What to Wear

Simply put.

Cracking the Business Casual Dress Code

 

By Mary Lou Andre, Monster Contributing Writer

 

The American workplace is much different than it was five years ago: Everything from corporate structure and hiring practices to work schedules and compensation has been affected. But these important areas are not the only marked differences in today's changing workplace.

The appearance of the American worker has changed as well. Not long ago, everyone from the most seasoned professionals to entry-level employees had a common understanding of appropriate business attire. Thanks to the creation of the "khaki culture" and increasing popularity of business casual dress, it's no longer that simple.

So how do you dress down for work without looking like you're headed to the beach? Here are a few easy rules to live -- and dress -- by:

Consider Your Work Environment
If you're meeting with clients or having business lunches, err on the conservative side. It's a sign of professional respect, and you can save the khakis for a time when you'll be in the office all day.

Strive for Consistency
If you wear tailored and conservative outfits Monday through Thursday, Friday isn't the day to show up like you just rolled out of bed. No matter what industry you're in, consistency goes a long way in establishing trust and credibility with all your internal and external contacts.

Ask First, Dress Later
Show respect for both yourself and management by avoiding things like jeans, sneakers, hats and T-shirts. Some companies do take a more lenient approach to casual dressing, so be sure to check with your HR department or manager before showing up dressed for a barbecue.

Look Inside Your Closet
Finally, you shouldn't have to run out and buy an entire new wardrobe just for business casual days. Chances are you already own many of the items you need.

Applying Business Casual
So now that you've figured out the rules and banished your suits to the back of the closet, here are a few ideas to bring you into the business casual corporate culture.

For Women

• If your company's idea of casual isn't quite jeans and sweaters, pantsuits are the answer. Not only are they trendy, but they can be dressed up or down. Choose a dark neutral shade like black, navy, brown or gray and opt for pants with a bootleg cut. Pair them with a light sweater, and you'll be ready to go from your desk to a client meeting without a second thought.
   
• The most current dress style to own for work is a classic sheath, which is fitted to flatter the body's natural curves without being too tight or revealing. Pair it up with a cardigan or a blazer in the same fabric and color.
   
• Stock up on different tops to give your wardrobe a bit of versatility. Crisp, cotton shirts in white and hues like chambray and chartreuse instantly add a casual element to your dress pants or khakis. Cardigan twin sets are also an easy way to present a softer look while still looking professional.
   
• Jewelry, scarves and other accessories will add a polished touch to any outfit. Remember: Less is more.

For Men

• A sport coat instantly creates a pulled together look, especially in a business casual environment. It's also an ideal choice for client meetings or presentations. Pair up a black, navy blue or dark gray blazer with khakis or dark wool pants.
   
• In addition to traditional dress slacks, khakis, Dockers, corduroys, wool flannel and linen slacks are also appropriate for the office, either with or without a blazer. Just because it's casual day, it doesn't mean you can turn up in wrinkled pants. Be sure to iron them beforehand.
   
• Casual button-down oxford shirts are a great alternative to dress shirts, with or without a tie. Skip the loud prints like plaid, and opt for basic white, chambray or pinstripe.
   
• Shoes are an afterthought for many men, but unkempt footwear can ruin an otherwise polished look. Oxfords and loafers in brown or black are a good match for khakis or corduroys, but save the sneakers and hiking boots for the weekend.

Dressing for the Interview by Industry

By Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

There's no getting around it: In every job interview, you're going to be judged -- at least partially -- by how you look. 

