The fastest way to create a polished and professional look is to pay attention to the details of your entire outfit. If you walk into a big meeting holding papers and searching around for a pen your entire look appears unorganized no matter what you’re wearing. Instead keep everything in a beautiful day bag that fits everything you need for work. Use these tips before buying your next bag.
1. Take Measurements
Measure the items you commonly use and carry with you for work. How big is your laptop? How wide are the folders you use for new clients? Knowing these measurements will ensure you purchase a bag that is big enough for all of your needs.
2. Give it a test drive.
Before settling on a bag give it a test drive. Wear it around the store as you look at other things. Does it sit comfortably on your shoulder? Is it already heavy with nothing in it? Once you’re home don’t remove the tags until you’ve packed the bag for a typical day at work to see how everything fits and feels.
3. Have fun with it.
Typically your work bag is an item you pick up multiple times a day and use everyday, so it should be a bag you really love. Choose one in a fun color, an interesting lining, or add an accessory like a scarf to change up the look.
One of the most common mistakes people make with their work wardrobe is dressing in a way that is too casual. Yes, it is comfortable but it can also portray you as someone who doesn’t take their work seriously. For example, if you visit your financial planner on a day where she is wearing clothing more appropriate for the beach, you will wonder if she will make appropriate decisions with your money and most likely take your money elsewhere.
Take a look at this picture. This mannequin is wearing a t-shirt and skirt paired with my version of a fancy flip flop. She looks great but is dressed in a very casual way.
Based on her outfit, what does she do?
A sales clerk? A Mom running errands? Someone on their day off?
Now look at this picture. This mannequin is wearing the same outfit paired with a jacket and more professional shoe.
Based on her outfit, what does she do?
Interior Design? Architect? Marketing expert? Web Designer?
Putting on a jacket and heel took a total of 3 seconds. What a difference it makes. Her new look is still casual but much more professional, giving her and her business credibility and interest.
What are you wearing to work?
We spend many years (and a lot of money!) preparing to enter the real world, get a job, and achieve great success. Yet, many times the most important keys to reaching success are never taught. I believe the way you dress is the key to your success, and so often it is the last thing anyone thinks will affect their career. A polished appearance is no longer considered frivolous or egotistical. Today, especially in this economy, it is a job requirement.
In the business world, the way you look is the strongest sales tool you have, no matter what business you may be in. Before you can sell anything, you have to sell yourself.
5 Reasons to Always Dress for Success
Learn how to “Dress for Success on Any Budget” with this FREE teleseminar. Download it for free at http://www.getgreatstyle.com/dfs.html.
Before you get dressed for work, take the time to make sure you have put the same attention and detail into yourself as you do your work.
1. Dowdy or outdated clothing: If your clothing looks old or outdated, people will automatically assume your way of doing business is also outdated and should be passed by.
2. Clothing that is too revealing: It is hard to appear professional in clothing that is too revealing. Even if you attend an evening work event, a plunging neckline (this goes for both men and women) may not be appropriate.
3. Too casual or comfortable clothing: Dressing too casually often translates as lazy. You may be the hardest working individual in the room, but your clothing is saying the opposite.
4. Forgetting that details matter: The details of your clothing paint a picture about the character of both you and your business. Wrinkled pants and scuffed shoes will not give a potential client the confidence you can handle the details of their complex business.
5. Wearing clothing with slogans, logos, or prominent brand names other than your own: After all, who are you working for?
6. Clothing that doesn’t make sense for your audience: Think about who you will be working with before getting dressed. Will your audience respond better to your branded polo shirt or a very classic and professional button down?
7. Clothes that do not fit or flatter: Clothing that is too tight can look trashy and cheap. Clothing that is too big looks sloppy and unprofessional. Discover how to dress your body type and wear clothing that fits.
8. Ultra trendy clothing: Clothing that is ultra trendy can look like a costume. Stick to classic pieces that are infused with elements of your own personal style.
9. Clothing that doesn’t make sense for the industry you are in: Your clothing should make you look as if you are a credible member of your industry. Your clothes tell potential clients that you belong and are successful at what you do.
10. Clothing you don’t feel confident in: The right clothes will make you feel invincible, allowing you to sell your product or services with confidence.
Don’t let your clothing hold you back at work. Make sure your image helps you create your professional success. For help learning what your clothing says about you contact Charleston Style Concierge at 833.323.2466.
