DRESSING FOR BUSINESS

Dress in the workplace must be thought about as it is the first impressions many customers and suppliers have of your company and the employees. Everyone whether on the shop floor or on management level must dress cleanly, neatly,professionally and sharply.

In the 80s the buzz word was ‘power dressing’ today it is ‘self branding’ and creating your style and image.

Invest in a great suit that will make you walk tall into the meeting and make you feel full of confidence.

Suits should be well cut and of the best material affordable to enable them to hang and fit right.

Dark suits give the impression of confidence and authority and are best worn with a good plain or striped shirt and tie, or non fussy blouse/top and with stylish shoes will pull together a professional look. Dresses and jackets are a smart option for women.

For ladies, keep hemlines below the knee, hide away cleavages and sleeves should be capped or longer but not strappy.

In any work situation lead the eye to the face and eyes rather than the cleavage so stick to block colour and conservative neck lines. Be careful with jewellery that it does not finish at the beginning of your cleavage or too long that a necklace will bounce on your bust.

If you have a large bust, keep the neckline open with a v neck or rounded neck. A double-breasted jacket will make you look wider so do not be tempted by this autumn fashion for the double breasted jackets.

Also big no nos which I am sure you are very aware of - are bare midriffs, very short skirts, shorts, bare shoulders and backs. Icon Live policy to remember is - no demin.

Make up must always be kept natural and make sure that nails are well manicured. Hair should be styled or if long kept tidy. Be aware that if hair is highlighted or coloured that the roots do not dominate.

Shoes - For men wear leather formal shoes – black with a black, grey or navy suit. Always make sure shoes are clean and polished.

I believe most companies will have a policy of NO open toes, flip flops or crocs.

For presentations, pitches and interviews it is said that A splash of red – a tie for a man, a top or accessories for women, can give a confidence boost and give an impression of authority. Just be aware that if you blush under pressure or have a reddish complexion keep to blue colours.

When working from home – always have breakfast and dress for the day. Do not graze on snacks and slop around in nightwear or tracksuits. You will not come across on the phone very businesslike and you will not be sharp thinking and will be noticeably slow and disorganised.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Photos from the Unique Brighton fashion shows In East Street Sept and at G-Casino Nov 2010 which I styled and produced