Deborah OConnor August 20, 2013
August 19, 2013
By Deborah O’Connor
August 20, 2013
August 20, 2013
We all know how important first impressions can be and a large part of that impression is based on clothing. Clothing can either enhance your professional reputation or detract from your credibility. Knowing the proper attire for each occasion can simplify your life and boost your self-confidence. Here are some common and not-so-common occasions to be prepared for.
Professional Attire
- Women: skirt suit, pant suit, dress with jacket in conservative colors, shoes the same color as your clothing or darker, conservative jewelry in gold, silver, or pearls, a black, brown, or burgundy briefcase, a good leather bag, and a good watch
- Men: navy, grey and charcoal 2-piece suit, blazer and slacks, white, blue, cream shirts, silk ties, black and brown leather belts, black, brown, and grey socks that go to your knee, black and brown lace-up leather shoes to be worn with suits, black and brown leather loafers to be worn with sport coats, black or brown leather briefcase, a wedding ring, a class ring, and a good watch
Business Dress-Up
- Women: cocktail dress not low-cut, slinky, tight, or too short, dressy shoes not higher than 3 inches, and an appropriate shawl or coat, and modest jewelry
- Men: good quality dark suit, white shirt, dark tie, dark socks that go to your knee, and black shoes
Black Tie:
- Women: long, short, or three-quarter length evening gown not lo
w-cut, slinky, or tight with silk pumps or evening sandals, a wrap, and good jewelry - Men: Tuxedo, white dress shirt, cuff links and studs, cummerbund, black silk knee-length socks, and black patent leather shoes.
White Tie:
- Women: full-skirted ball gown, evening sandals or silk pumps, long white gloves, a wrap, and elegant jewelry
- Men: black wool and silk tailcoat, white wing shirt, cuff links and studs, white bow tie, white cummerbund or white vest, black silk knee-length socks, black patent shoes, white gloves (optional) and black silk top hat (optional)
Pregnancy:
- To ensure that you emphasize a professional image, purchase your maternity wear at a store that caters to professional women
Projecting a professional image for every occasion can be time-consuming, but there are benefits to looking the part. It instills satisfaction and self-confidence and commands respect.
People will come to expect you to be a well-dressed professional and this can only enhance your career.
Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at: [email protected] www.successfulimage.biz
Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at: [email protected] www.successfulimage.biz
