The question is where do I begin a successful career? What can I do? What variables do I have control over that will catapult my career into guaranteed success? There are a plethora of answers to these questions but this article answers one salient issue: Dressing. Perhaps superficial, yet in most ways completely pragmatic. The overly-implemented adage You can’t tell a book by its cover, has a viable place in the work environment, but is rarely considered, at least initially. Dressing for the job you want, not for the job you have, is where you begin. Heart of a Designer by Arlene Krieger is an excellent read for women striving to make it in the business world. The book follows two tenacious women who make it in the business world: perceptive; they developed a clothing line catering to women who were new or returning to the workforce. Designing the perfect collection season after season, the list of successful career woman streamed miles long.
We all start at the bottom, whether you own a business or work for a company. The goal is to rise up as quickly as possible and one way is through the way we dress, the way in which we present ourselves to the public. A façade of a well-groomed, well-dressed woman is perceived as a successful woman. It doesn’t matter if your job is the receptionist or one of the clerks in the file room simply by impeccable grooming and dressing you get noticed. Your job aspirations are to move up the company ladder and one way to do this is to appear as though you have already arrived. After forty years of working for companies and running my own, experience has taught me through the art of always dressing well success is sure to follow. You may feel sick, or have troubles at home, but your well-pressed pants and tailored jacket scream looking good. Our clothing doesn’t talk, it is consistent and inanimate, take advantage! That navy jacket will always appear stunning no matter what lies below the lining. Hiding behind great clothing is what men have been doing for centuries.
It is impossible to see ourselves as others see us, but if you aim for success in the business world you must be able to crawl into the mind of the beholders. How do you want others to see you? Although the job duties and pay are the same your appearance can transform you from a mere clerk to an assistant to the boss. Look successful and people will read you that way. Example: one average Thursday morning John, a recently hired clerk in an insurance company, was wearing a tie and jacket, while Susan, who held the same position, was wearing sandals, a black tee-shirt and pants. When the out-of-state manager walked into the office, her eyes were centered on John and how well he had performed his tasks. Slighted, Susan was miffed, since she had just earned her master’s degree in business, and her work and qualifications far out-ranked her competition. Never take for granted your appearance! Every day, dress and groom as if your career depended upon it. Yes, and don’t forget casual Friday; that is a pathetic joke. The biggest opportunity of your life could walk through the door and you hardly want to appear as if you just rolled out of bed. Each day in the business world counts and your appearance should share that value.
Women have one advantage over men: a bagful of tricks called make-up. Along with our clothing, which can always look perfect, make-up has the ability to camouflage a hang-over, a sleepless night, or illness. Applying just the right shade of lipstick can brighten up a face that is rampaged with sickness or lack of sleep. As the long work day lingers on and coworkers appear haggard and listless drink a couple gulps of caffeine, apply a bit of lipstick, and your face is alight with freshness.
Where to begin: Set upon a career path look at those men and women who have risen to the top. Look at the company you work for but also their competition. How do they appear? Most assuredly they are not dressed in jeans and sneakers. Take your life and career goals seriously by your appearance and others will clearly read those signs. Learn to be altruistic by stepping into the minds of others who can assist you up the career ladder. If every day you appear at your job on time, well-dressed and groomed, your boss will learn that you are an employee she can count on; consistency is paramount. Not matter what, your boss is cognizant you respect yourself and your work. That boss of yours can hold up your performance as exemplary; you are a reliable source to the success not only of your boss, but the company.
It’s not that you need a huge wardrobe it’s just the right pieces that can hang in your work wardrobe for many years. Investing in specific garments will bode well on your rise to the top. Work is serious and your work clothing should reflect those same intentions. Commence with black: a jacket, simply cut and well-tailored, a slim pencil skirt, and a straight legged black pant. When you think you have the right components take your worst critic (or friend) and get a second opinion. (Never rely on the sales staff). Since none of us has a perfect shape, illicit honesty from your companion and make sure your best assets are highlighted and your flaws are down-played. Luckily we women are privy to endless ranges in sizes and styles, use that to your advantage. Once those three pieces are ensconced in your closet, add the layering piece. We all know that men only wear shirts, and yea, maybe you can purchase a couple of those, but most of us have breasts, which pull at those pesky buttons, losing clean lines. Instead, look for tops that have some stretch, a bit of give and take as we move about our daily tasks. Who wants to constantly tuck in a starched shirt (not me). A layered piece that lies close to the body will give you a sleek line. When you are lucky enough to find this piece, purchase it in a couple of colors, or better yet the same color so you always look fresh.
Now that you have the basic ensemble it’s time to accessorize. Commencing with two black shoes, one pump and one flatter shoe (to be worn with pants), make sure you are somewhat comfortable. Did you ever hear a man complain his feet hurt? Remember that when purchasing those all important work shoes. No doubt a pair of black patent stilettos will give you height, slim your silhouette and give you a classy edge but make sure they can withstand a typical day at the office. There is a way around this dilemma; always keep an extra pair of shoes at your desk. As for jewelry, keep it simple, less is more. A pair of diamond studs (they do NOT have to be real) is all any of us need to complement the clothing. As a rule of thumb, only wear jewelry that looks like the real thing (even if it isn’t). Large chunky jewelry is not the genuine article, but you are, so make sure everything about you is genuine.
Investing in yourself is how to get ahead in the world of business. It’s not your stellar grades, or your cavalcade of degrees people see, it is you, your face, your clothing. If that is not in order, many can’t see pass that. The wrapping is just as important as the gift inside and although this is as superficial as it gets, this is in fact the real world. Show respect for yourself and the world will follow.
About Arlene Krieger
Arlene Krieger is the author of numerous books. Her latest “Privileged Attorneys: Las Vegas Style” (www.arlenesbooks.com), proves that lawyers can be funny. Krieger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Baltimore. She now works as a paralegal and accountant. She is also the author of seven published books, including “Little Anthony: My Journey, My Destiny,” which was featured recently on ABC’s “The View.” Little Anthony himself was spotlighted.