Dress for Success and Dress to Impress- 10 Top Tips for Business Success

www.topazimageconsultancy.co.uk

• Does your image reflect your company values?
• Does your image project your personality and expertise?
• Do you have confidence that your personal brand gives you the competitive edge?

"It takes 30 seconds to create a lasting impression "
A professional and polished image gives you the confidence to meet clients, build effective relationships and win business.

My personal mantra for more than 20 years has been " look good- feel good- be confident", but as an Image consultant, Personal Stylist and Life coach  I have to 'practice what I preach'.( and that pretty much means 24/7 and even on holiday!)
-No more pegging out the washing in the confines of my own back garden in my PJ's and no more jogging round to the postbox in my leggings and T' shirt.
I've suddenly realised that the wonders of the t' interweb and the links and contacts I've made through networking have made me more of a 'public person'.
And more open to 'criticsm' by the style police if I get spotted 'abusing the uniform rules' or 'not meeting the expectations of my customers '

But rest assured , even in my 'casuals' or a 'dress down or stay at home day', I'll still be wearing my lippy and 'my best colours' and the ones that improve my mood and have an impact on my behaviour, and I will still hopefully reflect my clothing personality (Natural + Classic which together apparently made me a 'City Chic' when analysed by the lovely Chris Southam, my CMB trainer/ style guru and mentor.)

People do recognise me in the street and at events- and I'm delighted to be remembered as 'Auntie Gok from West Yorkshire' and 'the lady who wears lovely colours ' or 'the one who told me not to wear black near my face' and 'the one who gave me a few tips on what colours  or shapes best suit me',

But I would hate to be remembered as the one with coffee stains on her jacket, with laddered tights or down at heel shoes; or the cardinal sin of 'wearing too much makeup','overpowering perfume'  or
' wearing inappropriate garments' (please note: the style jury is still out on shorts or denim jeans on ladies of a 'certain age'  and 'double denim' for men in business). Grooming and personal hygiene are equally important when creating that image.

I always aim to be honest and constructive in giving feedback to my clients and potential customers and I endeavour to provide information and advice that will serve them well, and to help them to get on in life, work and business. But the ultimate choice of what they wear, when and where they wear it, is theirs. I do believe we should all be true to ourselves- but we may need to be flexible, responsive and consider what our audience/ customers would expect to see in their environment, culture, industry/ sector or professional role.

It's up to you to decide if you need to 'conform' to the customers expectations or even mirror what they are wearing to be able to 'fit in' and be accepted-whether it be as a potential customer, supplier or associate.

Dress for Success and Dress to Impress

What you wear and how you wear it can create a lasting impression, but it's the overall impact that will reinforce the messages you wish to convey- along with what you say and how you say it, to your customer. This is the opportunity to sell yourself and your services and build trusted relationships.

My 10 Top Tips for Business Success are not rocket science- just plain common sense.

I'm a 'people watcher', so many of these ideas are from personal observation throughout my life, work and social experiences. But also from a career spanning many years working in and managing public recruitment, training, management development and careers services alongside my work with individuals /colleagues as a Trade Union Learning representative and Life Coach.
My skills and knowledge have been further enhanced by my training with Colour Me Beautiful and the support networks of all the amazing and inspirational CMB consultants throughout the UK and abroad (including the wonderfully talented Kirstie in South Yorkshire, the 2 lovely ladies in Cairo who trained with me in Manchester;the beautiful,dramatic extrovert Tatiana from the former Soviet Union: Kirabai from Malaysia , now based in London, who both trained with me in London); plus shared experiences with local stylists, hair and beauty therapists and nutritionists, that I work with in businesses across West Yorkshire

10 Tops Tips 
- useful for men and women in business, those looking for work or looking for promotion

• Research your client, your audience, their business- who are they, what role, responsibility or power do they have. Are they a decision maker?Is there a culture or an expectation, or rules/ policies on dress/grooming code in their company, industry/ sector or profession ( dress down all the time, just on Fridays , no beards, no makeup/ jewellery? - it could be based on company values or dependent on health / hygiene/ quality standards or company policies
• Dress appropriately for that meeting/ presentation/interview- Consider what the client will be wearing- do you need to conform or do you want to stand out from the crowd or be different? Do they expect you to dress like them? Will they be suited and booted, collar and tie, uniform or corporate colours? Be smart and professional and 'look the part' give the customer confidence that you are what they want, and someone with whom they want to do business.   No logos on T'shirts , no cartoon characters on socks or ties, no Hi vis jackets- unless visiting construction sites/ festivals
• Consider the environment where you will be meeting them- the time of day/ evening, formal /informal/ social - boardroom, restaurant/ pub/hotel/ golf club- how will they be dressed?
• Neutral colours often look best in business situations(there are good alternatives to black!)and good contrasts /tones /accents colours can add interest, make a statement, but may be best used in moderation for accessories, blouses, shirts and ties/ scarves.
• If you need to purchase items for your working wardrobe for a meeting or an interview, make sure you buy the best quality you can afford, and those that will give you the best return on your investment ( if it seems expensive, it may be useful to calculate the cost per wear to realise its value) A garment costing £300  and worn 5 days per week for 26 weeks of the year could be a good investment buy, and may remain stylish for several years.
• Good grooming and hygiene are essential- neat, clean hair, trimmed facial hair/ beards and moustaches, avoid 5 o@clock shadow ( mainly for the men!) long hair tied back. Ladies need to wear appropriate minimal makeup- no smoky eyes/ vamp lipstick (unless auditioning for a job in a nightclub or show). Tattoes should be covered or hidden from view. Not everyone appreciates the artistry or cultural significance to you.
• Use mouth/breath fresheners. Avoid spicy foods/garlic/ alcohol prior to meeting the client. Use deodorants/ anti perspirants. No strong perfumes or aftershaves. Clean manicured fingernails and avoid garish, glitzy nail varnish. No sweaty palms or greasy handcreams. Don't chew gum.
• Footwear appropriate for the outfit and the occasion- clean shoes and no heel scuffs, no flip flops, trainers or Ugg boots or wellies. Socks and shoes should tone with outfit.
• Understated accessories- no Mickey Mouse watchers, divers chronometers; no clunky bracelets, jewellery or earrings, no body piercing jewellery on display. Minimal 'bling' in formal situations. Good quality handbag, briefcase, portfolio, pen, spectacle case (leave big bags, luggage/ rucksacks at Reception or out of sight in the car)
• Smile , look alert and interested- Be true to yourself- Be confident. 

Look the part- look your best- 'Dress to Impress and Dress for success'.

POSTSCRIPT
I was always mindful of the comment I heard many years ago- 'Dress for the role you want to have , not the one you currently have'
Seen on Twitter recently- a comment about a young employee reprimanded for dressing inappropriately  and flaunting the company dress code.  Subsequently attended an appraisal and was advised by their manager 'Dress for the role you have , not the one you want to have'.
- turned up at the disciplinary hearing wearing a superman outfit.'
 -
What do you think? Have times changed?

Apologies for the length of this blog - this was an attempt to keep promises and catch up after holidays and Jubilee celebrations. I promise to make the next few short and sweet

Next blog topic: will probably be less of the same-
'Dress the Body you have - not the one you want to have'- based on comment by Ann Skidmore CMB Style guru and Life and Business Coach.
(I'll give some Style and body shape tips)