Looking for a job can be a long and arduous task that consists of flipping through job postings in the paper, pursuing leads from your own list of connections, perfecting and submitting your resume, and finally preparing for interviews as they come.
Find out how you can improve your overall appearance with these nine business-savvy fashion tips.1- Dress the part
Always remember that there’s no room for sloppiness when it comes to business attire; make sure you dress to suit the image of a successful professional. Looking your best day in and day out will give you that extra boost of confidence needed to make a good first impression on everyone you meet.
Part of looking good every day is having a wide selection of garments to choose from, so that you can alter your look on a regular basis by properly mixing and matching your business wear items. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune to do so; you can find plenty of stylish yet reasonably priced pieces at discount factory outlets or even on sale at your favourite store. Another tip: If you have an important meeting scheduled, borrowing a friend’s classy watch or necktie can keep your look fresh while keeping your expenses low. Of course, you should return the favour once in a while.
2- Follow the dress code
When shopping for work attire, always make sure that the clothing is suitable and in line with your company’s dress code and culture. Stock up on more conservative garments if your employer maintains a more traditional dress code, and opt for more casual business clothing if the dress code is more relaxed.
3- Project a “serious” image
First impressions count for a lot in the business world, and some of you might be worried that you won’t be taken seriously. Perhaps it’s because you look too young, too old, or because you’re known as the office clown.
How to look more sophisticated and be the fashion man with the business plan…
While your attire can’t mask your jokester image, these simple tips can help you project a more mature look, which is important if you are concerned that your qualifications are being dismissed because of your youthful appearance:
- Wear more serious-looking suits in dark colours (like earth tones), and sport formal accessories such as an expensive watch and cufflinks.
- Wear a sophisticated pair of eyeglasses.
- Try a more conservative hairdo and sport a clean-cut facial hair style.
On the other hand, if you’re worried about being perceived as an over-the-hill gent, then consider these simple tips:
- Update your wardrobe, accessories and hairstyle.
- Dress code permitting, you might also want to try taking your style down a notch or two on the formal scale.
4- Remember the rules of jewellery
A wrist watch and a wedding band or graduation ring are the only two pieces of jewellery you should wear to the office. Avoid flashy jewellery and visible body piercings, such as nose or eyebrow rings.
5- Master colours & patterns
Most employers are conservative and will expect you to wear dark and traditional-looking suits. Opt for solid or pinstripe suits in dark shades of grey, blue and black. Plaids and patterns are also acceptable where shirts and ties are concerned, just as long as they are subtle and well-harmonized. Opt for long-sleeve collared shirts in white, off-white, blue, black, and classy pastel colours.
6- Get a proper fit
Unless you want to look like a clown, have your garments tailored and learn to optimize your body type by choosing clothing that flatters your form rather than emphasizes your physical flaws.
One way to go about this is by consulting a reputable tailor. He’ll suggest the right padding and tailoring in the suit’s shoulders, which can make your posture look good and make you (and your muscles) look well-defined. A tailor will also fit your shirts, which can help make your waist seem narrower and your shoulders broader. Finally, regardless of whether you’re short or tall, overweight or skinny, he can help you choose the most flattering styles and colours for your body type.
Your Armani suit is useless if you look like a slob…
7- Adopt proper grooming habits
What’s the use of sporting a tailored suit, an expensive watch, fine Italian shoes, and a high-end silk tie if you neglect the rules of grooming? Overlooking certain grooming details can override the effect of wearing even the slickest suit, the most expensive timepiece and the classiest shoes. So make sure you keep an eye out for these grooming details at all times:
- Keep your hair and nails clean and well-trimmed.
- Don’t forget to put on deodorant every morning, and don’t apply too much cologne and aftershave.
8- Cover all your bases
You want to look perfect, right? Here’s a list of small fashion details that can hinder your appearance if overlooked.
Socks: Dark socks are usually a smart choice. Make sure that your socks match or complement the rest of your outfit. Warning: Never wear white socks.
Shoes: People notice your shoes (and not just women), so keep them clean and shiny at all times. Remember that they should match your belt.
Pockets: To avoid bulges or the annoying sound of coins clinking, try to keep your pockets empty.
Bag: Avoid walking around with a cumbersome bag; opt for a briefcase or portfolio instead.
Gum: If you chew gum, do so in a subtle manner. It’s advisable that you avoid chewing gum in important meetings with clients or colleagues.
9- Always be prepared
Being well-organized and properly prepared is the best way to minimize fashion blunders. Here’s a quick list of things you should watch out for every day.
- Always check the weather forecast. It will help you properly choose that day’s outfit, and jacket or overcoat. You’ll also know whether or not you’ll need an umbrella.
- Lay out what you’ll be wearing the night before (bonus points if you listen to the weather forecast the night before) to make sure everything is clean and properly ironed.
- Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep every night. Sleepy eyes are never fashionable.
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