• REWORKING YOUR LBD
• POWER OF STYLE

THE POWER OF STYLE

Often times we don’t realize what you wear can say everything without you saying anything at all. My mother always told me don’t dress for the job you have dress for the one you want. At first my at the time 20 something year old mind didn’t give 2 thoughts of what she meant. I continued to wear my simple business casual attire. I did just enough to get by without breaking the company dress code. I mean, my my work would speak for itself right? WRONG! Even though I was great at my job, I was continually passed over for advancement. I would scratch my head in confusion trying to figure what my missing piece was. So I decided to follow my mother’s advice and take my style to the next level. I was pressed and tucked, fitted and heeled and ready for achievement. To my amazement, it worked. My work was noticed and so was I. Doors opened, more opportunity came my way, my clothes now said, I was ready to lead. Don’t mistake what I’m saying, the clothes didn’t make me any better at my job, but they did strengthen my image and reaffirm my ambition and desire to succeed. In the work place you are one of many so the desire to stand out is understandable, but style has power so be careful of what your clothes say about you. Here are 3 fashion statements that can send the wrong message.

1. DISHEVELLED & UNTIDY

Being unkept says that your work is the same. Even if your work is not people will associate the way you look with the way you work. It doesn’t matter that it’s not true. Your work can be impeccable but let’s be honest who wants a wrinkled jumbled mess leading their company. The answer is NO ONE! Messy dress = Messy Work

2. Out of Date

Walking into a 2015 professional setting dressed like you just stepped out of 1989 JC Penny catalogue will quickly get you noticed, but for all the wrong reasons. Just because it worked back then doesn’t mean it works today. There is a difference between classic or vintage and just plain OLD! The power woman does learn from her past, but she doesn’t get stuck in it. Classic looks are brought current by adding modern accessories and items. Wearing out of date items says that you are inflexible and out of touch with modern ways and technology. These old clothes scream you may not be able to deal with the ever changing complexity of the business world and life in general. Out of Date = Out of touch with current times

3. Is This Appropriate

Appropriate attire is subjective and dependent on the culture of the company. If you work for a Fortune 500 company or large firm, power suits and pencil skirts may be in abundance in your closet. However, if you are in a creative industry you may have more room for quirky prints and hints of color. Either way just remember you are dressing for a business environment and not for a night out on the town. Dressing for Power and success is partly about understanding what is and is not acceptable. Push the envelop without taking it too far. Choose fitted skirts not skin tight ones and when it comes to tops, leave the plunging necklines for the night time. Inappropriate = Inexperience

Your style speaks, let’s make sure that it’s sending the right message.

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