Tag Archives: business

Business casual, Etiquette, Men, Women

Make the Most of Your Handshake

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I have written about handshakes in past blog posts. However, occasionally clients ask me questions about how to make the most of your handshake. Next time you shake hands consider the following:

  • When shaking hands in western society the hands should be parallel and hands should be clasped web to web. This isn’t the case with all cultures, so it is important to be understanding.
  • If you have small hands and want to make your hand seem more substantial when shaking hands, separate your index and middle fingers slightly with extending your hand for a handshake.
  • If you wear rings on your right hand when shaking hands, you may hurt the other person if you clasp their hand too tightly. This is the same when shaking hands with someone wearing a ring.
  • When seated, always stand to shake hands. This will bring both parties closer to the same level and both will feel more comfortable.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Wardrobe, Women

Should You Wear Animal Print to Work?

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Been shopping lately? If so you may have noticed that animal print fabric is everywhere. Personally, I really like it. It’s fun and comes across mischievous and playful. And this season, whether you want to look like a fox, a cat, a tiger or any other animal, it’s out there. But is work the best time to come across this way?  OK, yes, it’s good to enjoy your time at work. However, the way you dress may be perceived as sending mixed messages. How do you look playful and come across serious at the same time? When dressing for the purpose of work this can be a challenge. My suggestions?

  • If possible, keep animal print for social occasions.
  • If you work in an environment that encourages a playful approach, but you still need to look like you are capable and are there to do your job, wear subtle versions of animal print. This can be done with low colour contrast, worn in small areas or by choosing non-descript versions.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Is Black a Good Work Wardrobe Colour?

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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, Casual dress, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Summer Can be Suit Season

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Even though it’s summer, it doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the business suits. Suits can look and feel comfortable in any season if the right suiting fabric is chosen. When the sun comes out, wear 100% wool suits in “tropical weight” or “four seasons weight”. It will give you the most wearability and the most comfort.

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

Consistency is the Key to a Professional Image

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There are times when I get up in the morning and I don’t care how I look. I think everyone has those days. When getting dressed in the morning, we throw on the first thing that looks comfortable. And even though we may think it doesn’t matter, this can sometimes get us in trouble.

As an image consultant, I have made a few embarrassing mistakes of my own. One day, I ran down to the grocery store to grab a few things. Wearing sweats and no make-up, I ran into a past client. Oops! You never know where or when you might bump into someone important.

Even though there are days when I would rather not dress for success, I have learned the hard way that I really do need to look the part. Even though we may not care how we look, others might. For more on how to make the right business impression see ‘Upwardly Mobile Clothing for Upwardly Mobile Women’

Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

Bright Colours Get Things Done

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It’s been proven that colours affect us on a physiological level. Some colours are calming, some colours are dependable and some colours are authoritative. Bright colours bring up the energy level and increase brain activity. Of all the bright colours, red has the greatest impact which makes it a very powerful colour. Bright colours are great for getting and keeping attention.  These colours also work well as accent colours for blouses and scarves. A brightly coloured scarf will draw focus to the face and keep the attention of the listener. Although men’s business wear doesn’t usually include bright coloured garments other than shirts and ties, they can work well as accent colours. Ties are a great example of this. A brightly colour tie will draw focus to the face and keep the attention of the listener. Extremely bright colours, such as florescent colours, do not belong in the work place.
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Men, Networking, Wardrobe, Women

How to Look Like a Team Player with Colour

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Medium muted colours and neutrals are more approachable than dark colours yet still appear serious. People will assume you are a dependable team player while still conveying credibility. Warm colours such as earth tones come across as friendly and approachable. These colours work well for networking. Cooler neutrals such as grey and muted blue come across as more serious and trustworthy than warmer colours. These are effective when worn with a monochromatic shirt and tie or a lighter shirt. Combine with a richer coloured tie or one in the same tone. For more on this topic see ‘Upwardly Mobile Clothing for Upwardly Mobile Men’
Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Men, Wardrobe, Women

Need to Look Caring in Your Workplace?

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Lighter colours, especially pastels send the message that you care. These are great colours to wear when you want to be perceived as reassuring or gentle. They also have a calming effect on others. For this effect a lower contrast or monochromatic combinatioand tie) in lighter colours works well.
light colour

Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Men, Uncategorized, Women

Use Colour to Instantly Look More Authoritative

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Darker shades of most colours are considered more formal. They help you appear authoritative, confident and mature. When you wear dark colours such as navy or charcoal grey people will assume you can handle t he job. Black is the most formal and authoritative colour. Too much black can be intimidating. When worn alone, dark shades are dramatic and unapproachable. For a confident, authoritative look a dark suit with a light dress shirt and a brightly coloured tie, a coloured scarf and/ or metal accessories make the most effective combination. For more on this topic see ‘Upwardly Mobile Clothing for Upwardly Mobile Women’


Business casual, Business Dress, Colour, Wardrobe, Women

Do Maxi Skirts Work for Work?

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This season we are again seeing the new longer ankle length hemline on skirts, called the ‘Maxi’. Many of my clients are asking whether this skirt or dress style is appropriate to wear to work.

This is an interesting question. As image consultants we tell our clients to cover their skin, when dressing for work. And this skirt style definitely covers skin. However, the other thing to consider when dressing for business is, whether your clothing is distracting. Unfortunately the ‘Maxi’s’ falls into the category of distracting, as well. And because of this, it isn’t suited to the work place.

Why, you ask? If the clothing draws attention to itself, it also draws attention to your personality. This can draw attention away from your purpose and what you are trying to convey.