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Perk up Your Business Attire for Free

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Day 153 - VDES70031 fashion accessory 

Image by uLight.Me via Flickr

 

In the need for some new office apparel? Accessories getting tired? Short on funds? If the answer is yes to these questions, an accessory party is the ticket. 

 

It’s been proven that when people feel like they look good they have more confidence and actually get further in their lives. They’re more productive and even friendlier, studies have shown, but not everyone can afford new clothing or accessories all the time. 

 

An accessory party is fun and can be done in someone’s home, an office nobody’s using at lunch time, or in a quiet lounge somewhere. Everyone walks away with something new (to them) and nobody has to spend a dime. 

 

As fun as a Game, but Everyone Wins 

This kind of party requires all attendees to bring the accessories they don’t wear anymore and set them out so everyone can look at them. Bring:
  • Jewelry
  • Brooches
  • Belts
  • Shoes, boots
  • Scarves
  • Bags
  • Purses
  • Hair doodads
  • Hats
  • Coats
  • Gloves
  • Any accessory not being used any longer.
Choose a place where there’s plenty of room for people to put out their stuff and have a table where guests can serve themselves beverages and snacks and place it away from the activity. 

 

When everyone is set up, ring a bell or just say go, and everyone goes around to everyone else’s items and chooses the ones they like. They then make a deal of trade with their own items and both people get new stuff. Even men can be invited if there’s other men for them to trade with. 

 

Recycling accessories gets them reused and waste is reduced. Do your part.

 

 

Filed Under: Business Expenses, General Tagged With: , ,

Defining "Business Casual"

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Example of a common dress code for males in mo... 

Image via Wikipedia

The preferred dress codes of many businesses in America have seen a sharp decline in formality over the last few decades. In some cases, ”casual Friday” has taken over much of the work week and one can even find office workers in certain departments in jeans and t-shirts most of the time. When meeting clients and interacting with higher-ups isn’t part of the job description, keeping the business look in your employees’ closets can be difficult. What does the term ”business casual” mean to modern workers?

For women, business casual is a style of dress that is more conservative than ordinary casual wear. Coverage is a key component of business casual dress in that hemlines should never be shorter than the knee and necklines shouldn’t expose cleavage. Stockings may or may not be a part of your workplace’s identity and it is usually best to err on the side of ”too formal” if you’re unsure. While beige, black and navy are always go-to essentials for pants, skirts and jackets, you can also toss on a bit of color in a scarf, belt or other accessory without losing your corporate look.

For men, ”business casual” often means you can forgo the suit and tie in favor of a jacket or shirt and tie. Khakis, loafers and polos can also be part of a man’s work wardrobe. Knit pullovers, sweaters and turtlenecks all look great under a wool jacket during the cooler months and keep a man looking pulled-together. Whenever in doubt, check out what your boss is wearing, and remember to dress for the position you want, not the one you have.

 

 

Filed Under: Office Etiquette, Shopping Tagged With: , ,

Dressing Your Best

May 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A Karo Batak woman in traditional clothes

Image via Wikipedia

 

Far too often, women just aren’t treated as seriously in the working world as they should be. While a woman’s attire never needs to be as buttoned up and formal as a man’s should be, she can do wonders for herself through keeping it reasonable. Far too many women go to the office dressed about the way they would if they were going out clubbing. For a woman, showing off her body is considered normal.

However, you don’t necessarily need to leave your Apple Bottom Clothes at home. When it comes to formality in the workplace, the rules of common sense naturally apply. In some cases, wearing clothing that’s a little bit more casual is great for keeping things easy in the workplace. Who can concentrate when you’re too buttoned up? You can look great, and still express your personal style. The key is moderation. A lot of times, the same cut can end up looking completely different simply through employing a different color or a different pattern on it.

If you keep an eye on balancing your best look with one that keeps enough skin covered so that your coworkers and clients can focus on their work, you’ll do fine. The most important points to remember are to look your best, and to present a voice and knowledge base of confidence. You can dress however you want, within reason. If the way you walk and the way you present your ideas says that you’re a woman and not just a little girl, the wise men are going to hear you roar. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing your daily outfit.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Dressing for Success

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Dressing for success is an important as being at work on time. It projects a successful, caring attitude to dress well at the office. If the position entails meeting with the public or clients on a regular basis there is only one chance to make a first impression.

While most places of business have gone “business casual” and no longer require a full suit or dress every day, there are still some guidelines one should follow. Wrinkles can ruin even the most professional outfit. If you are not skilled in ironing, learn or take clothes to the dry cleaners to be professionally pressed.

 

Many dry cleaners place cleaned clothes inside... 

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Women no longer have to wear a dress or skirt every day but slacks should be worn, not jeans. If dresses or skirts are worn, the length should not be above the knee. No wild patterns or flashy designs. Any skirt or dress above ankle length should be worn with plain nylons. No one likes to smell heavy perfume all day so save it for a night on the town.

 

Men should also wear slacks. Men’s shoes should be free of scuffs and shined. A suit jacket is not usually required but dress shirt and tie are standard. Clothes should be well pressed and the tie should blend with the shirt. If wearing a belt it should always match the shoes.

The dress code you followed to secure the job should be the dress code you follow daily at the office. Dressing for success can help maintain a job and achieve promotions. Follow these simple tips and you will be headed for success at the office.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Client Relationships, Office Etiquette Tagged With: , ,

Determing what is appropriate for a woman’s wardrobe a business formal community.

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

In a business setting, it is important to look the part. If your business requires you to wear formal attire, take a close look at your wardrobe before you just throw on a dress and go. Not everything you have in your closet is appropriate for a business formal settings.

