Business Best Practices
Fashion Is A Language: Choose Your Costume With Care
Oct 28, 2016
Picture this: it’s your first day on the job and, if you are anything like me, you are trying to plan your outfit. Only the perfect outfit is acceptable. What outfit says I am qualified and approachable; prepared but down to earth? This is the outfit that will ensure everyone will automatically accept you, right?
Nevertheless, you show up at the office for orientation and your shoes are too loud when you walk. Your shirt is wrinkled because you were in a hurry, and with that you have set the tone for your entire day. Not at all what you had in mind. That is not the story I wanted to tell about my first day, but sometimes you just have to roll with it. Have a cup of coffee, breathe, and be yourself. Just don’t spill the coffee on that white button up. If the bad luck follows suit, laugh about it. You can always start fresh tomorrow.
“Clothes make a statement, costumes tell a story”(Cooley). The outfits you choose each day may tell anything from how your morning went, to your mindset, to your end goals. Your costume is your visual autobiography; who you are and what you represent. So, when tomorrow rolls around, you wake up a bit earlier and you are more prepared for what the day will bring. You stress a little less as you add your personal touch to your business ensemble. Your accessories have you feeling ready to rock the day. You get to work and you are instantly more productive and personable. The day goes smooth, and you can thank your outfit for that.
Your costume should always represent you and your role for the day. Don’t let your wardrobe choices stand in the way of being who you want to be or mastering your role of the day. Costumes aren’t only for Halloween. Choose your character and dress the part. Just keep the day’s activities in mind, and leave the wardrobe malfunctions to the Stars in Hollywood.
In reality, we don’t always have time to plan out our outfits for the week or even for tomorrow. Don’t set yourself up for failure. If you work in an office or will be starting the job search soon your closet should always contain: a blazer, slacks, and button down or blouse options. Women you must always have a go to dress and/ or skirt on hand. Color is everything. Be sure and pick your wardrobe in a color palate that is versatile, working well with multiple outfits. Investing in multiple pairs of dress shoes will save you from the stress of “I have the perfect outfit and no shoes to match.” It will also save your life because let’s face it if your feet ain’t happy then nobody’s happy. Women: chic accessories will let you personalize any outfit and maybe even win best dressed. Men: an assortment of ties and some trendy shoes will brighten up that suit you wear 3 days/ week. With a closet full of these items you will be set for whatever comes at you.
You might have noticed that I didn’t mention what not to wear. We might as well go over it now so HR doesn’t have to pull you aside later. Don’t wear leggings as pants! This is a huge problem no one needs to see the shape of your underwear or lack thereof at the office. Also stop it with the flip flops. They are meant for the pool or the weekend please leave them there. I don’t really care how “fancy” they are. Last but not least say NO to the bedazzled jeans on causal Friday. Baby got back? Leave it at home or the Friday night football game.
When in doubt, just remember if you wouldn’t say it with your mouth don’t say it with your clothes. Your colleagues see you through your clothes before they see you through your work.
