Career Advice – What About the Way You Dress?

I’ve been thinking alot lately about professionalism in this new 21st century workplace….what it is now as opposed to what it was when I was growing up in the workforce as a now baby boomer.  In my day, it was a big deal and there was an understanding about its basics.  I think great career advice would be to at least consider this topic and how it translates into your career success.

Today, I’ve concluded it’s a much different story.  I have had the opportunity to travel all over North America conducting public seminars on a variety of professional development topics over the past 8 years.  In that time I have been a bit amazed at the casualness in which some attendees come. Now by casual it’s even more than business casual , it’s as if they were dressed for the gym…really…sweats, hair undone….you get the picture.

Please know my blogging on this today is not about judgement. For those who know me, if I bring something up, I will talk truth in the spirit of helping and that is what this post is about today.

So I’d like to pose/post the question, does what we wear to work matter? Does our appearance say something about us? This is what I was taught growing up that. You know…to the point where (and I’m not sure how many of your moms said this), “Don’t wear torn underwear in case you have to go to the hospital.”

Back to the question…now obviously the answer to this depends on the kind of work you do.  So let’s say this question may be more applicable for those who hold “office” or white collar jobs.  Although even in uniform I’ve seen a few look as if they just rolled out of bed.

So, does your appearance say something about you, particularly in terms of your capability and credibility?..the care in which you will do what’s asked..?

What prompted this thought?  An article I read today indicated that in this current competitive employment climate, folks in the office are kicking it up a notch in this area….at least in England.

Here’s a clip:

“Key findings revealed seven out of ten British workers turn to a smart black suit and a crisp white shirt when they need to “dress to impress” within the work and business environment.

Leading UK psychologist, Corrine Sweet, said: “Due to the economic climate, 2009 has been one of the toughest years in decades within the work and business environment. Rivalry amongst workers has never been so fierce, therefore in a bid to stand out amongst co-workers, British workers have opted for ‘power dressing’ by wearing black and white.”

Click here to read the entire article: http://www.recruitmenttoday.net/News/Story/?title=Workers%20follow%20%27gangster%20chic%27%20dress%20code%20to%20be%20seen%20as%20powerful%20leaders&storyid=854&type=news_features

So…would dressing differently, make a difference in any way in your work environment?…as a career strategy?…give you a “leg up?”

Personally, I think this is a valid consideration.  We as a society, (sad though it may be) are conditioned early on to read people based on their appearance.  And though we’ve collectively become more casual in a variety of contexts, I do believe this still holds true.

Give it some thought.

The remainder of the article suggests that “black and white” are the new power colors.  Hey, why not give it whirl! Tomorrow go into the office with your best black and white and see if there is a difference consciously or unconsciously in how you’re treated. Are your treated differently?  Do your colleagues take you more seriously?

I’d love to hear from you about your experiences.

Blogging for your success!

JoAnn