Dress to impress for success at work

Throughout the Nineties and into the new millennia, ìdressing downî was the watchword for the business world. Suits were seen as belonging to the Eighties. But Simone Corcoran, senior director of employment specialists Search Consultancy, says that dressing up for work is making a comeback.

Simone says ìThese days, most businesses depend a great deal on presentation. The way you dress is one of the most important aspects of self-presentation. Itís the first thing anyone who sees you, whether thatís a prospective boss, a client, or a member of the public, has to judge you on. Before you open your mouth, they have formed an image of you that will affect the way they receive what you have to say, and you want to make sure that image is as positive as possible.

ìDressing up for work also gives your brain contextual clues as to what kind of behaviour is appropriate for the situation. When you put on a suit, youíre forcing yourself to sit up straighter and put your shoulders back, gaining a more authoritative attitude. Without you consciously thinking about it, your body language becomes completely different from the way it would be in jeans and a t-shirt or a floaty summer dress. This will affect the way others react to you, and it will encourage you to concentrate and adopt a more focused attitude.î

In fact, the rise of casual chic has made dressing for work a much more complicated experience. In the past, it was simple: a suit, shirt and tie for all occasions. Looking drab, conventional and exactly the same as everyone else was perfectly desirable. These days, what you wear to work is supposed to show the wearerís taste, personality and individuality while still looking smart and professional.

ìA great deal of whatís appropriate in work clothing depends on the industry you work in,î says Simone. ìIn finance, law and the civil service, attitudes tend to remain very conservative, and the clothing reflects that, with traditional suits for men and skirts and jackets for women very much the accepted style. In more creative industries such as the media, design and PR, it may well be that dressing to show more of your own personal taste in clothing is expected.

ìIn any case, if you are in a management-level position or are frequently meeting with clients or other professionals, it is generally in your best interests to choose clothing that presents you in a capable and professional fashion. Choose dark or neutral colours and styles that are classical rather than trendy. Dressing this way doesnít require you to suppress all traces of personality, but itís best to show your personal taste in subtler ways such as through scarves, jewellery and other accessories.î



One of the absolute rules for work wear is that it is perfectly acceptable to dress attractively, but never overtly sexily. Simone emphasises: ìIf your main motivator is to look sexy, youíre no longer dressed appropriately for work ñ unless thatís the nature of your employment, of course! Thereís no need to look like a nun, but belly-baring or strappy tops that show your cleavage are generally unsuitable. Miniskirts may be the last word in summer fashion, but theyíre simply not boardroom-wear. Shift dresses and short-sleeved blouses can be just as cool in a stuffy office, and theyíll make you look like a grown-up, someone to be taken seriously.î