Today is Tuesday, so this post is on positive personal impact.
Recently, I was introduced to a great web site: Wildly Sophisticated, owned by Nicole Williams.
After a successful career in international consulting and business development, Ms. Williams conceptualized Wildly Sophisticated Media Inc. to re-define the world of career development. Armed with the conviction that work is far more than resumes and a 9 to 5 grind, her mission is to inform, inspire and empower young women aged 18-34 to create exciting, fulfilling careers. Ms. Williams and I have never met, but she and I share a common mission in helping young people create exciting, fulfilling careers. That’s the main reason I write this blog.
Your attire has a lot to do with making a positive personal impact. Ms. Williams posted an article on her site in the late summer 2006. She focused on helping young women (her target audience) decide what to buy for their fall work wardrobe. I was really impressed with this article. So much so, that I’m posting it here. While the examples Ms. Williams uses, are for women, her general points apply to both men and women. So guys, put your macho selves on the shelf and read some really great common sense ideas about how to dress at work to make a positive personal impact.
Nicole Williams Wildly Sophisticated Commandments of Style
Initially this article was going to focus on up-coming trends. But in reality the trend issue is easy. It’s equal parts; flipping through the latest fashion rag and deciding what you’re actually, authentically attracted to and comfortable in. The hard part is getting your head around the fundamentals in the face of endless choices. It isn’t rocket science – it’s just that each and every fall we need a reminder of the Wildly Sophisticated Commandments of Style:
1. Sweat the small stuff. We’re talking fine details. Shave or wax your legs if you’ll be wearing a skirt. Take a hard look in the mirror and if your upper lip needs waxing, by all means. Even better, have a professional do the honors. Make sure your eyebrows are shaped, waxed or plucked so they open your eyes. You want to look polished. People don’t necessarily notice if you’re groomed, but they definitely notice when you’re not.
2. Restrain yourself. Never let your accessories wear you. Throw away the headbands, banana clips and scrunchies – or save them for your Friday night mud mask. Big, chunky jewelry can look fantastic, but limit you to one key piece. Wear one or two rings, max. And choose jewelry that you really love. It’s a great way to develop your signature style and express your personality. Jewelry with a story – your grandmother’s earrings, the bracelet you bought to celebrate a milestone, your engagement ring – is beautiful and often becomes a conversation starter.
3. Know your body. Recognize that every style trend is not designed for you. This isn’t a limitation – its just reality. One of the most important pieces you’ll purchase is a suit. It’s a big investment, so you want to make sure it looks amazing. Learn which styles, jacket lengths and silhouettes flatter your shape and work from there. If you’re not sure what works for you, go shopping with a very honest friend or book an appointment with a Saks Sales Associate or personal shopper.
4. Black is your friend. Black staples – pants, 3/4-length jackets, and skirts – are clean, classic and they always look Wildly Sophisticated. Not to mention they’re flattering, and they’ll work with everything else in your closet. Basic black pieces can also stretch your clothing budget, because they endure through changing seasons and trends. When you’re dressing for a full day of work and cocktails to follow, you can use black basics to take you from day into night. Swap your button-down shirt for something a little more bare and colorful. Add great earrings, strappy shoes and go hit happy hour.
5. Focus on your feet. You don’t have to buy stock in Manolo Blahnik, but a great pair of shoes can make all the difference in your look. From a fabulous stiletto to a gorgeous pair of boots, your footwear is the finishing touch. Let’s face it – there’s nothing like killer heels to make you feel confident and powerful. Oh, and make sure your footwear is polished and clean. This is another one of those details that people really do notice.
6. Welcome the three-way. Is your blouse bursting at the seams? Is your bra digging into your back? Not only do ill-fitting clothes look unprofessional, you’re not doing your boobs any favors. Forget about sizes and numbers and go by fit. Sizes can vary wildly by designer anyway, so look for pieces that hug your curves without strangling them. On the flip side, you don’t want to swim in your clothes. A great fit shows (but doesn’t overexpose) your shape.
