Dressing
formally speaks a lot about you even before selling yourself to people. Dressing
formally is being encouraged in all levels. A dress code is a set of written
and, more often, unwritten rules with regard to clothing . Clothing, like other
aspects of human physical appearance, has a social significance, with different
rules and expectations applying depending on circumstance and occasion. Within
a single day, an individual may need to navigate between two or more dress
codes. For example, many navigate between a home dress code and a work dress
code; usually this ability is a result of cultural acclimatization.
Importance
of Corporate Dressing
Corporate
dressing refers to the art of dressing formally and correctly. Corporate
dressing helps an individual to dress according to his work profile and
organization culture. Formal dressing, if done correctly goes a long way in
shaping one’s personality. People take you seriously if you are dressed
sensibly. Remember no one likes to speak to an individual who does not know how
to carry himself/herself. Going to work in formals helps you create an image of
yours. Dressing correctly helps you stand apart from the rest and be a role
model for others.
Let
us go through the importance of corporate dressing:
Dressing
formally not only reflects your image but also the organization you represent.
You need to follow a proper dress code at the workplace. An individual just
can’t afford to be casually dressed for important business meetings or
presentations. Remember, you are not only presenting yourself but your
organization. An individual who looks presentable is liked and appreciated by
all. Someone who is formally and sensibly dressed does not have to try too hard
to impress a client.
This
is really not how one should be dressed for business meetings. No one will tell
you what you have to wear to work daily. Do not step out of home unless you see
yourself in the mirror.
Corporate
dressing helps you develop a magnetic personality which attracts other
individuals. You need to have that charisma and dressing formally helps you in
the same.
Corporate
dressing helps you inculcate a good and healthy culture at the workplace.
Individuals tend to lose interest in their work if they are not formally
dressed. Believe me, you really don’t feel like working if you are dressed in T
shirt and jeans on a Monday. Avoid wearing T shirts, ripped jeans, sneakers,
hats, chunky jewellery to work. (Weekends are an exception!).T shirts, torn
jeans, multiple chains are a strict no no in corporate settings as they spoil
the decorum of the organization. Female employees should avoid wearing
chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles and so on. There is absolutely no need
of flaunting your gold jewellery at workplace. Remember, price has nothing to
do with corporate dressing. You really don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket
to buy designer business suits. Dress sensibly. Corporate dressing helps you
flaunt your simple, clean yet elegant look.
Formal
dressing makes you feel confident at work. You get that energy and confidence,
the moment you wear your crisp white shirt along with a black well fit trouser.
Dress code makes an individual disciplined and inculcates a sense of team
spirit among employees.
Below
are 20 rules every professional should follow:
GENERAL TIPS
1. Understand
what's appropriate in your industry
2.
Make sure your clothes fit
3.
Wear glasses that fit
4.
Dry your hair
5.
Pay attention to your bag
6.
Don't wear strong perfume or cologne
7.
Wear well-kept, polished shoes
8.
Pay attention to your watch
9.
Wear rich colours to portray authority, “Pay attention to your colour choices
10.
Avoid neon colours and overly flashy clothes
FOR
WOMEN
11.
Don't be too sexy
12.
Wearing nude pantyhose is hip
13.
Get regular pedicures
14.
Don't over-accessorize. Accessories are meant to complement your outfit, not
overpower it
15.
Your jewellery shouldn't make noise
FOR
MEN
16.
Avoid ankle socks with slacks
17.
Facial hair shouldn't overwhelm your face
18.
Grow facial hair on a weekend or vacation
19.
Trim your beard
20.
A goatee is rarely a good idea. Any hair that's under your lower lip that isn't
a beard is not a good idea.
Etiquette
Rules for Dress in a Business Environment
Dress
Codes
Dress
codes vary from one company to the next, depending on the industry, culture and
environment. Business dress at a bank may look different from business dress at
a cafeteria.
Men
Wear
long-sleeved, collared shirts with your suits and basic ties that reach your
waistline. Select dark-colored shoes that match your suit with matching socks
and a belt. Socks should match your shoes, slacks or entire suit and must be
long enough to extend above your pant cuff when seated so as not to reveal the
skin on your legs. Refrain from wearing jewelry, unless it’s a watch, wedding ring
or fraternity ring.
Women
Women
have more choices when it comes to outfit variety since they can also wear
skirts, however skirts should be approximately knee-length or longer. Mix and
match pieces to create the illusion of a larger wardrobe by buying the same
three-piece suit -- skirt, slack and jacket -- in multiple colors. Your
clothing should not be too short, tight or revealing. When it comes to
accessories, less is more. Avoid over-accessorizing and ensure your jewelry or
scarves match your outfit and are not too flashy. Choose simple earrings and
bracelets that are not noisy and distracting, should you desire to wear any.
Wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes such as a basic dark-colored pump.
Things to avoid