But how you should look varies depending on your industry and the job you're interviewing for. Take a look at general interview attire expectations for eight career areas:

Technology
"If you're applying for a technical position, you won't need a suit," says Carole Martin, a former Monster contributor and author of Boost Your Interview IQ. "A collared shirt and khakis or slacks would work. Same goes for women -- sweater or blouse and slacks or a skirt." But upgrade your attire if you're interviewing for a higher-level job. "You dress in the best clothes you have," says David Perry, managing director for Ottawa, Canada-based high tech recruiting firm Perry-Martel International and author of Career Guide for the High-Tech Professional. "No exceptions."
Finance
If you're interviewing for a finance job, remember that "nothing is more precise and exact than managing money," says Pamela Holland, chief operating officer for Brody Communications in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and coauthor of Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move? "You cannot afford to have a hair out of place. Full business professional attire is required and expected."
Government At a government interview, "don't be flashy," Holland says. "This is a time to show you're responsible, trustworthy and honest." But a bit of color is OK, whether you're a man or a woman, says Kathryn Troutman, author of Ten Steps to a Federal Job. "Be conservative with jewelry, makeup and hairstyles," she says. She advises being conservative overall, but adds "the days of all white shirts for men in government need to end."

Human Resources
For an HR interview, "you must look professional and authoritative," Martin says. "You'll need the look that you could handle any crisis and be dependable."

Sales
Typically, a suit is the uniform for a sales interview. After all, stresses Martin, "who would want to buy from a guy in a T-shirt and jeans?" But you might be able to go with bolder designs and colors, Holland says. "The product or service you're representing will determine how classic versus trendy/fashionable you should be," she explains.

Automotive
"Here's an exception where a potential employer will understand if you have a little dirt or grease under your nails," says Holland of interviewing for an auto repair job. "You still want to look as neat as possible, but a suit is probably not necessary." That is, unless you're interviewing at a high-end dealership, says Heidi Nelson, a personnel counselor for Car People Oregon, a Portland, Oregon, automotive staffing service for new-car dealerships. In that case, Nelson says, "I would dress up a bit more."

Hospitality
Image is particularly critical in the hospitality industry, says Martin. A suit is appropriate for some positions but not always a must. However, you always need to make a great first impression. "You're representing the company, and you may be the first person seen," she says.

Trades
John Coffey worked as a factory production manager for years before becoming a career coach. His take on appropriate attire for an interview in the trades: business casual. "For men, this might be a nice pair of Dockers and a buttoned shirt, along with well-kept and polished shoes," says Coffey, career success officer for Winning Careers in Woodbury, Minnesota. "The same goes for women -- nice slacks and a professional business top. I think a suit or sports jacket for this type of work is overkill." Of course, one industry's excess is another industry's underdressed. So don't be afraid to ask, because no matter what, "your packaging counts," says Holland. That packaging includes the little things. "The details matter," says Mary Lou Andre, president of Needham, Massachusetts-based Organization by Design and author of Ready to Wear: An Expert's Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wardrobe. For example, shoes "should be in excellent condition, as should totes and outerwear."
"You really never do get a second chance to make a good first impression," Andre stresses. "By investing some time and money in creating a suitable interview wardrobe, you will invite others to easily invest back in you."

What to Wear to a Work Party

This article offers solutions to what to wear to a work party:
http://www.theworkbuzz.com/dress-code/what-to-wear-to-the-office-holiday-party/  

• Look polished, not overdone.
• Remember that you are sending out a message about yourself professionally in the way you dress, and you want to be sure that your message is consistent. Tomorrow morning, you will wake-up and go to work with these people — conduct yourself accordingly.
• Always be tasteful, not overtly sexy. If you’re on the fence between something sexy and something more conservative, go conservative.
• Remember Visual Therapy’s rules. Ask yourself: Do I love it? Is it flattering? Is this the image I want to portray? Is this comfortable?  (This includes shoes, ladies!)
• NOT THIS:

Glamour Ask A Stylist

This is the coolest IPhone App EVER!!!  And it is completely free!

Glamour Ask A Stylist has created an App where you can send a picture of your outfit with a description of where you are going and a Glamour Stylist will tell you what they think of your outfit in that particular situation.

I submitted a picture of my friend's outfit today.  Here are the details:

My Question:
Is this appropriate for a normal business day at work? I work in an office of a manufacturing facility, I am a receptionist, my boss typically wears nice shirts and ties.

My Photo:


What do you think?

Stylist Response:
It's cute for a casual day!  Based off your judge's guide, though, I'd dress it up a little.  Try a tee with a cute pencil skirt!

The Glamour Ask A Stylist App will also let you compare 2 different outfits.

