Making yourself memorable in
today's crowded marketplace is one of the essential goals of any
executive. Whether you are seeking to inject dynamism into your job
search, or are part of a re-energizing commercial or non-profit
entity, I'd like to suggest you raise the bar on your physical
appearance--at least in settings related to your professional
identity.
I don't mean you should go out and buy a blazer that is
color-matched to a corporate logo. Of course, if your organization
has made such an investment, management can consider appropriate
ways for team members to personalize their appearance. Today, I am
suggesting that you examine how your personal choices in clothing
and accessories can help distinguish you from the other
professionals in a room--who may be "taking center stage" before or
after you.
Exploring established corporate colors, or choosing a distinct
personal color palette, may be a simple foundation on which to
structure your professional "look." For this website, and other
promotional venues for Imaginings, I have focused on shades of blue
and gold, with accents of deep burgundy. That doesn't mean these are
the only colors I wear for business, but I will usually incorporate
a couple of them when dressing for a business meeting. With
variations in perceptions of color [see
Plays On Color]and the
effect of layering fabrics and other materials, I try to use some
gradient colors to enhance blending.
Today most designers veer away from "matchy-match" elements.
However, harmonizing separate components produces a synchronicity
that promotes overall impact. For instance, in the ebony and amber
jewelry shown below, there is a balance within the shades and tones
of brown. Further, despite the hardness of sterling silver, the
detailed wood carving and warmth of the amber offer a sense of
harmony with nature. This is not to say such a piece can only be
worn with a peasant skirt and sandals. Combined with straight,
modern lines in your suit, shoes, handbag and briefcase, this
jewelry would soften and personalize an otherwise typical
Twenty-First Century business look.
While women have a broader array of choices in apparel than men in
most professional fields, there are several ways in which a man can
distinguish himself in appearance. Before investing in upgrading
your wardrobe, it might be useful to buy a men's magazine to see
what styles, textures and colors are being promoted. Even if you
decline to embrace every element, you can demonstrate your
interpretation of modernity--beginning with a moderately fashionable
haircut. While wild prints are not appropriate for most professional
positions, a thin diagonal stripe on a tie with a light colored
shirt, or a patterned tie on a plain colored shirt can provide a
expression of coordinated color--especially if the choices enhance
your eyes and/or skin tone.
Man or woman, wearing some form of a corporate logo will gladden the
heart of most bosses, and it proclaims your company affiliation at
professional events. To catch the eye of specific categories of
people, consider incorporating recognizable insignia into your
wardrobe--such as a class ring, pin or tietac from a distinguished
society, fraternal organization or notable school. Sometimes a local
accent is useful in establishing your connection to the community.
Here in the American Southwest, both men and women enjoy wearing
Native American jewelry, and often decorate their work areas with
other arts of the region.
Finally, there is the issue of suitability. If your company is
having a picnic, it would not be appropriate to show up in a
suit--especially if you are currently working in the shipping
department. Like most of the issues we have explored, launch your
self-renewal by:
~
Beginning with the end in your
mind's eye--What do you want to project through your
appearance?
~
Doing your homework--What
style elements reflect your industry? How can you personalize them
to reflect your personal style?
~
Evaluating what you already own
before purchasing new items, especially if you are making a shift in
your career. Lay out potential combinations of clothing and
accessories on a plain background. If there are gaps in your
wardrobe, consider whether two new shirts, some accessories, or trip
to a seamstress will generate enough outfits for upcoming interviews
and the first days of employment.
You may be surprised by what you will find as you look through your
closets and drawers. The following jewelry designs are samples of my
personalized statements of style. Although I'm not selling jewelry,
wearing one of my own designs is often a conversational opening and
it affords me the opportunity to demonstrate the design aesthetic I
bring to a client's project. I'll let you guess which one is the
logical choice for me to wear when broadcasting my corporate brand,
vs. representing the Southwest or promoting a story about Hawai`i...
