It’s easy to be a little unsure what is totally appropriate for work or not these days with businesses having a more flexible approach to work wear. Unless you are told you have to wear a suit it can be a bit confusing as to what you can and can’t get away with. Whatever the dress code you are likely to want to project a fantastic professional impact, to stand out and get noticed by your boss. A great professional impact is when the style of your clothes is appropriate, in good condition, looked after and fit you properly.
Following is a helpful check list from Aston and Hayes (where I trained as an image consultant) to find out if your clothes are an asset to you or a liability:
|
A |
B |
|
| JACKET | ||
| Does your jacket fit properly across the back of your shoulders? |
yes |
no |
| Is there 2-3cms of fabric spare at the side of your torso? |
yes |
no |
| Are there any obvious creases or stains? |
no |
yes |
| Is there any puckering or fabric sheen caused by dry cleaning? |
no |
yes |
| Are there any loose buttons or threads? |
no |
yes |
| SKIRTS | ||
| Is your skirt long enough to cover your knees |
yes |
no |
| Does the fabric pull or gape anywhere? |
no |
yes |
| TROUSERS | ||
| Can you slip your hand easily into your waistband |
yes |
no |
| Are your pockets or pleats gaping or pulling? |
no |
yes |
| Does the hem rest on the top of your shoe? |
yes |
no |
| SHIRTS & TOPS | ||
| Are your shirt collars and cuffs pristine? |
yes |
no |
| Are you showing too much cleavage? |
no |
yes |
| Does the fabric pull anywhere across your bust or torso? |
no |
yes |
| Are your tops long enough to avoid showing your midriff? |
yes |
no |
| KNITWEAR | ||
| Does your knitwear have any bobbles or pulls? |
no |
yes |
| Shoes & Hosiery | ||
| Are your shoes in immaculate condition? |
yes |
no |
| Are your tights free of snags or runs? |
yes |
no |
|
TOTALS: |
Now count up all your A’s and B’s. A is the most appropriate wear to create a professional impact so if you have scored lots of A’s you are doing well! If B was your higher score then it might be a good time for a wardrobe weed to sift out the clothes that don’t work so well anymore and create a key items shopping list to build a fabulous working wardrobe.
Contact me for more details: [email protected]
