How You Dress is Telling Your Story

March 29, 2021

How you dress is telling your story of who you are and what you are all about. Did you know that what you wear to work may be preventing you from getting a promotion? Recent studies show that clothing choices have the power to affect your chances of being promoted. Dressing for success doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to wear a suit when you go to work. But whatever you wear should reinforce people’s perception of you as a polished and competent professional. Judith Rasband, an image consultant states,

“The way we dress affects the way we think, the way we feel, the way we act, and the way others react to us.”

When you consider the proliferation of makeover shows for both men and women, you see the power that clothing has over the way we view one another. Dressing professionally establishes credibility and helps others envision you in a role with greater responsibility. Judith Rasband continues to say,

“Everyone agrees about the value of time management, money management, and maybe meal management, but most don’t even think about the value of clothing or wardrobe management. All are precious commodities or resources that need to be well managed to realize their value.“

Are you limiting your professional growth by how you dress? Be someone who takes pride in your appearance because by dressing well, it shows that you are intelligent, adept, savvy, and you put thought and pride into your appearance.

Telling Your Story by Dressing Well

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Pay attention how senior leaders dress and follow the leader.

2. Put thought into your appearance for the next day. The night before, think about: 1) Who will you be meeting with tomorrow 2) Where will you be going tomorrow and 3) What will you be doing tomorrow. There is a logic to building a polished and professional look.

3. Wear wrinkle free clothes. You don’t want to look like you pulled your clothes out of the laundry hamper! Invest in an iron or steamer. If it fits in your budget, have your dress shirts dry cleaned.

4. Make sure your clothes fit properly. Fit is important. Don’t skimp on alterations. Baggy or poorly fitted clothing looks sloppy and reflects how people see you doing your job.

5. Keep your shoes clean, scuff-free, polished, and healed. Polished shoes are interpreted that you pay attention to details at work.

6. A blazer. A well-fitted blazer goes a long way toward looking professional. It allows you to dress up or down as needed throughout the day. Keep one in your office so you are always ready to look polished and professional.

Professional Dress vs. Business Casual

What is the difference between professional dress vs. business casual? Professional dress is the highest level of dressing. It’s the suit for men and women and it instantly commands respect. Since most of us can only afford one suit, I suggest to purchase one in black, charcoal grey or navy blue. Any of these colors will allow you to wear it to a funeral, as well as mixing and matching for business casual dressing.

Business casual is business first, casual second. Create a business casual look by taking a suit in your closet and separating it. It’s pairing a professional piece with a casual piece. For example, for a woman, pair a suit pant with a white collared shirt and a cardigan. For a man, pair a suit jacket with a dark jean and white collared shirt.

Top Ten Foundational Pieces Women and Men Must Have in Their Business Casual Closet

Think about building a professional wardrobe like building a house. As a result, invest in the foundational pieces that you can build on.

Essential Business Casual Pieces for Women:

Fitted Blazer
Great Black Pant
Sleek Pencil Skirt
Fantastic Coat
Little Black Dress (ideally a sheath style)
White Button Down Shirt with lycra
Knee-high leather boots in black
A pair of chic shoes (heel or flat)
A great pair of dark jeans (distress free)
Twin set (cardigan with matching tank)

Essential Business Casual Pieces for Men:

Navy Blazer
Sharp White button down shirt
Silk Tie in a stripe or a foulard print
Tapered chinos in khaki or charcoal grey
Sweater in a V-neck, crewneck or cardigan
A pair of leather black or brown loafers, oxfords or suede bucks
Leather belt
Dark jeans with a regular fit (distress free)
Trench coat

Action Step for Looking Polished and Professional

Review your business wardrobe every time the season changes. Remember staple pieces need regular attention in your closet. Ask yourself:

Are your clothing pieces timeless, classic and professional?
Do you see signs of wear and tear?
Do you need a few updates? Create a list and take it with you when you go shopping.
Shop sales.

In conclusion, make it a priority to pay attention to your clothing choices, tailoring and grooming. Why? Because how you dress tells your story of who you are and what you are all about. Help others envision you in a role with greater responsibility by dressing polished and professional.

My greatest triumph is when you triumph! Contact me and let me know how I may assist you tell your story and reinforce people’s perception of you as a polished and competent professional through your wardrobe choices.

Your partner in success,

Cathi