SUCCEED WITH STYLE: When Business Casual Has Gone Too Far

SUCCEED WITH STYLE: When Business Casual Has Gone Too Far

Whether you work for Google or Bank of America, there are rules to dressing professionally especially if you are serious about your career. When the dress code is casual, you want to make sure your image coveys the right message. Summer time is often a struggle for HR departments as they address inappropriate employee attire. At a recent workshop, one of the attendees shared a business attire blunder from her company. A colleague wears sweatpants and tee shirts to work every day. She said everyone talks about the situation yet no one has addressed it. I can tell you right now, this person’s career advancement will be affected by this choice of attire. Your goal is to look professional at all times no matter what environment you work in.

Here are some tips to achieve a successful, professional, casual look:

1. Review your wardrobe and get rid of any clothes that have seen better days. Nothing says sloppy more than a frayed shirt collaror a faded polo shirt.

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2. Buy no-iron cotton shirts. It’s the easiest way to ensure that your shirt always looks pressed. Try the fitted style to eliminate any bulkiness under a sweater or sport jacket.

3. Invest in quality cotton trousers that hold their shape and repel lint. Rub a sweater against black or blue before buying to make sure they are not lint magnets.

4. Take your casual shoes to the cobbler to be resoled and polished. Nothing ruins an outfit more quickly than a beat up looking pair of shoes.

5. Invest in good undergarments. You want coverage with thinner and lighter fabrics. Women: avoid the dreaded VPL (visible panty lines) and bulky bra straps. Try www.commando.com and www.somaintimates.com for the best no show undergarments.Guys: quality cotton undershirts are a must.

6. Select accessories that add interest and color to your outfit. Summer is a great time to wear colorful necklaces, belts and scarves.

7. Upgrade your handbag, tote or computer bag. It completes your look and should be in line with your position. Quality is key. Skip the back pack. You’re not in college anymore!

8. Skip capri-style pants in favor of a figure-flattering skirt or dress. Add a jacket or sweater to elevate the credibility factor.

9. Selecting a specific color palette and buying basic pieces helps maximize outfit options. Mixing and matching is the way to go(even for the guys).

10. Spend some time thinking about what your clothes say about you. Do they tell the story you want? If not, then it’s time to make some changes and invest in you.