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Summer is here and many offices tone down their dress code in the warmer weather. Looking professional is still required, however, so as a reminder here are five of the more important business casual mistakes:
1. Assuming that Casual Dress Equals Permission to be Sloppy.
The most common complaints I hear from HR professionals and office managers are
a. wearing flip-flops to the office and b. sloppiness. Sloppiness can take the form of a lack of grooming which translates into a lack of respect for those around you or a more specific problem such as wrinkled clothing, ill-fitting garments or scuffed and dirty shoes. Grooming issues are related to the actual body and can be touchy to address. They include poor personal hygiene and a generally messy appearance. Sloppiness is more an issue of common sense and is easier to correct. You won’t usually find either topic written into the office dress code.
2. Wearing Weekend Clothing to the Office.
It is assumed that a business casual dress code is a perk since it means less of an investment in expensive suits, shirts and ties. The problem is that although business casual clothing may be less expensive, it is trendier so you tend to shop more often plus you need more pieces resulting in a similar final outlay. The worst thing you can do is wear your weekend, social or going-out clothing to work. It will be too clingy, too sporty, or too flashy for the office.
3. Dressing down to the lowest acceptable level rather than up to the place you want to be promoted to.
It may involve some effort but taking a cue from the more successful people in your office will lead others to believe you are one of them. Just because jeans, sandals or golf shirts are acceptable doesn’t mean they need to be part of your daily wardrobe. You can develop your own style and still be in the upper echelons for office dress.
4. Not checking yourself back and front in a full-length mirror before leaving for work.
We are often running late but a final check in a full-length mirror can save a lot of embarrassment later. Pay careful attention to zippers, lapels, collars and belts.
5. Assuming Your Personality will Shine through Regardless of Your Dress.
Maybe in a perfect world this is true, but in the here and now first impressions matter.
Your appearance is the visual signal that you send to the world about who you are, how you think of yourself and how you think of others. Your appearance alone will not make you successful, but neither should it hinder your efforts.
Sharon Kornstein is founder of ImageDesign LLC, an image consulting and personal shopping company based in Livingston. Sharon is able to help her clients reach their full potential by insuring that their image is consistent with their goals. She is also available for keynote talks and corporate programs and can be reached at 973-740-8767 or www.imagedesignconsulting.com.
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