G'town Law School presentation

Curating Your Closet for Corporate America THE INS-N-OUTS, TO-DO’S, THE HOW-TO’S AND MORE…

Quick Check Up Do you know Ever wonder Can you get Do you spend 2-3 what’s right what to minutes looking in your ready in less for a casual wear for a closet and then put on Do you ever work outing? than 10 Law Center the same 3 interview minutes and wonder what pieces regardless? still look like to wear to a Do you know program where “let’s get down professional what your alumni/ conference? to business”? “power Are you clear panelists outfit” looks on your are like? look/outfit Do you know present? for an what to wear Is “business casual” externship?

Are you 100% clear on for an for an internship the what’s appropriate for interview for same as business a dinner/reception for an casual for a job? a pre-summer internship? internship?

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The Studies Show…

A stain on your shirt says you’re messy (or you don’t care)

93% of how people judge you is based on non-verbal input

We are programmed to note the exception, not the rule

Women with frazzled hair are more likely to be perceived as disorganized

It takes almost 5x as long to “undo” a first impression!

When your shirt pulls and creates a gap (at the chest), people look

On average, you have 7-17 seconds before someone forms a “first impression” Page 3

Remember This

FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST (there are no mulligans!)

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The Art of Dressing Well

Black suits are “junior”

Little things count a lot!

Navy and grey suits are business standards

Nails: clear, nude or red

Platforms and bluchers mean unpolished

Camel always reads “high end”

A dress is the new power suit!

It’s not the price, it’s the fit that counts!

Two basic shoes required: black and cognac/brown Cardigan or blazer add instant finish Page 5

Baseline Casual

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Mainstream Casual

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Executive Casual

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Traditional Business

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Boardroom

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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 the message instead of the messenger

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We All Need Help In a Vanity Fair article, President Obama shares this, “I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.’ He mentioned research that shows the simple act of making decisions degrades one’s ability to make further decisions.

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Men’s Wardrobe Mishaps #1

Oversized Suit

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Men’s Wardrobe Mishaps #2

Cheap Printed Tie

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Men’s Wardrobe Mishaps #3

Right Suit, Wrong Belt Page 15

Men’s Wardrobe Mishaps #4

Sagging Suit Pants

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Women’s Wardrobe Mishaps #1 & #2

Skirt Too Short, Too Tight Page 17

Women’s Wardrobe Mishaps #3

Blouse Too Small

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Nine Tips to Nail 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….

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2.

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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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Workwear Wardrobe Basics Women

1.

Fabulous white button down

2.

Fitted “work” tees

3.

Black pencil skirt

4.

Black fitted blazer

5.

Dark-colored shift/sheath dress

6.

Navy/charcoal grey suit (skirt or pants)

7.

Print tops (2-3)

8.

Power pump

Women cont’d 9.

Everyday statement earrings & necklace

10. Curated casual flat (pointy toe) 11. Everyday comfy heel 12. Bottoms (4)

Men

1.

Navy or charcoal grey suit

2.

7 dress shirts (minimum)

3.

5 ties (minimum)

4.

2 pairs of shoes (darkcolored lace up, double monk strap)

5.

Overcoat

6.

Simple, understated watch (leather band)

7.

V-neck/shawl collar sweater

8.

Casual dress slacks

9.

Dark-colored leather belt

13. Structured tote 14. Satchel 15. Trench coat

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Where to Get What CLOTHING

ACCESSORIES

Rules…

Rules…

1. Statement pieces always better than quantity 2. Structured (vs. not) handbags 3. Watches with a leather band are the answer Where to go…

1. Zara (shoes , scarves) 2. 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.J.Crew (suit basics) 2.Brooks Brothers (suits) 3.Suit Supply (men’s suiting) 4.Nordstrom & Zara (blazers, tops)

SHOES Rules…

1. Leather….nothing else 2. No stilettos….(wrong profession) 3. Pointy toe is always more versatile Where to go…

1. Shopbop/East Dane.com 2. Yoox.com 3. Mr. Porter

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If You Didn’t Know…

More and more large companies are using the “interview lunch/meal” to weed out applicants. Those finishing skills count!

