Looking the Part

Wardrobe Full of Clothes, Yet No Idea What to Wear to Work? 

www.imageconsultant.com

"What NOT to Wear" on TLC    This highly familiar television show, hosted by Clinton Kelly and Stacey London, features everyday people who are nominated by friends and family, to receive make-overs. These make-overs include a shopping spree, a new wardrobe, an appointment with a professional hair stylist and make-up artist, advice from the professionals, and promise of a brand new, happier, version of themselves at the end of the process. 

The nominees for this show often have wardrobes that are either clown like, sloppy, or from an entirely different decade paired with frizzy damaged hair, and either no make up at all, or way too much make-up. 

These nominees, upon being subjected to transformation, are excellent examples of people who do not appear professional. 

Why do people nominate loved ones to be subjected to this drastic make-over show? 

Jennifer- Fashion Producer in New York City

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com

The way you look- your clothing, grooming, and posture- is key to projecting and maintaining a professional image. The kind of image that will get you hired, and promoted! Appearance is such a powerful force in the business world of today, that some people are turning to image consultants who charge up to $500 an hour (what regular, everyday beau can afford that!?) in order to "look" and therefore "be" successful.  

How can we accomplish this look of "professionalism" without the use of a image consultant?

Firstly, Take a look at the video below . . . .

Best Makeovers of 2011-What Not to Wear 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYAGmaxqtqc

It is important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. Avoid sparkly or neon colored garments, heavy duty make up, showing your bra straps, visible thongs or under garments in general, and over powering cologne or perfume. You don't want people to notice you because they are choking, blinded by that bright bubble gum pink beaded necklace, or disgusted by the lack of coverage over your private areas. Ladies, your boobs, as nice as you believe they are do not need to be shown to the general public. Same goes for your underwear! Its private, show some dignity and respect for yourselves and keep it covered. 

In order for people to view you as professional it is important to take the time to pamper yourself a little. Its okay to spend money on yourself once in a while; remember, its going to help you get that pay raise you have been aiming for. 

On a shopping trip, some key items to purchase for work apparel should include, dress pants, tailored jackets, fitted sweaters, knee length skirts, a variety of tops that cover shoulders and arms, and closed toed shoes.This is just a start.

http://www.imageconsultantstraining.com

Hair should be tamed, appear professional, and taken care of, meaning no visible roots, and especially no pink, blue, or purple streaks. Go to a professional hair stylist if you cannot achieve this look on your own. They are trained to know which colors will look best with your skin tone and which hair cuts will compliment your face shape. For everyday wear, a neat hairstyle, such a simple up do held by a clip or having your hair down, and tamed (not frizzy) is an acceptable look for the workplace. 

Body cleanliness is equally, if not even more important; this includes, manicured nails, and two musts. . . the use of deodorant, and proper, diligent dental hygiene to ensure fresh breath. Why is it that so many seem to forget these simple yet so important steps? Keep a pack of mints, a small hair brush, and a few clips in your bag to ensure maintenance for that unexpected meeting with the boss. I say this because I once had a teacher, in public school who's breath smelled like kitty litter on a daily basis. I know for a fact I am not the only one who noticed this. 

Lastly, posture is an important step to appearing professional. All you have to do is Stand/Sit Up Straight! This simple step will portray a look of confidence to go along with your new style. 

Three Second Rule

   

The Three Second Rule: 

On Making a Good Impression 

     You have roughly three seconds, to make a good impression on someone.
That is not a lot of time!

http://ypiconsultants.wordpress.com

These three seconds can affect your success in the workplace, positively or negatively, before you even speak a word. 

      A future employer, co-worker, or client will judge you firstly on your appearance; the way you look. From your appearance instant judgments are made; the way a person is dressed portrays a mosaic of qualities to the viewer. A well dressed person is more likely to land the job, and become more successful in life, than someone who does not appear professional. 

     According to "Business Communications: Process and Product" written by Guffey, Rhodes, and Rogin, "Your appearance sends nonverbal cues to the viewer (whoever happens to be looking at you at any given point in time) such as hints to your status in society, your credibility, personality, and your overall potential." 

http://www.globalimagegrp.com

 If you are polished, and slightly conservative in your style, as the person in the picture on the left is, people will most likely view you as an accomplished, organized, experienced, honorable, skilled, proficient- professional.

 If your clothing is baggy, far from crisp, and a little on the revealing side, people most likely see you as someone who is an amateur, unskilled, unreliable, inexperienced, inefficient, improper, second-rate - unprofessional.

 People are constantly forming quick opinions of others by their appearance. Each time you step out of the confined parameters of your house, like it or not, you are being judged.

 http://humanresources.about.com

This being said, the word professional is flexible. Someone in a career such as a Home Builder, or a Millwright needs to be protected, able to move freely, and if they are good at their job, they will get dirty. These types of careers have their own accepted, and respected attire that allows them to appear professional while preforming physically demanding tasks at work. Apparel such as steal toed boots, "Big Bill" pants, tool belts, and hard hats are the norm in these types of industries.  

No matter what the career, it is always important to dress appropriately, and professionally as the way you appear, speaks just as loudly to the viewer as the words you say.

                     

               "Your appearance is your business card"
                            

                                                                            

Putting effort into your appearance, is an excellent beginning to being a respected, successful individual in the workplace.