Category Archives: Wardrobe

Business Dress, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

Your Personal Image Should Emphasize Your Corporate Brand

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Many of my corporate clients ask why it matters what they wear to work. Here is one good reason: 

Most companies spend a lot of money developing and maintaining the company image, and as a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that is consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, we instantly form an impression about that person and if their image matches what they’re trying to communicate, we’re more likely to trust them. Once the trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships with that person and their company.

Business Dress, Men, Uncategorized, Wardrobe

How to Look Great in Pleated Trousers!

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Yes plain front trousers are still modern and look great on most men. However there is nothing like well tailored pleated trousers to add the look of classic sophistication to a man’s wardrobe… even without a jacket. Unfortunately because many men have no idea how to wear them properly, they end up looking frumpy!

So how should they be worn? Try the following:

  • Wear them at the waist (near the navel) not the hip.
  • The crease runs down the front of the leg from the pleat
  • Pleated trousers should always be worn with the shirt tucked in
  • Wear pleated trousers with a cuff for added sophistication
  • They are hemmed at the heel in the back and long enough for a slight break in the front
  • Pleats and pocket should never pull
Business casual, Wardrobe, Women

Leggings for Work?

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In the early 1980’s, I lived in leggings. And for good reason; they are so comfortable. Now that leggings (and jeggings) are back in fashion, again, many employers are frustrated by the fact that they are being worn to the office in business casual work environments. However, just because they are comfortable wear, it doesn’t mean they are office wear. Keep your leggings and jeggings for weekend wear instead. It will make your weekends feel even more relaxing.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Not All Jeans are Created Equal

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Here in Vancouver, jeans are still very popular in the workplace for casual days. However, there still seems to be confusion about what styles are appropriate to wear to work. This continues to be a big issue with the many employers who ask me to talk with their employees about appropriate business dress.

Because jean styles are constantly evolving, it is much easier to describe what is not appropriate to wear to work rather than what styles work at work. If you are lucky enough to work in an environment that does allow jeans, avoid these styles at the office:

  • Jeans with holes
  • Jeans that look faded, worn out or distressed
  • Jeans that are too tight
  • Jeans that don’t stay up
  • Jeans that are extremely low cut
  • Jeans with cargo pockets
  • Jeans with frayed bottoms
Business Dress, Wardrobe, Women

Platform Shoes

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A huge trend that is carrying on into fall for women is platform shoes. They are everywhere! The question is, are they appropriate for office wear? The answer… it depends on the company culture. 

The general rule is the thinner the sole the more conservative and formal the shoe. For career wear, when in doubt, always choose the classic pump with a 1 1/2 – 3 inch heel and a thin sole. You can never go wrong with this style and will always make a great impression at work. However, if you like the platform styles and it fits with your company’s contemporary culture, I would suggest that the classic style pump in a neutral colour with a platform sole is your best choice. For a great example see my post: https://www.personalimpact.ca/2010/09/don’t-believe-…thing-you-read/

Business casual, Business Dress, Wardrobe, Women

Don’t Believe Everything You Read

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InStyle magazine is a publication that I really enjoy reading. It contains great tips for the average woman on current fashion and beauty. Business Dress
However, in the September issue of InStyle magazine I was a bit disappointed to see this advertisement produced by Dry Idea. It indicates that these clothing items are appropriate office attire for women. Although I love the little black dress and it would definitely be appropriate for social occasions, it might leave some thinking that this style is appropriate for the office as well. Anything strapless, low-cut, mini in length or sheer is not appropriate office dress. However, in the case of the strapless black dress, if it is camouflaged by covering up with the coral coloured sweater showing next to it, you might be able to get away with it. As long as you can’t tell it is strapless. Good personal judgement is advised.

Business casual, Casual dress, Wardrobe, Women

Harem – Dhoti – Jodhpurs are All Pants!

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harem pantsYes, this is a summer of extremes when it comes to fashion silhouettes for women. Leggings are stepping aside this season for a fuller pant silhouette. I just returned from France and although there were still some leggings, harem, dhoti and Jodhpur styles were everywhere. For those of you who are new to these terms here is a quick rundown… 

Harem Pant legs are full top to bottom and gathered into an elasticised/ drawstring or added cuff at the hemline. The waist may be smooth or full like the pants in the picture. As you can see these harems are a variation of the real thing with the hemline only partially gathered. 

Dhoti’s are a full pant that is very long in the crotch area. The legs are full in the thigh and taper dramatically to the ankle. Some may have an added cuff at the ankle. 

Jodhpurs were traditionally a riding style pant. They are fitted in the hip area and very full in the thigh. They curve in dramatically at or just below the knee they fitted to the lower calf or ankle.

Business casual, Casual dress, Colour, Wardrobe, Women

Street Fashion – Extreme Fashion in London and Paris

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maxi dressStreet styles for women in England and France included a bit of everything. Many of the fashions were mirror images of what we would see in Vancouver or any American or Canadian City. There were a few things that stood out for me. Hemlines were extreme; micro-short and maxi-long. I noticed the maxi length dresses more in England than I did in France. And they came in a variety of different styles in solid and print fabrics. On the other extreme, mini’s were everywhere; both in skirt and dress styles. Those who wore pants opted for harem, dhoti and Jodhpur styles, although there were plenty of leggings and short-shorts worn as well.

Business casual, Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe

The Navy Suit – a Hit in London

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One of the things that really stood out for me on my trip to London was business clothing for men. The business suit was the key element for business dress compared to Vancouver where we are still seeing a lot of sport coats worn for business. The navy suit was everywhere; this in contrast to Vancouver where we are still seeing more charcoal, muted colours and earth tones rather than navy. In France, navy and charcoal suits were worn, however, so was the sport coat. In both countries, business casual included short sleeved camp style and dress shirts tucked into the slacks or trousers. Pant styles are mainly plain front styles with narrow legs, all worn with sleek, tapered oxfords.

Men, Wardrobe

We Saw Men’s Street Fashion First Hand in England & France

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While we were in England and France we hit the streets and we walked everywhere, so we had a lot of opportunity to see men’s fashion in a lot of different areas and environments. What we noticed is that for men, street dressing this summer is basically the same in England and France as it is here in Vancouver. My observations included Bermuda & board shorts and mid-calf Capri styles were worn everywhere. Jean’s are a darker distressed denim with lots of detailing on the back pockets and some with print across the rear. Legs are straight or boot cut. All worn with t-shirts and/or collared shirt. I saw very few polo style shirts. 

Shoes for men included everything from various sneaker styles (designed for street wear not active wear); boat shoes and loafers to dressier oxford styles with very sleek styling, tapered elongated toe and a thin sole.