Brian Maynor June 6, 2013

You have taken all the right steps toward earning a promotion: workedhard, put in the hours and impressed the bosses, yet nothing seems to be happening.  Time to consider another crucial element to workplacesuccess, dressing for the part.

See the outfits below.

We have all heard the adage, ‘dress for the job you want, not the jobyou have,’ but what exactly does that mean?  It is very unlikely thatyou will have the budget and ability to dress like a CEO on your firstjob out of school, which is OK, if you interpret the advice a littleless literally.  The key is to blend the elements from the job you wantthat make sense and are appropriate with the job you have.  Here are afew things to remember when you are dressing for the job you want:

1.    Make sure your clothes fit.  This is the numberone rule for every item in your closet because it is the main way tolook “pulled together”.  However, it is never more abused than withmen’s dress shirts.  Now that fitted dress shirts are readily available, and have been for several years, there is absolutely no excuse forwearing shirts that balloon out around your stomach.  Unfitted shirtsnot only look sloppy without a jacket they make you look out-of-touchwith all modern trends.

2.    Make sure you can perform your job duties.  Ifyou are running errands in and out of the office, wearing a suit jacketmight not be the most practical choice.  A sleeveless top will help youkeep cool and pairing it with a cardigan makes it office appropriate.  The cardigan also mirrors a suit jacket, but is more practical forperforming your job duties.

3.    Pay attention to the details.  Accessories go along way advancing your wardrobe, and indicate you are relevant andevolving.  By upgrading your watch, wallet and pen you show that you are paying attention to the subtle details of the people you admire inpositions you hope to achieve.  Plus these are more accessible purchases on a budget because they can be added over time.

4.    Make it personal.  You are an individual with aunique aesthetic and it is okay to meld that into your professionalattire if done so thoughtfully, like with a signature item. For example, if you work in an office with a highly conservative dress code, butfeel more comfortable and productive wearing bold, vibrant colors oneeffective way to incorporate them would be with a scarf.  It providesthe pop of color while still being appropriate for the environment.

Promotion is progression and part of that progress is creating andmaintaining a wardrobe that fits into the parameters of your workplacewhile highlighting your ambition.  However that wardrobe needs to alsobe functional and appropriate for your current job and age.

 

Women’s Promotion Outfit

 

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].

Images created using www.Polyvore.com.