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The
Clothing Chronicles ================================================
In This Issue: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Instead of escaping to the tropics last week for spring break like many of our friends, we decided to stay home and take care of a few household projects like painting, rearranging, and making minor repairs. It was a productive week, all in all, but I continue to find splotches of paint all over the house where the kids came into the room to see how the painting was going, and left with paint sticking to their feet, hands, or clothes. It never ceases to amaze me how little people can make such big messes! It reminds me of that old cook's saying, "Children are like parsley: they get into EVERYTHING." How true ... So what's on tap for today's article? A look at business attire distractions. Enjoy!
Diana ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Plunging Necklines and Other Distractions Not long ago, a woman hired me to help her upgrade her appearance, and then refused to follow my advice. While this happens to every image consultant at some point, what made this situation particularly vexing was that the fix was SO easy, she could have remedied it immediately. But she chose not to. So what was the problem? Her cleavage. Or more specifically, her need to show her cleavage in everything she wore. Now true, I know plenty of women who would pay good money for a bustline like hers. She'd been naturally endowed with an impressive set of C-cups, and when her mother started telling her as a teenager to "flaunt it if you've got it," she took the order seriously. Too seriously, unfortunately. Now in her 30's and accustomed to all the attention, she won't cover up - even though it's hurting her career as a sales rep. "Men love me and women hate me because they're jealous," she told me flatly. "So what am I supposed to do?" When I suggested that she try a higher neckline, she laughed and said that I sounded just like some of the silly old women at her company. "I'm naturally alluring," she argued, "I just can't help it. My closing rates with men are phenomenal. I guess I'll just have to settle for half the population." And, therefore, half the sales and income. Sound ridiculous? It was. Button the blouse, lose the attitude, make more sales. It all seems pretty cut-and-dried to me. But some people are just determined to blaze their own trails - even when they're standing right next to an expressway. Go figure. It reminded me of a business mentor who thought a tie was the most ridiculous piece of clothing ever invented by man. But because he made a lot more money wearing a tie than not wearing one, he wore one. Given the return, he reasoned, it was a very small price to pay. So what items in your business attire could be so distracting to your co-workers and clients that they're causing you to lose credibility, respect, and income? Here's a list of the top five culprits: 1. Sexy Tops Plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, and cropped tops all have a place - but it's not at work. If people are checking out your body first and your face second, don't be flattered; it means that they're more interested in what's below your neck than what's above it.
2. Too-Fashionable Attire The only industries that truly appreciate the latest fashions are the fashion industry and those engaged in the visual arts. Everyone else will think you're too high maintenance and too pre-occupied with the superficial. So consider your industry before buying the latest trend for work. 3. Loud Jewelry If your jewelry jingles, jangles, clunks, or screams for attention, it's probably not appropriate for work. Keep it simple, suitable, and soundless, and save the flashy, clunky stuff for after hours.
4. No Hosiery Regardless of current trends, those thin nylons offer a thick barrier when worn in business situations. More skin translates into less power and formality, so bear that in mind before baring your legs. 5. Too Much Makeup or Perfume Just as too much spice can ruin a dish, too much makeup and perfume can ruin a great look. Keep it light and barely noticeable. Remember, you want to enhance your beauty, not spackle a wall or become a human fragrance strip. Dressing for business can be tricky, particularly if you're entering or returning to the work force. But if you remember that the goal with your attire is to keep attention focused on the business at hand while remaining appropriate for your industry, you'll soon discover that you'll be able to reach and influence a greater range of people, which will translate into a higher paycheck.
************** Until next time,
Diana Pemberton-Sikes
http://www.FashionForRealWomen.com ------------------------ Published by:
Top Drawer
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