There used to be jingle for the fashion clothing store Sussan that went something like, “This goes with this, goes with this, goes with that at Sussan.” They don’t use that jingle now, but the idea is, it is much easier to match this and that and choose clothes that work with other things we’ve already got in our wardrobe.
Here are a few tips to plan your work wardrobe for the upcoming season.
Coordination
Clothes for your executive working wardrobe generally are not what you wear on weekends to do the shopping. Even if you are a work from home entrepreneur and wear a much more relaxed look, it’s a great idea to have a few “workable” outfits than can be worn at any time. Such as a blazer with smart pants at work or over jeans for the weekend. Having a selection of separates that can be dressed up or down is the aim.
If you have one good working outfit for every day of the week that is all you really need. Ideally about 8 to 12 coordinated outfits that work together. You don’t have to look different every day, just look good and professional.
The key elements in your wardrobe for professional dressing are separates. Pants, skirts, shirts and jackets. They are the best buy and should be in solid colours and simple styles. You can then add in or two signature pieces and accent accessories to liven up your look.
Dress to your own style and personal brand. You could be a dress person and prefer those or prefer a more tailored look. Dress to make an impact through your individual style.
Credibility
Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, the idea is, appropriate business clothes should establish your credibility and show your personal brand best.
If you work at an accountancy firm and dress like a movie star people might not trust you. Or if you dress like you’re on holidays at the caravan park, they won’t believe you have the capability to do the job. Your image shouldn’t be something other than the professional your employers or clients are expecting.
I recall doing a seminar for a financial services firm and one of the things they wanted to address was that people were turning up in a corporate environment in the city wearing thongs/flip-flops. Maybe okay at the beach but not in a corporate environment.
Another time I was told of a youngish executive very keen to get ahead in her career who had a one-on-one meeting with a senior manager. The young executive explained how she was ambitious and would do anything that could she do to make it. The manager said to her, “You may be wanting to reach the top but you don’t look like you do”.
Cut
Another aspect of clothes is the cut and how a garment fits you. Have you noticed some labels look better and fit you better? That’s because that cut is suited to your figure type and shape.
Cuts that suit me are generally Australian labels as they suit my figure. As much as I love European designers, often their cut is a slimmer fit and doesn’t suit my shape. Find the brands that fit your body the best and stick with them. Don’t squeeze into a size 8 if you are a size 12.
Guys can be guilty of this too – jackets that are a bit tight across that broad back or don’t button up properly. Try things on to see what suits you and fits you.
Cost
You don’t have to spend a lot of money. With basic items it is wise to buy the best quality you can afford as they’ll look better and last much longer. Don’t feel guilty about spending money on you. We give enough of it away to the tax department, paying our mortgage, holidays and on our kids.
If you budget and shop accordingly, a bit of investment dressing for your career will go a long way. Most image experts say you should spend around 5% of your income on your wardrobe. This is a guideline only and you wouldn’t need to spend it all at once.
Clothes for professionals are “tools of trade”. They are a personal overhead cost but if you plan your wardrobe well, it needn’t be a significant cost, just an investment in your professional career.
Your presentation reflects the overall impression of your company. Perhaps you or your team needs to liven up your look. We work with business leaders and entrepreneurs to align your visual image with your personal brand.
Learn more about my Stylish Business Woman™ program and personal brand approach when you sign up for my free eBook, The Secret to Your Personal Brand Revolution. Get Your Free eBook Now!
Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
