Learn the Rules of Dressing for Success, Then Break Them
The first weeks of the pandemic, like many, I went the casual route. Sweatshirts, no make-up, glasses instead of contacts.
After a few weeks, I changed my mind about my working-from-home dress—especially when we all realized this was going to be months, not weeks.
I started putting my contacts in, applying make-up, and making sure my tops were what I would wear to work on a casual Friday.
I wore sweatpants, sometimes pajama bottoms, but from the waist up I looked professional.
A few things happened when I began “dressing for work” while at home. I felt better. More awake. Present at work. There are studies that back up what I was experiencing. They prove that how you dress affects your attitude.
People judge you by your apparel. As much as I’d like to say that your smarts will get you far, smarts and the appropriate attire will get you farther.
I get it, how you choose to dress is very personal. I learned this first-hand early in my career when I brought in an image consultant to discuss with our office the importance of appearance. It went over like a dead balloon.
I am still hesitant to write about this subject, but my experience and scientific studies confirm: dressing appropriately for work does matter.
The good news is, business dressing rules have relaxed. No longer are women required to wear panty-hose (thank you!), and men don’t have to wear ties.
Bottom line about dressing: in the beginning of your career, pay attention to the dress rules of your company and the events you attend. Dress accordingly. Then break the rules with your own style.
David Kerpen, author of “The Art of People,” always wears orange tennis shoes. This is his style. It’s a great conversation starter.
A friend of mine always wore her charm bracelet, which she used as a conversation-starter. Each charm tells a sweet story of where it came from. Both of these signature accessories helped them get noticed and show their unique style—yet, they still dressed for the occasion.
Take time to learn the rules and then break them as you grow in your career.
A short story. On New Year’s Day 2021, I won two books. A great way to start off the New Year. During their seminar, the two authors David Kerpen (the orange shoe man) and Todd Stottlemyre, a former MLB Pitcher, talked about their success and how using their techniques, you can reach your goals. Todd’s book “The Observer” is a beautifully written fable with an action plan.
Be one of two people to ask me a networking question you want me to address, and I’ll send you a copy of “The Art of People” or “The Observer.” Send your question to jankostner@gmail.com. I’ll answer it in a future post.
