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*A
monthly column devoted to helping women and men
be their best and most confident in any situation.
Topics include dress, body language, attitude and
etiquette.
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Victoria Seitz, PhD
Image Expert |
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If you think that Business Casual is here to stay, think again.
More and more companies are abolishing "Casual Days" because
business casual has become business sloppy. Moreover, the initial
objective of business casual, that of increasing morale, has resulted
in lower quality productivity among employees, and has affected
the overall company image.
So its back to suits and ties but given the time factor, traditional
business dress has evolved for both men and women depending on
their profession. It's common to see women in pant suits and men
in mock turtleneck tops with jackets. But now since its business
as usual, here are some reminders to get back into the swing of
traditional business attire.
- If the invitation says casual and you're in doubt,
call the host and ask what they mean.
- Organize your closet and build your business wardrobe
around the neutrals such as black, navy, camel, gray, and olive.
Any color goes with a neutral so you can add miles to your wardrobe
possibilities.
- Invest in classic styles since these spell business
and affluence. Classics such as the pin strip suit, the coat
dress, tailored pant suits for women, white shirts and regimental
stripe ties are still the mainstay in business.
- Buy the best which does not equate with expensive
but it does mean quality. Examine for quality which can be found
in upscale thrift stores, or JC Penney's, Landsend and Sears
as well as other fine retail stores. Make sure that plaids match,
that extra buttons are included and that there are no stains
or flaws in the fabric.
- Choose year round fabrics such as tropical weight
wools. Nowadays we have available synthetics that are easy care
and comfortable too. I have found that living overseas for the
past six months that I can wash my wool suits on the delicate
cycle and let them air dry and they are just fine. You just
have to iron them. If you are in hot, humid climates such as
Thailand, natural fabrics are the best since they breathe.
- Accessorize for impact. This applies to both men and
women. For men it's your ties, long-sleeved shirts, belts, shoes,
hosiery, jewelry such as watches and handkerchiefs. In traditional
businesses, and depending on the corporate climate, avoid earrings,
and keep the jewelry to a classic watch and either a class ring
or wedding ring. Further, when tying the tie, make sure it lands
in the middle of the belt buckle. Finally, use your belt to
keep your pants at the waistline and not below.
- Regarding women's accessories, include gold, sliver,
or pearl jewelry such as earrings, a lapel pin or necklace to
create the look of affluence. Invest in scarves, belts and shoes
that can change the look of an outfit and add miles to your
wardrobe. Fashion says pointed, high heeled shoes, but if you
want to be comfortable, buy stacked lower heeled shoes in pump
or loafer styles.
- Maintain your business wardrobe. Be sure that your
shoes are in tip-top shape and that your clothes are free from
stains and missing buttons. It's these details that people notice
no matter what position they hold.
- Purchase clothes that fit you no matter the size.
In Europe, the clothes are more true to size and so I wear a
10 or 12. In the states it's an 8. In other countries the sizing
may be totally different but the emphasis here is to fit your
body and not let size dictate it for you.
- Finally, pick a suitable and manageable hairstyle
and take care of your skin as well as your body. Men, if you
have facial hair, trim it close to the face and do take care
of your skin as well. Women, pick a hairstyle that allows you
to be free of checking or fixing it constantly. Take care of
you skin and allow make up to enhance your beauty rather than
cover it up. Both men and women need a manicure since hands
are an important part of business. Finally, start exercising,
even if it's a little. I have found that exercise is truly the
fountain of youth, as well as a vehicle to deal with stress
and the changes associated with getting older.
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Victoria
Seitz, PhD is a professor of Marketing at California State
University, San Bernardino and is author of Your Executive
Image, AdamsMedia, Inc, 2000 and Power Dressing, DonJon
Publishing, 1991. In addition to teaching, Dr. Seitz was a fashion
coordinator for Burdines, Florida and in retail management for
Saks Fifth Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. Clients of Dr. Seitz have included
Abbott Laboratories, Northern Telecom, Texas Instruments, Yellow
Freight Systems, Sally Beauty Company, the United States Armed
Forces, Travellife magazine, YWCA and Accountants Overload, in
addition to law firms, hotels, newspapers, universities, banks,
credit unions, national and local community and professional organizations
nationwide.
To learn more about Dr. Seitz please visit her website at www.cbpa.csusb.edu/vseitz.
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