Way to go Glamour!!!!! 

Dressing to Impress: The Secrets of Proper Attire

This publication, from The Career Center at Florida State University, does a great job at summarizing acceptable vs. not acceptable attire....from Interviews to 'Business Casual'.

Dress to Impress: The Secrets of Proper Attire

Working Woman's Wardrobe

Build Your Work Wardrobe Around 5 Basic Pieces That Define Classic According to Christina Donahue @ http://www.suite101.com/content/essential-wardrobe-items-a61763

Take the frenzy out of getting ready and build your wardrobe around classic pieces that form the framework of any well-rounded closet.  Remember fit, form and function.

Effortless chic does not have to be an oxymoron.  Let your office wear reflect your good judgment and sound taste. These 5 classic wardrobe staples are the perfect balance between fashionable and industrious.

A Crisp White Shirt – Always a winner in any setting, a white blouse is the difference between manic Mondays and scoring that promotion. Buttons and cuffs do not matter; the most important thing to remember is fit. There should be no gapping of the buttons and the sleeves should settle nicely, covering the wrist.  Never be afraid to go one size up, no one but you sees the tag. Invest in a classic white non-iron shirt from Brooks Brothers.

A Black Skirt Suit - The little black dress of the office this staple is for that business lunch with the client that matters. Keep form in mind. Sit in the suit, walk in the suit and take a lap in front of a mirror that offers a 360-degree view.

The jacket should easily button up and the skirt should not require any pulling or sideways sitting. Kasper’s suits are always in style and affordable because after all you are dressing for the job you want not the paycheck you have.

A Navy Blue Blazer- Nothing says “I am here to work” like the classic navy blue blazer. Couple it with red, white, and khaki pieces and light up the office. Fit is essential. Your correct size allows that the jacket can be buttoned and does not hug your seat. When buying a blazer off the rack invest in your style and get it tailored.

A Pencil Skirt- Pitching that profit-laden idea? Stride out in a pencil skirt. A pencil skirt in an office appropriate color such as charcoal grey or navy blue should always hit at or slightly below the knee. Check the form. It should not bubble out at the hips. If you are standing still the kick pleat should lay flat not gap. Talbot’s pencil skirt complements any physique and comes in women’s sizes.

A Cashmere Cardigan- A cashmere cardigan rounds out the wardrobe of a woman with classic sensibility. Function determines the fit and form here. If you plan on wearing your cardigan over a camisole (with built in support, please) then a tighter fit is allowed. If using it as a sweater you do not want the dreaded gaps, go one size up.  Make sure your sleeves allow for easy movement. They should hit beyond the wrist. If you are looking at your hand palm side down the sleeve should fall where the joint of the thumb begins.

What to wear to work...

This is a good article to start the blog with:
About.com:What to wear to work

Highlights of this article include:
1.  Color plays a big part in professional image. Traditional career colors include red (aggressive), navy (trustworthy), gray (conservative) and black (chic)
2.  Dress like your female boss
3.  AVOID: Too sexy: see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, sheer sundresses, strappy stiletto sandals. Too casual: jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sneakers. Too sloppy: wrinkled clothing, too many layers, baggy-fit clothing.
4.  Beware of 'Casual Friday'

The Thought Process

Does this look ok?
Do I match?
Is this too tight or too short?
Which shoes?
Which necklace?
Are these pants high-water?

For as far back as I can remember, I have been asking these questions.  While living with my mother, 15 years ago, truthful answers were easier to come by.  Now, living with my husband, I find myself reading between the lines of his answers, while watching his facial expressions and interpreting them to mean whatever I might be feeling on that particular morning.  Why is getting dressed so difficult?  Some of the clothes I own are 5 or more years old....I HAVE BEEN WEARING THEM FOR 5 YEARS, so why do I still feel the need to ask if it looks ok?  Regardless of the reason for the question, it still sometimes needs to be asked.  If you never have to ask someone how your outfit looks, then you should probably continue to read on.  This blog will assist working professionals with making better 'what to wear' decisions, along with a fun look at 'what not to wear' as well!