The Importance of Personal Appearance in a Professional World Today

How many of you know people who have climbed the corporate ladder and do not look the part?  Very few have been successful without having a professional image to go with it.

Dressing the Part

No matter how wonderful you are, you still must get the attention of the people who matter.  Dressing the part is one way to get an edge above the crowd.  Gone are the days when Powerful People Dress Powerfully.  Really? Have you watched a movie lately? Films do involve a certain amount of peer pressure.  The movie industry is aware that it must stay current to be believable.  Guess what? We are seeing men with shirts and ties and even a suit now and then on the screen in corporate settings.  Women have professional hair styles, dressed in business suits, blouses and pants.  What has happened? People are aware of how poorly people dress at work.  Can we all stand up and shout, "Dress down Fridays do not work!"  We have all seen this; it is like casual dress has gone wild!

Employers have had all they can stand and are speaking out against wrinkled shirts and torn jeans in a business setting. 

Banks were the first to scream "STOP", and then came insurance agencies, legal firms, and hospitals to name a few.

Guidelines exist for a reason.  They help everyone conform to certain standards so the whole process goes smoother.  Follow the leader and you will succeed.  Don't follow the guidelines and you will limit yourself. 

Most likely employers are not asking employes to conform to a rigid dress code.  They are, however, asking that they look the part of the company that employs them. 

When a candidate enters the room, he or she will make the most important step of their career, the arresting first impression.  They will make it or lose it right here.  If they look the part and knock over the coffee, they can be forgiven.  Dressing poorly and knocking over the coffee may just seal their fate right there and then. 

The old saying "Everything old is new again" is so right in personal appearance.  Not that we are seeing the three piece suit as yet, but we are definitely headed back to ironed clothing and a professional appearance. 

Remember when someone said, "If you do not care about your appearance, you will not care about my business?"  I was recently asked to come in and give mock interviews for a graduating class.  The students thought these were real interviews and  were given a two-week notice to get ready for them.  "Discouraged" was my first thought; "shocked" may be have been a better description of my feelings at that moment.  Wrinkled clothing was worn by almost 100% of the people at the interview.   Add to that -  ill-groomed and unkempt hair.  Flip flops were the norm.  One girl had two piercing rings at both corners of her mouth. 

Before the candidates came into view, I had a few minutes to look ove rtheir resumes.  I could see the effort that was put into these remarkable applications.  What happened/ When did they assume that attention to their dress was optional? How far have we allowed students to fail in the importance of personal appearance? One has to remember that they have grown to expect "Dress Down Friday" as a norm for an office setting.

People that Matter Are Watching

It is time consuming and takes more attention to dress appropriately, but the people that matter are watching.  People may bet their careers on this fact.  When they accept the guidelines, they can expect a positive energy flow.  They know they look professional and it shows in their actions.  No one gets ahead by deliberately going against the office guidelines in clothing.  Those who say "I'll do it MY way" are usually the first to be ushered out the doors. 

Most corporate offices have a personnel department that enforces the conditions set by the Human Services department. Never has that been more appreciated than it is today.  In a professional world, if you prefer casual dress, then expect casual pay. 

Style for Fashion 2012

Color of the year for 2012 is an intense orange-pink, Pantone calls "Tangerine Tango" 

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You Can Afford An Image Consultant!

People often tell me they know someone who would love to secure image management services but they probably can't afford these services!  At Regina Gershman Image Consulting Agency, we offer image management services and packages that are customized to the needs and budget of each client.  Our goal is to work within your budget to help you achieve your image goals in a way that makes the best use of your resources. 

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your many image options! 

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What We Offer

Appearance (Dress & Wardrobe) - An assessment is done to select your best personal colors and styles for your wardrobe. 

Behaviour related topics include etiquette, manners, protocol, wellness, nutrition, fitness, attitude and life coaching.

Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal) - related topics include body language, tonality, presentation, job interview techniques and interpersonal communication

Business, Social, Dating and Dining Etiquette focus on related topics including conducting yourself with charm, dignity and confidence in business and social surroundings.  These are soft skills that can set you apart and above the competition.

Fashion Assessment - In this fun session, your personality and goals are combined to create the desired outcome best suited for you.   

Personal Shopping experience - For those who hate shopping.  An image consultant will do shopping on their behalf.  You and Regina can schedule a fun session to update your wardrobe so that you are ready to achieve your goals.  Be it for business advancement or preparing for a dating wardrobe.  These shopping experiences are fun and empowering.  Budget is established ahead of time, and Regina pre-shops to get the most from your time together. 

Closet Audits - Focus on preparation of a shopping list of needed wardrobe items.