Channel 7 ‘s The Today Tonight Show asks Nicola Landau:
"Can you look
too hot for work?"
As an Image Consultant who works with banks, companies and other businesses as well as individual clients, The Today Tonight programme on Channel 7, asked me to comment on an American case involving dress codes at work.
In this case a young woman, Ms. Deborah Lee Lorenzana, was dismissed from her job at Citibank. She blames her sacking on her working wardrobe, which, she believes Citibank thought was too provocative. As an Image Consultant and Corporate Image Coach, I was asked, “Can you look too hot for work?”
My answer was a resounding yes! Dressing provocatively at work is rarely going to advance your career permanently and for the right reasons.
We all have a Personal Impact. This is the impression that we give to others when we walk into a room. Humans are visually dominant creatures. We believe primarily what we see. The way that you dress and present yourself is the way that we tell others, initially anyway, who we are and what we are all about.
No‐one is saying that dressing professionally means abandoning one’s sense of personal style. It is worth considering however, that if you want to be taken seriously at work and thought of as competent and professional, it would serve you well to dress in a way that reflects that.
As an Image Consultant, I advise my individual corporate clients to develop a personal style that is indicative of them but also appropriate for their job and their work place. Gone is the time where being “eye‐catching”, meant dressing provocatively. Too short skirts, cleavage bearing tops and tight clothes do not have a place in a working woman’s wardrobe today. Less is definitely more as the old saying goes.
The most visually impressive woman in the workplace today is one that has confidence, who dresses in a way that conveys her individuality and creativity whilst still remaining feminine, professional and appropriate. Ability is a given, but that , combined with a great image, a smile and a good handshake can take you a long way.
So I would suggest injecting flashes of style into your working wardrobe; a beautifully tailored work suit could be worn with bright shoes, a patent belt or a fabulous handbag. Swap your stiff starched work shirts for a great blouse in a gorgeous fabric. A work dress does not have to be boring. Next time you are out shopping for work, look for interesting fabrics, prints and colours.
Go for stylish, contemporary looks. Pieces that are classic and timeless will stand the test of time, rather than one season wonders. Good fit and fabric are the building blocks of any look. Clothes that skim the body rather than cling will always make the best of your shape.
Another tip is to always buy the best quality that you can afford. Quality clothes and accessories give an impression of a quality person who can do a quality job. It is really helpful if you plan your working wardrobe and aim to create a capsule collection where everything starts to work together. Jewelry is always best kept to a minimum– especially for men!
If you are not confident in your choices, ask a friend, read books on the subject or work with an Image Consultant. A working wardrobe is best thought of as an essential work skill and not an optional extra.
So, if you want to get ahead at work, create a wardrobe that is sophisticated, classy and that conveys the same about you!