Over The Top – The Difference Between Dressing Up & Overdressing
March 3, 2015
By Brian Maynor
We all want to look and feel our best, but like anything too much of a good thing is just as harmful as too little.
Not everyone has to wear a suit and tie to work every day, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for ways to dress up. When we dress up we feel better about ourselves, others see us differently and there is a general sense of empowerment. On the other hand, when we are overdressed we feel self-conscious, embarrassed and uncomfortable, which is exactly the same way we would feel if we were underdressed.
While both of these concepts require thought and effort, there is a huge difference between the two and the impact they make. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding if you are dressed up or overdressed:
1. The right suit. Wearing a suit can be an easy way to dress up your look, especially if you don’t have to wear one, but not all suits are the same. If you work in a casual environment and want to step it up with a suit you need to look for a casual one, not a business suit. Casual suiting is a market all its own and the key characteristics are fabric, cut and details. While you may find some traditional fabrics like wool or tweed, they will have a different look and feel than a traditional suit. Typically the cuts are also slimmer, the pants or jacket may be cropped and there may be accent buttons or stitching. The quality of the suit may not compare to a traditional suit either, but he price point will be lower. The two types of suits are not interchangeable or meant to be worn in the same way or to the same situations. One you can wear with t-shirts and tennis shoes and one you can’t.
2. Strategic Makeup. Not all makeup sends the same message and while the ‘natural’ look is ideal, a bare face is not going to give you the same affect. Achieving the perfect ‘no makeup’ look takes practice and makeup. While the products matter it is more about the application than anything. False lashes, smoky eye, heavy fake tans and colored lipsticks and eye shadows may be common sense no-no’s, but a pop of color with lipstick or gloss, a little mascara and dusting of bronzer keeps you looking healthy and credible. The goal is to have your makeup enhance your look, not overpower it.
3. Immaculate Grooming. Nothing can ruin your look faster than poor grooming, but you also don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. Whether it’s fighting frizz, fixing chipped nail polish or trimming facial hair keeping up your grooming throughout the day is essential to professionalism, but that doesn’t mean every hair has to be sprayed perfectly in place. When you try too hard to make your look perfect you actually hurt your credibility because it is interpreted as over compensating. You want to look real.
Dressing-up means something different to everyone and every situation, but more isn’t always better. Over-dressing doesn’t just mean wearing a ball gown to a picnic. You can over dress with makeup, hair and accessories just as easily, and they all defeat the purpose of looking and feeling your best.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
