Tag Archives: Business Dress

Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Never Let Them See You Sweat

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Visible perspiration is not only embarrassing for you and those around you, it can leave clothing stained and discoloured.

Disposable garment shields work well for both men and women and are widely available. They stick onto the inside of your clothing, protect your clothing and are virtually invisible on the outside of your clothing.

Business Dress, Look Younger, Uncategorized, Wardrobe

How to Keep Your Bra Straps from Showing

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Over the past few years, a popular look for women has been wearing layered tank tops and casual camisoles with the bra straps showing. Although there may be a time and place for this look, it isn’t appropriate for every occasion. Unfortunately, many of us have a problem with bra straps slipping. If your budget or body shape doesn’t allow you the option for purchasing multiple bra styles, there are several great solutions:

Bra clips (which are available under a number of different names) are a plastic clip which will clip the bra straps together, holding them in the center of your back. http://www.thestrapper.com

When your bra style has the option for changing the straps, clear plastic bra straps work well. They stay in place and generally aren’t noticeable even when you are moving around.

Fashion Tape can also work to keep your bra straps in place.

Business Dress, Men, Uncategorized, Wardrobe, Women

SUCCESS? Not with this Dress

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One of the things that I have learned as certified professional image consultant is that looking successful is not just about the garments that you wear. It is also about how they are coordinated, the garment details and your body language. At first glance these men and women look quite professional (okay, except for the elf shoes). They are all wearing what would be considered business attire. But look again, how many mistakes can you see??

What not to wear for Success
What not to wear for Success

The man on the left:

  1. Notice the ripples on the jacket. Either he is pulling down too hard on the pockets with his hands or the jacket is too big around.
  2. His tie is also crooked. (Okay, these things happen)
  3. Shirt sleeve should extend about ¼ to ½ inch below his jacket sleeve for a classic business look.

The woman to his right:

  1. The skirt is too short. For business it should never be shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
  2. A little too much cleavage for work.
  3. The shoes would do better at a night club than at the office.
  4. The hemline of her top worn below the jacket might be alright in a casual work environment, but in a formal office it comes across too casual.

The man with the elf shoes:

  1. Assuming he is wearing a shirt, his shirt cuffs also should be ¼ to ½ inch longer than the jacket sleeves.
  2. With those shoes, his pants are too long. There should be a slight break at the bottom of the leg, not the rumpled look we see.

The woman on the right

  1. The sleeves appear too long, although it is hard to know for sure, since they are buried in her pockets.

Advice for all…

  • Putting hands in your pockets ruins the line of the garment
  • Don’t draw attention to your legs when you want attention on your face
  • Shirt cuffs add sophistication to tailored classic attire
  • Crossed arms send a negative message – she looks angry
  • Make sure the width of your pant legs coordinate with the style of your shoes.
  • Elf shoes have no place in the workplace
Business Dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Looking the Part Isn’t Just for the Office

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When times are tough economically, the impulse to let go of the little things becomes greater. We may get up in the morning and throw on the first thing that looks comfortable, without giving it much consideration. Or we disregard our concerns thinking, “Oh well nobody will notice.” Or, “I am just running to the grocery store, nobody will see me anyway.” And then it happens. You run into that most important client or what might have been a potential employer. Unfortunately you never know where you will bump into someone important to your career. And although I truly believe that we all deserve time to let our hair down and to demonstrate our personal style, be aware that the impression we make, even during our personal time, can add or take away from our business success. I am not saying that you need to spend your weekends in business clothing. Every outfit has it’s time and place and casual clothing is expected in casual environments. However, certain items can be distracting, diminish your credibility and create a strong impression about you. During tough economic times, looking well groomed, coordinated and appropriate for the setting can be your strongest business asset. For a great business impression leave the following at home:

  • Wrinkled or stained clothing
  • Mismatched clothing and accessories (colours or styles)
  • Clothing and shoes that are worn out or in poor condition
  • Clothing that needs repair: missing buttons, fallen hems, spots, etc.
  • Garments that are too tight or too big
  • Body Baring Garments – Cleavage showing, midriff showing (unless at the beach or pool)
  • Mini Skirts (more than 3 inches above the knee)
  • See-through garments
  • Undergarments that show (but please wear some)
  • Brightly coloured hair or extreme styles
  • Extreme prints and patterns
  • Extreme Fads
  • Cutesy clothing and accessories
  • Shoes that are too high or throw you off your balance
  • Athletic shoes or clothing (unless in an athletic environment)
  • Digital watches (unless in a very casual or athletic environment)
  • Visible tattoos
  • Logos, slogans or novelty prints on clothing & accessories (except your companies apparel)

In other words… Anything that might be Distracting!