Most of your attire is either going to a skirt suit or a pant suit. You want something that is chic but professional. Keep in mind the time of year as you purchase your attire. For the winter months, wool is essential for keeping you warm and making a good impression. For the summer months, stick to cotton, gabardines, or linen suits. You want something that will be comfortable for you every time of the year.

The skirt should be hemmed just around the knees. Be careful that your skirt is not too short. Pantyhose are also a great addition to your professional dress. Make sure that they match your clothing. Leave the patterned stockings for a night out with the girls. Getting flesh colored stockings are effective.

You will need to complete your skirt or pant suit with an appropriate blouse. Any color will do, but be mindful of your company’s policies. Typically any sheered or transparent blouses are not appropriate. You can finish off the outfit with a nice scarf. Make sure it does not make the skirt or pant suit look unprofessional or off.

Accessories should be kept at a minimum. Jewelry should be simple pieces that add to your formal dress. You can also include a belt and handbag. Just make sure they compliment your professional look and are not too big. Shoes should also professional. Heels are acceptable. Usually closed-toed shoes come off more professional and make sure your heels are not too large. Your entire outfit should fit well together.

Filed Under: Client Relationships, International Business Tagged With: , ,

Determining what is appropriate for a woman’s wardrobe in a business casual community

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Determining what you are going to wear to work when you work in a business casual community is pretty easy. You do not have to worry about stocking up on skirt and pant suits. It however be appropriate to plan out your wardrobe when you are shopping in order to look good and professional in whatever you go to work in. Here are some tips when determining what clothing to add to your wardrobe.

For pants and skirts, stick to nice dress pants or skirts that are dark colored. Black, brown, navy blue, or gray are all great colors to chose from. Dark colors give the image of authority. These dark colors look good on anyone. Make sure your skirts are not too short, they should be hemmed around your knees.

For tops, you have the option to add a little variety to your wardrobe. With blouses, anything that looks professional and well-put together will look good. Avoid any shirts that are sheered and show undergarments. Make sure your bar straps are completely hidden. Jackets are a great way to finish a professional look. Remember you will want to match the color of your pants. Add a little color to your wardrobe by wearing a cardigan instead of a jacket. They appear professional but add a friendliness vibe to your wardrobe.

You should wear shoes that are in good taste and look good with the rest of your wardrobe. The shoes should match your pants and jacket. Stick to navy blue, black, and gray close-toed heels.

Also, always check your wardrobe as you put it on for any strings, missing buttons, strains, holes, and any shredding. This looking unprofessional and is embarrassing when you realize you have been wearing the shirt all day. Make sure to have polished your shoes.

Filed Under: Client Relationships, International Business Tagged With: , ,

What a male’s casual business wardobe should look like

December 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Men’s casual business wardrobe is are far reaching as women’s casual clothes. It can be hard to determine what is too formal for your business-casual work place. You do not have to worry about getting out the suit every morning when you head to work, but you still need to look good when you head there. Here are some tips for your wardrobe.

Pants should be khaki or dark colored dress pants that have no wrinkles and look good. Flannel, chinos, and corduroys pants are also appropriate to wear to work. You may also be able to wear your best jeans to work, but you will need to consult your coworkers and your business’ dress code policy.

Tops are generally a plain polo, a short-sleeved button-down shirt, or a long-sleeved casual button-down oxford shirt, or a V-neck sweater when it is cold, are all appropriate attire for your business-casual work place. Remember that shirt that have collars are generally worn. You can easily dress in layers and add a long-sleeved button down shirt to a sweater. Make sure to wear an undershirt with your tops. Everything should be wrinkle-free and unstained. Also, adding a blazer or casual sports coat to your outfit is appropriate. Make sure what you decide to wear looks good as a whole.

The best shoes to wear in a business-casual work community are dark loafers. oxfords, rubber soled leather shoes and boots are also okay to wear. Make sure your shoes have been polished and look good. Do not leave your house without socks on. It look unprofessional. Make sure your socks are the color of your pants.

In some work places, there will be a casual Friday where you can wear your casual clothing that would normally wear on the weekend. By definition, your clothing should be comfortable. You can wear good jeans. Avoid the urge to wear any torn or bleached jeans.

Filed Under: Client Relationships, International Business Tagged With: , ,

What a male’s formal business wardobe should look like

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Before you just throw on your suit and go to your business-formal work community, remember that there should be more to wardrobe than a suit. A man’s formal dress should not stick out. You want to give the impression that you are a professional so leave the denim at home for the weekends and get ready to impress your coworkers.

Starting with a suit, you need be aware there are different suit cuts. They include the American cut, the Italian cut, and the British cut. Each are different easy to spot. American-cut suits have two buttons and are center-vented jackets. The shoulders should look natural and the pants should have a straight line down the middle. Italian-cut suit jackets are unvented with padded shoulders. The suit pants are also fuller. British-cut suits have side-vented jackets with square shoulders. It is also possible for the jacket not to be vented. The waist is tapered and the pants are narrower than American-cut suit pants.

Traditional dark dress pants are appropriate. Make sure the pants are cleaned, winkle-free, and match the jacket. You will want to have long-sleeve button-down collared shirts. Depending on your workplace, they should be white or blue. When you go to work, look around to see if any other colors are used. Socks should match the pants and they should never be white. Remember to include socks when you put together your wardrobe.

Shoes can be either plain or cap toed dress shoes. Stick to oxfords, wingtips, and plain or tasseled loafers designs. Make sure the shoes look nice and match your suit’s color. They should be polished and have no scuff marks.

Ties should be conservative and should not stick out behind your suit jacket. Make sure you have silk ties and that they have no wrinkles. Carry a dark colored brief or computer bag that looks good with your suit.

Filed Under: International Business Tagged With: , , ,