Style: Brian Maynor June 13, 2013

You know it’s possible to dress too young for the office, but did you also know you could dress too old?  After working for a majority of your life it is easy to let your image fall into a rut, but wearing the same clothes you wore 5 years ago is more than a fashion violation.  You appear out-of-touch, irrelevant and thus less valuable in the job market. 

Success today is all about staying at the top of your game for as long as possible, and that includes knowing about trends and being savvy enough to incorporate them appropriately. 

Here are a few tips to keeping an up-to-date image:

1. Reinterpret Traditions.  The rules have changed since you first entered the workforce.  For example, the traditional rule of keeping your shoes matching or darker than your lowest hem was made before nude shoes were as prominent and accepted as they are today.  Making this one adjustment to your outfit will drop 10 years off your look immediately.
2. Update your suits.  Material, cut and detailing have all improved over the last decade, and should be reflected in your wardrobe.  Notice the jacket is fitted with the silhouette following the shape of your body and the pants are flat-front with a straight leg.  The debate over cuffs continues, but there is no question that pleated pants with a tapered leg are over, and have been for quite some time.
3. Showing skin is a good thing.  You may not hear this every often, and it falls under the general rule of keeping your look age appropriate, but it is true.  As we age the tendency is to cover more, but that can be overkill.  This dress has ¾ length sleeves, falls to the knee and has a flattering yet conservative V-neck detail.  All modern elements in an age-appropriate format.  If you want to add hosiery keep the shade natural. 
4. Patterns are permitted.  This fitted grey gingham shirt is a great alternative to the traditional solid white and blue ones, and the neutral color keeps it from being too casual.  The narrow striped-tie complements the pattern of the shirt and makes it appear more like a texture, especially under the jacket.  Please note modern ties should not be more than 3-inches wide.  Gentlemen, this one change has the same effect of dropping 10 years from your look as the nude shoe does for women.

Keeping your image modern and relevant is a choice you can make with a few simple, and sometimes subtle, details.  The alternative diminishes your credibility along with your competitive edge. 

Women’s Updated Image

Men’s Updated Image

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.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coachesin the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining 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 likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, 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.