Clothing is an essential part of one’s identity, and adding style to it makes one classy and beautiful; the effect is like icing on a lovely cake. Your clothes say a lot about your personality. Every environment and event differs from another, so it takes some effort to determine what is suitable for each occasion.
In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, warmth is regarded as a primary physiological need. Beyond the natural human need to cover the body and protect from extreme weather conditions, clothing also has social and cultural dimensions. Clothing is an important part of meetings, whether casual or business, because a person’s appearance plays a great element in forming the initial impression about them. According to Christian Hollingsworth, entrepreneur and blogger
of smartboysdesigns.com, your clothes and grooming speak volumes about you. Communication is also a key aspect of human life and clothing plays a crucial role in giving off information about one’s persona. As a cliché goes, “You dress the way you want to be addressed”, which implies that people are informed, without verbal communication, about our type of person merely by drawing inferences from one’s clothes or dressing. It is, therefore, important to make a good impression through one’s dressing. This does not negate the fact that a good character is of importance; after all, what would it matter if one dresses well but has a bad character? Paying attention to exquisite style of dressing while neglecting to groom one’s character amounts to mere window dressing.
For the workplace and business-related environments and settings, it is necessary to find out about the appropriate culture and dress code if one has little knowledge in this regard. Consulting someone more knowledgeable on dressing for such occasions or seeking the services of a professional should be of help. Having a sense of understanding of the dress code preferred by any culture, environment or event is a plus to any individual. The two main types of professional style of dressing are Professional and Business Casual.
Professional Dress: This is the most conservative type of business wear. It is what is expected of players in corporate environments and amongst professionals in finance and legal fields. Professional dressing includes corporate suits, ties, skirts and shoes.
Business Casual: This is a subtle variant of “professional dress. It is ideal for places where ties are not really required. Business casual includes shirts with a collar, sweater, khakis, denim or trousers. Women can sometimes wear modest length dress or skirts; knee-length or longer. Dress shoes also apply for both sexes.
Dressing Tips for Men
A suit in shades of black, gray or dark blue, in either a solid colour or with pinstripes is suitable for formal business wear. The shirt should be of a bright colour if one has to wear a dark suit. For sleeves and blazers, the sleeves should be of wrist-length. Rolling up the sleeves of shirts is not proper, as it casts an informal image. Ties should be fitting and preferably made of silk or a suiting material and can include a colour and print which provide an attractive contrast to the shirt and blazer. Choose suiting socks. Shoes should be cleaned; shining with shoe polish will add lustre. Preferably, choose black or brown leather shoes with laces since they can easily go with most styles. The style of the belt should harmonize with the material and colour of the shoes.
Dressing Tips for Women
A suit with a skirt or pants, or a business dress is acceptable for women’s business wear. Skirts should be at knee-length or slightly above or below. Shirt and tops should not be too tight, low-cut, see-through, or with a long slit. Avoid gaudy colours. Make do with colours and patterns of clothing that are gracious but not glamorous. Makeup should be light, and nails well trimmed and glossed with light polish. Shoes should be flat or with low heels. Very high heels or shoes that are difficult to walk in should be avoided.
Accessorizing (Male and female)
Accessories complement your clothing, and should be neat. Keep the jewelry simple and reasonable. A single modest stud on each ear is generally acceptable for women. A necklace or a simple ring and wrist watch should accentuate one’s beauty. For men, a formal style briefcase and watch should complement the overall look. Carrying a handbag has always been fashionable for women and an essential part of their dressing; however, due to the necessity imposed by modern technology, which now requires some women to carry laptops about, it is not uncommon to see women carrying both. When it is necessary to carry both a handbag and a laptop bag, ensure that both are of moderate sizes.
Less is more. Keep it simple and suave.
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This article was first published on 3rd September 2013
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Business Casual: This is a subtle variant of “professional dress. It is ideal for places where ties are not really required. Business casual includes shirts with a collar, sweater, khakis, denim or trousers. Women can sometimes wear modest length dress or skirts; knee-length or longer. Dress shoes also apply for both sexes.
Dressing Tips for Men
A suit in shades of black, gray or dark blue, in either a solid colour or with pinstripes is suitable for formal business wear. The shirt should be of a bright colour if one has to wear a dark suit. For sleeves and blazers, the sleeves should be of wrist-length. Rolling up the sleeves of shirts is not proper, as it casts an informal image. Ties should be fitting and preferably made of silk or a suiting material and can include a colour and print which provide an attractive contrast to the shirt and blazer. Choose suiting socks. Shoes should be cleaned; shining with shoe polish will add lustre. Preferably, choose black or brown leather shoes with laces since they can easily go with most styles. The style of the belt should harmonize with the material and colour of the shoes.
Dressing Tips for Women
A suit with a skirt or pants, or a business dress is acceptable for women’s business wear. Skirts should be at knee-length or slightly above or below. Shirt and tops should not be too tight, low-cut, see-through, or with a long slit. Avoid gaudy colours. Make do with colours and patterns of clothing that are gracious but not glamorous. Makeup should be light, and nails well trimmed and glossed with light polish. Shoes should be flat or with low heels. Very high heels or shoes that are difficult to walk in should be avoided.
Accessorizing (Male and female)
Accessories complement your clothing, and should be neat. Keep the jewelry simple and reasonable. A single modest stud on each ear is generally acceptable for women. A necklace or a simple ring and wrist watch should accentuate one’s beauty. For men, a formal style briefcase and watch should complement the overall look. Carrying a handbag has always been fashionable for women and an essential part of their dressing; however, due to the necessity imposed by modern technology, which now requires some women to carry laptops about, it is not uncommon to see women carrying both. When it is necessary to carry both a handbag and a laptop bag, ensure that both are of moderate sizes.
Less is more. Keep it simple and suave.
Proper and coperate dressing is required in any workplace.