Professional Dressing THE “HOW-TO’S”
Remember This…
There is a certain presence you want to have when talking business ~*~ It’s much easier to conduct business when you’re dressed for business and/or when you’re on par with your counterparts
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Professional Dress Baseline Casual
• Not for the office • Ideal for weekend work outing
Mainstream Casual
• Casual Friday attire • Appropriate everyday attire for staff
Executive Casual
• Everyday, baseline dress for leaders • Appropriate for in-the-office days
Traditional Business
• Typical traditional business look • Denotes “ready for business”
Boardroom Attire
• Special occasion (board presentations) • Ideal for after-hours work function
Understanding the rules puts everyone on the same level and frees you up to focus on work
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Professional Dress
Professional dress is the look created to convey business or activities done as part of a revenuegenerating operation. Professional dress has a baseline/standard but can vary based on geography, role, function, industry, and/or gender.
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Baseline Casual This outfit/look is for the weekends or coming in off-hours to finish up a project, etc. What indicates that this is not for work = sandals/sneakers
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Sample Looks, Women
You don’t have to do all-black or khakis/chinos all the time. Adding individuality to the standard “uniform” is how you keep it fresh and fun but still professional!
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Mainstream Casual This outfit/look is everyday work and has lots of variations – this should be your starting point!
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Sample Looks, Men The saying is “There’s a thousand ways to skin a cat” – once you understand the baseline “professional” dress code, you can figure out how to make it work for you and your personal preferences
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Executive Casual This outfit/look is everyday work if you interact with principals, partners, and/or clients. Your goal is to be in sync with the people you work with from day to day! Again, lots of variations on this theme‌
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Nine Rules of the Road Your goal should be to nail the basics – after that, it’s up to you! There are a few rules of the road that should inform your professional dress…. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Anything sheer or see-through doesn’t work for work! (leave everything to the imagination…) Fitted is great! Tight is bad Highest hemline should be two inches above the knee Wrinkles = just woke up or “don’t really care” If your sleeve doesn’t cover your armpit when you raise your hand, save it for the weekend Pantyhose – to be or not to be? That is the question! If you love what you’re wearing enough to go “out” after work then you shouldn’t wear it to work Act/dress like someone’s watching When in doubt, dress UP not down
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Be Distraction Free Keep it simple
~*~ Little things count (cracked belts, gaping shirts, runs in hosiery)
~*~ We’re programmed to note the exception ~*~ Sometimes “blending in” is better than standing out (streetwear is for the streets, runway is for modeling)
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Workwear Wardrobe Basics Women
Women cont’d
Men 1.
Navy or charcoal grey suit
10. Weekend uniform
2.
7 dress shirts (minimum)
Fitted tees
11. Power pump
3.
5 ties (minimum)
3.
Black pencil skirt
4.
4.
Black fitted blazer
12. Curated casual flat (pointy toe)
2 pairs of shoes (darkcolored lace up, double monk strap)
5.
Dark-colored shift/sheath dress
1.
Fabulous white button down
2.
6.
Navy/charcoal grey suit (skirt or pants)
13. Every day comfy heel 5.
Overcoat
14. Bottoms (4)
6.
Simple, understated watch (leather band)
15. Structured tote
7.
V-neck/shawl collar sweater
7.
Print tops (2-3)
16. Satchel
8.
Casual dress slacks
8.
Everyday statement earrings & necklace
17. Trench coat
9.
Dark-colored leather belt Page 12
Where to Get What CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES
Rules…
Rules… 1. Statement pieces always better than quantity 2. Structured (vs. not) handbags 3. Avoid name brands plastered over your items Where to go… 1. Baublebar.com (jewelry) 2. Zara (shoes , scarves) 3. Outnet.com
1.Don’t try to get everything in one place 2.Know your measurements rather than your size 3.For color, focus on one or two color palettes per season Where to go… 1.Bodenusa.com (fun extras)
SHOES
Rules… 2.J.Crew (suit basics) 1. Leather….nothing else 3.Nordstrom & Zara (blazers, tops) 2. No stilettos….(wrong profession) 3. Pointy toe is always more versatile Where to go… 1. Shopbop/East Dane.com 2. Yoox.com 3. Anthropologie
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Are You Worth The Investment?
Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly.
It’s your masterpiece after all -Nathan Morris
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Take Action Without Saying A BAH Webinar Special Word $215 $20 I have a few copies on-hand today OR
Available today only for the first 30 at
“Ohhh I Needed That!” FREE! Just go here to signup and grab the free downloads too!
http://mkt.com/blueprint http://bit.ly/1HUXl1j http://amzn.to/1km -for-style/bah-webinarE5zI [capital “i”] [1-HUX-lower case “L”assess-focus 1-lower case “j”]
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BAH Webinar Package $215 Styling package includes: 1) 1.5 hr Closet Audit & Edit {conducted at your residence} 2) Style ID {an abbreviated Style Profile delivered electronically} 3) Choose ONE add-on solution {where to shop, top wardrobe game changers, or your professional wardrobe short list} •Available for first 30 only •Secured today either using "Special" or "Payment Plan #1" •Services will be completed by 12.20.15
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