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Email ThisFor some reason, it’s automatically assumed that when you get to college, you have to leave your jeans and dress shirts in your drawers until Friday night. At first this was great. I could wear sweatpants all the time, I could go to class in a hooded sweatshirt, and I never had to worry if my hair was combed or my face was shaved. Now that I’m about to graduate, I can’t stand the stereotypical college “uniform.” As a matter of fact, lately I have a new found respect for the unique individuals that have an unconventional style. At least they are dressing as who they want to be, and putting some effort into it.
I also realized that the way I dress has a direct impact on how I feel about myself. When I put on a decent outfit I automatically walk a little taller, I get more involved in class discussions, and my overall productivity increases.
You never know who you are going to run into, so here are a few examples of how guys can casually dress up to make the best impression at all times.
Dress pants and designer jeans
Yes, it’s true, they are more expensive. But if you shop correctly, and do your research, you can limit yourself to two pairs of jeans, and three pairs of slacks. Also, look to outlet malls. I bought a $215 pair of jeans at Barney’s outlet store for $30. A little lucky maybe, but because I shopped around and didn’t irrationally purchase jeans for full retail at Nordstrom’s I found a great deal.
Blazer
I love it. Go for it if you have the chance, but keep your surroundings in mind. For example, if you are going to a college bar overrun with “townies” looking for a fight, take the blazer off. Also, keep in mind that there are many types of blazers. I own everything from light colored corduroy, to black pinstriped. The occasion determines which I wear.
Last week I had a meeting with a large newspaper publication here that wanted to partner with my company. I wore a dress down blazer, nice t-shirt, and nice, unwrinkled jeans. I went into the meeting with confidence, and came out successful. I can’t give all of the credit to the outfit, but I really think it helped.
Presentation outfit
You will no doubt find yourself in many situations where you need to make a presentation. I’ve given presentations in everything from Linguistics to Biology to Marketing, and I’ve given a handful of guest speeches to entrepreneurship classes. One thing I’ve kept constant is my appearance. Whether I was required to or not, I always dressed up. Knowing that I look good gives me the confidence to get in front of groups of any size, and present with self-assurance.
Next time you attend a large class, or go watch a speaker, keep an eye on the audience. You can tell that when someone is dressed nicely, whether they’re an 18 year old kid or a 50 year old CEO, the spectators always give them more attention, and they usually become more involved in the presentation.
Don’t limit yourself to special occasions. Keep your appearance up at all times.
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That works if dressy clothes are what makes you feel good about yourself. I, on the other hand, feel uncomfortable in dress clothes. I spend too much time thinking about what I’m wearing. My mood is always improved on days that I can wear jeans and a t-shirt. A happy employee is a productive employee.
Casual dress = casual results
Rachel makes a great point–it’s not what you wear as much as how what you wear makes you feel. And those feelings you’re creating with your time spent making yourself look great are what will drive your performance.
this is a discussion that I have found myself having with several leaders, and I question I have been asked at three conferences. WHat is going to happen to “dressing up” in the workplace at Gen Y enters. Some people say it will go to jeans and t-shirts some say that nothing will happen. Then I am told stories of the days when teachers always wore ties and woman were expected to wear dresses. I am not sure where clothing trends are headed - usually I just say - Proper clothes for the proper client or audience.
I work in the team building and traing environment and several faciliators I work with have a tuff time putting on collared shirts and clean pants, shaving off the scruff for coroporate clients. For gen Y to be taken seriously by peers and by Boomers dress the part and like to said add your personal style.
I think the key is to dress well, but never loudly. You don’t want people to notice specifically what you’re wearing, rather that you look well dressed and professional (assuming that’s the message you’re trying to send.)
If the clothes are the first thing someone notices, you’ve got a problem with your image.
“Dress for success” is great and often overlooked advice.
As a college student, I set up many informational interviews with college administrators because I wanted to go into the field of student services.
I’ll never forget how well I was treated when I walked into the Admissions office of my university in full professional attire to try to arrange a meeting. The gatekeeper stopped what she was doing, made the appointment, and asked for my business card! (This was in the stone ages, when college students didn’t carry business cards!) I remember thinking, “Wow, she thinks I’m somebody important because I’m dressed up.” Had I been just another U of M undergrad in jeans and a sweater, I’m not sure that I would have gotten her attention or the exact appointment I sought.
It was a good life lesson that I now use to advise clients I coach for career success!
Miriam Salpeter
Keppie Careers
http://www.keppiecareers.com
There also other ways to get on your A-game without moving too far out of your dress comfort zone. I dont wear expensive jeans or shirts, yet I always pull my outfits together by:
a. having them fit me properly
b. having one or two pieces that make an outfit pop like nice shoes, nice bag, or a nice sweater
c. I rarely wear tshirts. I know this may be hard for some, but I find that t-shirts, no matter how nice they are , never look professional. I always opt for thin sweaters that I layer.
d. I smile and look at people in the eye. I’ve noticed that people also take me seriously when I am pleasant and direct. Your face is just as much a part of your wardrobe as your clothing.