How to dress for success

First, it has to do with being comfortable with who you are, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Then, understanding and dressing appropriately for the environment in which you want to succeed. Finally, selecting the styles, shapes, textures and colours that reflect you at your best.

I coached a very bright, capable, and committed woman who was employed as an engineer in a major chemical company. The majority of employees were male and she struggled to understand why she wasn't being promoted and taken more seriously by her colleagues and boss.  While her boho look suited her well when going out with friends, in the office her long skirts and dangly earrings were out of place, making her look younger than her years and unprofessional in her dress. Once she understood the expectations of the organization and how it wanted to be represented, she adapted her clothing to suit the environment. Her career flourished and she is now a VP of the company.

Q. How important is personal presentation? 

Vital. Your outward appearance is one of your hallmarks. For better or worse people will judge you by the way you look, sound and behave. 

Q. How can dressing appropriately and your body language help your career, and are there any key rules to follow?   

The way you dress and manner in which you move makes a huge impact. These behaviours are external reflections of who you are, the values you hold and the respect you demonstrate toward others. If you dress appropriately for your organization, you will be perceived as understanding the culture and respecting the unstated rules. Dress for the job you want to have and tone down your body language. Represent your boss the way s/he wants to be seen. Be the solution, not the problem.
In the late 1980's film 'Working Girl', you see the character played by Melanie Griffiths transform herself from an over-dressed and accessorized member of the secretarial pool to a high-flying, sleek major player in the organization.

As for body language, in the working environment, less is best.  Remember, you'll never see the CEO running down the hall. Keep funny facial expressions to a minimum in the conference room, and avoid fidgeting. When you move, move with purpose. 

Q. With Christmas party season approaching - how do you think people should behave around their colleagues and employer in a social situation?  

A warm, genuine, sincere smile is always appreciated. Inappropriate fondling, petting, and preening is taboo. With your bosses you want to be perceived as the person they want to have working for them. You are a reflection of your boss and the company you both work for. 

Keep alcohol and all mind altering drugs to a minimum. While you may think that the tranquillizer you took before the party will calm your nerves, mixed with a glass or two of bubbly, it may take you over the edge and lead to some unfortunate choices and inappropriate behaviour. 

Q. If you have to go to a Christmas party where you are not familiar with many people, how can you dress to show you are confident and what body language traits should you employ?

Again, pick colours, shapes, styles and textures that suit you and in which you feel comfortable. If you're comfortable, you're more likely to feel confident. Even if you're not totally comfortable, if you act ‘as if' you were, you'll begin to feel comfortable and others will be drawn to you. People like being around comfortable, confident people.  Regarding your body language, keep it calm and open. Crossed arms, a lowered head, and a frowning face will push others away. Open gestures, a firm handshake, strong eye contact, and a ready smile are engaging. 

Q. With many people having to reapply for jobs at the moment, what are the key ways to exude confidence and convince someone that you are right for a job in an interview situation? 

Take yourself back to a time when you did feel confident. What were you like then? How did you look? What kinds of gestures did you use?  How did you dress?  What did your voice sound like? How did you feel?  Recreate those sensations by behaving ‘as if' you were confident.  

By demonstrating confidence and well being others will find you appealing, engaging, and interesting. The more positively people respond to you, the better you feel about yourself. If you struggle with this approach, pretend you're your best friend/greatest advocate. What would that person/those people be saying about you? The more positive messages you can give yourself, the more confident, credible, and compelling you'll become.

Q. Many women lose confidence in themselves and their identity as they get older, how would you recommend they tackle this?   

Every age has its grace. Embrace yourself for who you are and what you've achieved. Experience and the wisdom that comes with it can be beauty enhancers, when viewed positively. Stay active, keep fit, eat well, dress appropriately, and greet each day with a ‘can do' attitude. 

My great aunt, after whom my daughter is named, died suddenly, aged 96. Shortly before her death, one of my male friends described her as the sexiest woman he had ever met.  When I asked him what he was basing his judgment on, he responded, "Her energy!"  Positive energy is a powerful force.

Q. What is your fashion mntra?  

I am love. I am joy. I am beauty.

Q. What should every woman own in her wardrobe?    

A fabulous handbag, a hot pair of shoes, a perfectly fitted bra.

Q. How can you leave the house feeling confident every day?

Look in the mirror, repeat my mantra, and leave the house smiling.