions:

  • When interacting with clients or subordinates break up the black. Instead of dressing in head to toe black, wear black dress pants and a coordinating jacket in a different colour or the other way around.
  • Keep the black suit for those times when you are interacting with others in top leadership positions.
  • If you want to come across authoritative but a little more approachable, try navy instead. In navy you will still maintain an appropriate level or authority and others will trust that you can do the job. However, because blue is the colour of trust, others will trust that they can open up and ask questions.
Business casual, Business Dress, Dress for Success, Etiquette, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Reinforce Your Company’s Image with Your Image

2 Comments

Most companies spend a lot of money each year developing and maintaining their company image. As a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that’s consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, whether we like it or not, we instantly form an impression about them. If the impression matches what they are trying to communicate, we are more likely to trust them. Once trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships.

Business casual, Business Dress, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Accessory Fad or Accessory Fashion?

Leave a comment

If you are on a limited budget always consider whether that accessory you are considering for your next purchase is a ‘fad’ or fashion’?

Fad items appear every season. They are fun and can instantly update a wardrobe… But ask yourself “How much does it cost?” In addition, “Can I afford to throw or store it away in just one year?”

A ‘fad’ is here today and gone tomorrow; even though fashions change over time, the change is much slower and more subtle. A ‘fashion’ can become a true investment.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Accessories Add Personality

Leave a comment

For some of us women finding clothing that fits well can be so challenging that we feel stuck with a very small selection to choose from each season. This can lead to major frustration, especially when your personality isn’t in-line with the current selection of available items.  However, with a little imagination and creativity, accessories can save the day. Accessories are the extras that can give you an individual style. By choosing the right accessories, you can create the look that says “you”.

When purchasing new accessories, always your figure challenges, your scale and your lifestyle in mind. By matching these qualities in your accessories with these qualities in you, your accessories can easily pull together your wardrobe and make you look great!

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Match the Scale of You and the Scale of Your Attire

Leave a comment

Even when a garment fits your shape and proportions, the scale of the print, the details of the garment or the size of the accessories may not. To bring your wardrobe into sync with your physical appearance, you must make sure they match your bone structure, body frame, height and scale.