How Style Affects Perception
As I stroll through the magazine racks at any given store I notice the number of women’s magazines with article headlines referencing how your clothing can help you land a job: “How to Look Like a Bombshell Businesswoman”, “What to Wear to Work This Week”, “How to Wear Prints Like a Pro”. While these might seem like frivolous selling techniques, another attempt at telling women how to fix themselves, the idea of taking your professional and personal style seriously does have merit.
When approached by coworkers about an assignment or idea, all of who are wearing different clothing pieces, which do you notice first? Is it the person in the thrown together outfit, the person in all neutrals, the polished, or the stylish with a touch of inappropriateness? The simplest answer would be that we notice people for different reasons based on their appearance and thus respond to them in accordance. If a coworker consistently dresses in clothes that don’t align with the work environment, i.e. short shorts in an office setting or in visibly ill-fitting garb, we tend to not take them seriously. However, the other perception to avoid as a stylist for yourself is not being the neutral person. I don’t mean that wearing all neutral colors is a rule breaker, but wearing all neutrals such as black without tailoring and no statement piece with faze you out in the group meeting. The only thing worse than being noticed for inappropriate dress is not being noticed at all! From one neutral lover to others, here are some basic rules to follow so as to have a noticeable style without discrediting yourself:
1. Add a statement necklace: These come in a variety of styles and colors, and can go with almost any outfit. It’s a great way to pull in the focus on your outfit without overloading on accessories.
2. Get it tailored: If you are not one to buy tailored style pants then going to see an actual tailor is a must. Getting you work clothes properly fitted for your body type will give you the confidence to take on work with vigor!
3. Observe: Are you looking for a promotion and know you have the intellect but aren’t feeling confident that you look the part? Observe what employees in those positions wear and don’t be afraid to ask where others shop! Style is not a privilege; it’s a right!
4. Strap on a pair, shoes are a deal breaker: A banging pair of shoes will always be a style game changer. Whether they're heels, flats, or boots- if they fit well, are a beautiful color and most importantly compliment you, your style is automatically elevated.
Tune in for more Work Life, Work Right posts coming soon!
*** Photo credit: http://www.shabbyapple.com/shop/new-arrivals/dot-skirt
When approached by coworkers about an assignment or idea, all of who are wearing different clothing pieces, which do you notice first? Is it the person in the thrown together outfit, the person in all neutrals, the polished, or the stylish with a touch of inappropriateness? The simplest answer would be that we notice people for different reasons based on their appearance and thus respond to them in accordance. If a coworker consistently dresses in clothes that don’t align with the work environment, i.e. short shorts in an office setting or in visibly ill-fitting garb, we tend to not take them seriously. However, the other perception to avoid as a stylist for yourself is not being the neutral person. I don’t mean that wearing all neutral colors is a rule breaker, but wearing all neutrals such as black without tailoring and no statement piece with faze you out in the group meeting. The only thing worse than being noticed for inappropriate dress is not being noticed at all! From one neutral lover to others, here are some basic rules to follow so as to have a noticeable style without discrediting yourself:
1. Add a statement necklace: These come in a variety of styles and colors, and can go with almost any outfit. It’s a great way to pull in the focus on your outfit without overloading on accessories.
2. Get it tailored: If you are not one to buy tailored style pants then going to see an actual tailor is a must. Getting you work clothes properly fitted for your body type will give you the confidence to take on work with vigor!
3. Observe: Are you looking for a promotion and know you have the intellect but aren’t feeling confident that you look the part? Observe what employees in those positions wear and don’t be afraid to ask where others shop! Style is not a privilege; it’s a right!
4. Strap on a pair, shoes are a deal breaker: A banging pair of shoes will always be a style game changer. Whether they're heels, flats, or boots- if they fit well, are a beautiful color and most importantly compliment you, your style is automatically elevated.
Tune in for more Work Life, Work Right posts coming soon!
*** Photo credit: http://www.shabbyapple.com/shop/new-arrivals/dot-skirt