7. Work it. Style is really a synonym for self-expression. Women like Diane von Furstenberg, Katharine Hepburn and Gwyneth Paltrow are style icons because they’ve followed their own vision – not a roller coaster of changing trends. You’ll feel incredible when your clothes reflect your personality. You can work in the most conservative environment and still add splashes of individuality to your wardrobe. From a printed blouse under a tailored suit to crimson polish in open-toed shoes, think about how to express yourself in ways that are still industry-appropriate.
8. Consider quality. We’ve all faced this dilemma: You’re shopping for a new coat and it’s down to two contenders. Both charcoal grey, both warm, both perfect for a range of outfits. But one is cashmere and the other is acrylic. One is at the top end of your price range and the other is a major steal. Which coat? Well, when the cheap acrylic disintegrates and starts looking like a stuffed animal on your back, you’ll know you should have splurged for the cashmere. In the long run, quality clothes will actually save you money.
9. Invest in accessories. Think about it this way. You’re not going to wear the same pair of pants all week (one would hope), but your bag or briefcase is a constant companion. Clients, employers and colleagues will all notice what’s draped on your arm. Invest in a quality piece that reflects your style. And in this age of laptops, cell phones and PDAs, a bag that will carry both your purse and your hardware is a lifesaver.
10. Relax. Bottom line? Its just fashion. No one’s going to fire you for wearing last season’s Burberry coat. Give it your best shot; know that style matters and that looking groomed and professional are important for your career. Have fun. But if you’re spending more time reading Vogue than actually working, it’s time to re-assess your priorities.
I love these ten “Wildly Sophisticated Commandments of Style”. And, as I’ve said, they apply to men as well as women. Guys, just to make sure however, here is my take on each of the commandments for men.
Commandment 1 -- Make sure your eyebrows and nose hairs are neatly trimmed. Ask your barber or hair stylist to trim those nasty hairs that will grow on your ears.
Commandment 2 -- Guys’ jewelry should be subtle and tasteful. If you happen to have a Super Bowl ring (big and gaudy), where it to NFL and ESPN events.
Commandment 3 – Buy clothes that fit. I’m a big guy, so I learned early on what looks good on me and what doesn’t. Shirts that gap at the stomach, and too tight collars are not becoming on any man.
Commandment 4 – A black suit, blue blazer and gray slacks are the staples of any work wardrobe.
Commandment 5 -- Buy high quality shoes and keep them skinned. I always wear shell cordovan shoes for work. Shell cordovan is made from horse hide. It wears well and shines up beautifully. Even if you can’t afford shell cordovan shoes, make sure that your shoes are always shined to a high gloss.
Commandment 6 – A repeat of commandment 3. The three way is a mirror that you will find in clothing stores and tailor shops. It allows you to see how the clothes you are considering buying fit from the front, side and back. Nothing looks worse than a suit or sport jacket with a vent that gaps in the rear.
Commandment 7 – Make your clothes fit your personality. I’m an old preppy, so I wear button down shirts and conservative striped ties. Brooks Brothers is a good place for me to shop. Old prep suits me, and I get a lot of compliments on my wardrobe. What style suits you? What is the best store for you to buy your clothes?
Commandment 8 – To me, this goes without saying. I buy the most expensive and well made clothes I can afford. I treat them well, with regular trips to the laundry and dry cleaners, and they treat me well by keeping me looking good at work.
Commandment 9 -- One that most guys miss. Watches are a prime accessory for guys. I have some simple advice on watches. Wear a watch that looks like you are going to work, instead of one that looks like you are competing in a triathalon – even if you are a tri athlete. If you’re married, wear your wedding ring. If you’re single and want to wear a ring, I suggest a signet ring worn on the right ring finger.
Commandment 10 – I agree, relax. Find clothes that fit, look good on you and are comfortable. In this way, you’ll feel comfortable and confident. And, feeling comfortable and confident is a great start on making a positive personal impact.
As I’ve mentioned Ms. Williams presents some great ideas – for men and women -- in these 10 commandments. If you just read the header for each, you should get it. I’ve added my two cents here to help the guys who are too literal to extrapolate her ideas for themselves.
The common sense point to all this: read and learn these ten “Wildly Sophisticated Commandments of Style”. Think about them and how they apply to you. Then, follow them. If you do, I guarantee you’ll make a powerful and positive personal impact at work. And, positive personal impact is one of the five keys to career success.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense. Check out my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a small business.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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