There are many differing views on dress codes in today’s places of business. Patty Briguglio, president of Raleigh, North Carolina, public relations firm MMI Associates, says, ''You’re just as smart in flip-flops as you are in stockings and heels.'' Briguglio allows her employees to wear flip-flops, shorts, jeans, and t-shirts to work. Many companies today are adopting this ''anything goes'' kind of dress code for their employees. There is the theory that allowing employees to come to work in comfortable clothes fosters productivity and creativity.
While this mentality certainly is appealing — I would love to come to work in my most comfortable Dirty Dancing-style cut-offs and flip-flops — I believe that a certain amount of professionalism should be maintained in an office, especially by those in higher-up positions, such as executives and CEOs. While we all learned in grade school that you should not judge a book by its cover, it is, unfortunately, an unavoidable fact that most people do just that. Whether you are a top lawyer, an executive of a big corporation, or a receptionist, you have to remember that you are representing your company with everything you do, including the clothes that you wear.
Image is Everything — How to Look Right for Corporate America
Christine Jacobs, the CEO of a medical equipment company, says, ''Whether I like it or not, I am a public figure, and I have a responsibility to represent my company and its employees by looking my best.'' Especially in today’s world, image means everything. As John Remsen, Jr. says in his article ''Enough Is Enough: Lawyers Should Look Like Lawyers,'' ''I don’t know about you, but if I’m paying north of $350 an hour for legal services, I want my talented, high-priced lawyer...in a suit. Crisp, polished, and professional. The way he (or she) looks and presents himself (or herself) has a huge impact on how I perceive his (or her) skills and capabilities. That’s just the way it is.''
How you present yourself to other people is very important — in your work and your personal life. That is why, no matter what sort of dress code your company employs, the most important thing to remember is to look polished and put-together. After all, you are your own brand. How you market yourself — whether to new clients or fellow employees — makes all the difference.
Clothing 101: A Few Tips on What to Wear to Work
So, here a few fashion tips to keep in mind. For the ladies: if you are going to wear open-toed shoes at the office, make sure your feet are clean and your toes are freshly polished. Nothing looks worse than seeing someone’s unkempt feet out there in the open. Do not overdo it on makeup. Remember, you are at a place of business, not a night club. Your hair should always be clean and styled. Even if you are just going to the local grocery store, it’s a simple action to run a brush through your mane. Strangers don’t need to see what your hair looks like in the morning when you roll out of bed. And if you have nail polish on your fingers, make sure it is fresh. Nothing makes a worse first impression than sticking out your hand for a handshake and having chipped nail polish.
For the men: don’t sag! Wear your pants where they belong — around your waist. Shave on a regular basis — or if you have a beard or mustache, make sure it is well kept. Press your pants — wrinkles do not belong on your clothes. And always make sure your shoes are clean.
Conclusion
Whether or not you believe in dress codes or the mantra ''You are what you wear,'' it is important to dress professionally at the office. Just remember to keep a polished, professional look at all times — be clean, well kept, and well groomed at the office. If dressing professionally proves difficult for you, you can always hire a personal shopper. All major department stores have them, and for a nominal fee, you can be dressed by a professional.
