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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
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.