Success is made up of multiple factors, but the way you dress plays a big role in the lifespan and path of your career. Studies show your appearance can even influence the perceived quality of your work. A go-getter assistant who’s always wearing a tailored suit will be thought of as highly promoteable, whereas an equally ambitious woman who has poor clothing might not be thought of at all.
We live in a very visual society. It takes 7 seconds for someone to form an impression about you. In that short timeframe your potential boss or client can actually determine your career path. From your appearance alone they’ve decided whether or not you are competent and someone they want to do business with, or a flake that cannot be trusted. It’s harsh, but true. We all make snap judgments about people. It’s human nature. The way you present yourself, from your handbag to your hair, creates a thumbnail sketch of your character.
And that sketch is always subject to instant interpretation by your colleagues, potential bosses, and clients. So dressing for success is an important part of making success a reality for you.
Whether you own your own business, or you are the receptionist at a giant corporation, at work you ARE your brand. And your look IS your logo. You are telling people what you do simply by the way you look.
To learn more about how to dress for success download our free seminar on “How to Dress for Success on Any Budget.” Charleston Style Concierge is a personal styling company comitted to making women feel more confident through personal style. Contact us to determine what your clothing says about you.
Networking is one of the most important activities you can do for the success of your business. Your appearance is a big part of your networking success. You are your brand, and your look is your logo. Your look will help you sell your product or services. Before you can sell anything, you have to sell yourself. A polished appearance is no longer considered frivolous or egotistical. In the business world it is a requirement for success. Before your next networking meeting, take the time to make sure you have put the same attention and detail into yourself as you do for your company.
Top 10 Clothing Mistakes Commonly Seen at Networking Events
10. Clothing you don’t feel confident in: The right clothes will make you feel invincible, allowing you to sell your product or services with confidence.
Don’t let your style hold you back at work. Learn how to create a versatile wardrobe and dress for success by joining me for “Dress for Success on Any Budget,” a free teleseminar on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. For more details or to sign up, please visit http://www.getgreatstyle.com/dfs.html.
A FREE ONE-TIME ONLY TELESEMINAR EVENT
Is your professional wardrobe keeping you from receiving the promotion you deserve or the job you want? Do people talk about your skirt length instead of the impressive report you gave at last week’s meeting?
55 percent of the message you send at work comes from the way you dress. What you wear to work is the key to your professional success. Whether you are looking for a job or trying to break out of your professional-wardrobe rut, this seminar will provide easy ways to dress for success on any budget. Join me as I share the secrets to dressing for success in this FREE ONE-TIME ONLY TELESEMINAR.
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On this call, you will discover …
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Lee Heyward, style expert and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, weighs in on the importance of dressing for success in the workplace.
Watch the segment that aired on the 7 o’clock news.
Katherine McDonald, the owner and designer of local fashion label LulaKate, decided to premiere her fall collection in a recession-conscious style. She will be hosting a trunk show and donating 25% of the revenue to Dress For Success of Charleston. DFS is an organization that provides disadvantaged women with the wardrobe and skills needed to acquire a job. The event is happening Wednesday, October 29, from 5:00-8:00pm in LulaKate’s flagship boutique at 324 King Street.
McDonald hopes the evening will live up to the label’s “Fabulous, Fun and Flirty” motto. In addition to the exclusive first look at LulaKate’s latest collection, the event will feature style tips from Lee Heyward of Charleston Style Concierge, champagne, and dessert. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet some of the inspiring women who have changed their lives with the help of DFS. The glamorous evening is designed to encourage longtime customers and newcomers alike to grab a friend and head to LulaKate for a new wardrobe and a great cause.
Do you ever wonder how you can be more eco-friendly with your clothing? Check out these 5 easy ways to Reduce, Resuse, Restyle
5 Ways to Reduce, Reuse, Restyle
1. Edit your closet and discover how to wear what you already have more.
2. Restyle what you already own.
3. Shop and sell at consignment stores.
4. Donate your edited clothing to Dress for Success.
5. Host a Style Party with a clothing swap.
Example of an old jacket restyled into something new and fabulous!
More often than not, each piece of your brand image was created when you needed it, but not altogether in a strategic fashion. Your image may look fine, but does fine help you grow?
Eventually as you scale, your image foundation cracks, and the way your business presents itself no longer helps propel growth – costing you time and money to fix.
When you unlock your brand power, you get to pick and choose how people perceive you and your brand.
Our Image Mastery System™ takes the 5 key brand components that you already have and ties them together in a way that amplifies your results and achieves your vision.
