OCT-DEC 2006
 
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Do I need to leave my personal style behind as I dress for work?
What clothes will make me look professional and competent? 
Which fashions will have an adverse effect on my career?
As I began to choose my new wardrobe, my mind was flooded with these questions and doubts. I wanted to look my best but not at the cost of losing respect and being labelled ‘Ms. Sloppy’ or ‘too casual’ or a ‘cool babe’.  Recently, I read the results of a survey by America’s Association Of Image Consultants International, which stated that the first impression is crucial for a successful career.  What you say, how you say it and how you look were the three things attributed to creating the right first impression. Interestingly, the last component counts for 44% of that first impression!

So I did some careful thinking on how to blend my personal style, fashion and my workplace to give myself a polished appearance. For the right look, one should focus on colour, fabric, style, make-up, hair and accessories, and harmonize them to speak volumes on one’s professionalism.


Colour
“Look at that cool sea-green dress!” Yes, one is attracted to clothing because of its colour. And colour indeed plays a big role in your professional image. For example, red is associated with courage, and yellow with spontaneity and communication. Blue represents perceptivity and a practical approach to life, while grey signifies being conservative. So you may want to think twice about the message you want to convey through colour on any particular day. Loud colours such as hot pink and wild prints are riskier in the office; however, there are many creative types who are able to pull them off well. London-based young designer Avni Patel-Amram, who specializes in Indo-Western style for contemporary women suggests, “Wear the colour that highlights your strengths rather than the one that drowns your personality in it.”



Fabric
It is advisable to wear clothes that allow the skin to breathe. So choose natural fabrics over man-made ones. You can even take the middle path and look for fabrics that are good blends of both.  However, physical comfort is the key factor to be kept in mind in decision-making.

Style
When we are talking about tailored work clothes, fit is essential. You neither want to wear a garment that is too big for you and all that is seen on you is the fabric, nor do you want to wear something that is too tight. For example, skirts, especially straight styles, should be loose enough for you to sit comfortably. Blouses shouldn’t have a gap between buttonholes.

Avni advises, “Choose a style that is in proportion to your body type and you will not only look elegant and professional, but the style will also reflect your personal charisma.” If one is at a loss as to what styles reveal your inner beauty, the real ‘me’, then one can always experiment or take the advice of an image consultant. No matter what you wear, whether Indian, Western or Indo-Western, allow your unique personality to shine through your attire.

Make-up and Hair
A polished image is in the details: manicured nails, neat hair and well done make-up. Nothing puts one off more than loud make-up. At work you want to send out the right message, so stick to basic make-up and use just a little foundation (the right shade for your skin), mascara, eyeliner or kohl, blush and

      

lipstick.Ensure that your hairstyle is convenient for the kind of job you do. If you work at a computer or at a desk, you do not want your hair falling in your eyes all the time. You could secure it with a clip or in a ponytail. If you have long hair, you can be more creative and try different styles. Also ask your stylist for the most convenient and hassle-free hairstyle.

Well-manicured nails are essential not just for a well-groomed look, but also for hygiene, so do keep them clean.

Accessories
With so many accessories in the market to tempt you, do not go overboard while shopping for them. Jewellery that jangles (chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles) is quite distracting. So opt for studs or single bracelets. Comfort and practicality are two key qualities that are needed when shopping for shoes and bags. The basic rule for shoes and handbags is that they should be of the same colour or darker than your outfit. However, neutral colours are best, unless one wants to have a mini store at home. For handbags, choose structured styles that project an organized image.
So as you dress for work, don’t leave your personal style behind. Dress appropriately and let your unique personality gleam through your elegant and professional attire.

 
 
 
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