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Standard Place Setting

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Formal Place Setting

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Dining Etiquette Rules BEFORE THE MEAL 1. Shake hands with everyone at the table 2. Remember your host/hostess’ name

3. Remain standing until the host sits 4. Napkin on your lap after you are seated 5. Don’t ask for an explanation of menu items 6. Let the host take the lead in ordering 7. Avoid sloppy foods 8. Don’t order the most expensive items 9. Don’t order alcohol

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Dining Etiquette Rules DURING THE MEAL 1.

2.

3.

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5.

Start outside and work your way in Solids on your left, liquids on your right Cut your meat one piece at a time For holding utensils, choose American or Continental For dinner rolls, break and butter one piece at a time (no sandwiches) 6. Keep your elbows off the table 7. Don’t speak with your mouth full 8. Take your time eating – talk and socialize 9. Don’t lick your utensils or fingers 10. Don’t forego the meal – bad messaging 11. When eating soup, don’t slurp and ladle away from you Page 26

Dining Etiquette Rules AFTER THE MEAL 1. If you’re finished eating, please the fork prongs down and side by side with the handles at 4 o’clock 2. Place napkin on your plate (it goes on the table if you’re stepping away) 3. Don’t discuss the check or tip; the host will handle everything 4. Don’t use toothpicks

5. Make sure you say “thank you” to the host/hostess, and shake hands

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Styling Offer • 1.0 hour Closet Review • Personalized List of Top 3 Professional Wardrobe Must-Haves {with direct links to purchase} • 2 months of unlimited virtual support • The catch: available for the first 25 and must be secured by Wednesday, Feb, 3rd

$500 $350 http://bit.ly/GLSstyle Page 28

So You Walk Away With…

• $500 worth of services for $350 • 10% discount on future services (for the next 6 months) • An expert “gap analysis” of what’s missing in your professional wardrobe • Hassle-free item acquisition (using the direct links provided) • At-your-fingertips access to a professional wardrobe stylist who can provide answer one-off style conundrums

http://bit.ly/GLSstyle Page 29

Scenario #1 Time: Midday

Invite: via Email Specifics: it’s a reception in the Law Center for those interested in summer internships with a boutique New York law firm Goal: Summer internship

What do you wear? {An email invite, midday points to an informal reception along with no “true” program. Boutique law firm indicates slightly more formal} Answer: dressed up business casual

Navy blue sport coat, sport shirt, dress slacks, dressed up loafers || Dress slacks/pencil skirt, cardigan, silk shell, pointy toe flats Page 30

Scenario #2 Time: Friday afternoon Invite: personalized email Specifics: an established law firm requests a sit down to discuss possible opportunities after graduation Goal: Offer or a solid “we’re watching you”

What do you wear? {A personalized invite means you’re special!

Friday afternoon indicates a slightly less formal environment but the firm is “old school”} Answer: traditional business

Navy blue or grey suit, dress shirt + tie, lace ups || Navy blue or grey dress suit, silk shell, skin-tone hosiery, pointy toe heel – briefcase, portfolio Page 31

Scenario #3 Time: Wednesday - Friday Invite: you registered!

Specifics: a three-day professional conference with breakouts, panel discussions, sit down lunches, sponsored dinners, etc.

Goal: Make a positive impression + the ‘short list’

What do you wear? {Review the conference material but plan for dressed up dinners and talking shop with current industry stars and future colleagues} Answer: dressed up/executive business casual

Navy suit, sport shirts, tie, lace ups, dress slacks, sport coat || Navy suit, silk shells or print blouses, pointy toe flats, dress, heels – portfolio Page 32

Scenario #4 Time: throughout the day Invite: general email Specifics: an on-campus interview program where you’ll be making contact with several perspective employers Goal: Make a positive impression + ensure you can “blend in” with their work environment

What do you wear? {You have to balance the need for formality and business with adding personality & standing out} Answer: dressed up/executive business casual

Navy sport coat, dress shirt, lace ups || Pencil skirt, dress blazer, print blouses, heels – portfolio (no briefcase) Page 33

Scenario #5 Time: Midday Invite: personalized email Specifics: this is a group lunch followed by round robin interviews at the offices of a large law firm Goal: Ensure your “etiquette” is on point at lunch

What do you wear? {You want to make the best first impression possible that is aligned with the rest of the office culture and says you’re ready to go!} Answer: traditional business

Dark colored suit, dress shirt, red/purple/blue tie, lace ups || dark colored dress suit, blouse, hosiery, heels – briefcase Page 34

Survey

Big Favor…Please?!! http://bit.ly/GLSsurvey

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