Dressing for Success

Obviously, everyone knows it is important to dress for success. But that means different things to different people.  With the weather getting nicer, people are getting more casual and while that’s great – I’m all for casual – I’ve seen some things that bring up concerns.

If you are going to wear shorts to an event or outing, they should be work-appropriate.  Anything that can be described as “cut off” is, by definition, not work appropriate.  It doesn’t matter your age or body shape. It is a good idea to look at school dress codes here for guidance.  If the shorts are shorter than your fingertips with your arms down, they are not a good choice for a work event.  And if you think I’m being sexist, the ones I saw were on a guy. Not appropriate.  Period.

Sandals and flip flops are so fun and come in great styles and colors I totally get wanting to wear them.  But listen to your shoes.  If you are going to walk in late to a crowded, indoor event, shoes going “flip flop” will probably not gain you the attention you want.  And speaking of noise, check accessories when you are at home as well. Bangles are super-cute until every time you say a word they are clinking and clunking around distracting from what you are saying.

Tops tend to get lower in the summer (and this is for the girls) so be sure to know can you lean on the table in that top?  Are you going to spend a great deal of time fussing with it?  If so, I wouldn’t recommend it for a business meeting.  A good rule of thumb is to remember people look where your hands are if they aren’t at your sides so if they are fussing with your top, the people talking to you are staring there.

If you have younger employees, it is okay to talk to them about this kind of stuff up front before they do something wrong.  Explaining that people look where your hands are so wear clothes you won’t fuss with and noticing if what you wear makes noise can help them throughout their career.  Bringing it up early means you don’t have to address something specific.  And they will share the advice with their friends so you help multiple people.

DO have some fun in the summer.  Most events don’t require a suit in the summer so you can go more casual.  Bring out the colors and the patterns and be you. In a way that will draw attention to you and what you have to offer – not your clothes.