| Dress for Success | | | Melinda Hart | 3/15/2013 |

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When one talks about the idea of dressing for success in the workplace they are talking about the fact that it is the first thing the interviewer will see. Being that the first impression will inform ones perceptions about their ability to perform a job. When an interviewer sees someone who is well dressed and who appears with confidence, the interviewer thinks positive thoughts toward them. If one is dressed sloppy and not professional it gives the image that they are not someone who takes time with their work and may even be sloppy.
What is the most appropriate dress for a job interview is a common question one will ask. What you wear advertises to the world the skills, competencies and qualities they can deliver. A professional appearance helps to convey a positive image, generating respect from others and improving personal impact. A basic gray, navy blue or black suit is widely acceptable outfits. If you are planning on using a skirt suit it should be knee length and straight but not tight fitting. If you do not have a suit then a simple dress with a jacket over it is acceptable. You should press your outfit and not have wrinkles. Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, your back, your chest, your feet, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business, even in a business casual setting. The accessories that you team up with your attire should be appropriate for a professional environment. So don't over accessorize with fancy earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. The more subtle you are, the better it would be. As far as wearing fragrances and perfumes are concerned, don't wear scents that are too strong! You don't want to upset the nose of everyone around you, right? You may find the fragrance nice, but others may not! So don't try to gain unnecessary attention.

Even on a daily basis in a business casual work environment, clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. All seams must be finished. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other employees is unacceptable. Clothing that has the company logo is encouraged. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing are generally acceptable.
Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, jeans and other more casual clothing, although never clothing potentially offensive to others, are allowed. Unfortunately in my position we are dressed in a uniform all day and do not have a casual Friday or any dress down days.in our company our policy is no visible tattoos and the piercing is that you are allowed one earring and it cannot be dangling. In some companies they allow all the piercings and tattoos to be visible. If this is the case then they should not be offensive or graphic in any manner. If a potential customer sees your tattoos then they are judging you and your credentials to perform your job. So in a summary how you look and your attitude will either get you the job or keep you unemployed. Look and act the part is critical in landing the perfect job for you. How others look at you will keep you in business and allow your client base to grow. I know that I go to the same sales people that I trusted the first time every time I return to that business.

Peter Lamas Fashion Magazine. (2007). Retrieved 03 12, 2013, from Peter Lamas: http://www.lamasbeauty.com/fashion/august00/what-to-wear.htm
The Sydney Morning Harold Executive Style. (2010, 10 13). Retrieved 03 12, 2013, from http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/management/blogs/management-line/body-of-work-do-piercings-and-tattoos-matter-in-the-office-20101009-16d8c.html
Buzzle. (2011, 09 20). Retrieved 03 11, 2013, from Dress for success in the workplace: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dressing-for-success-in-the-workplace.html
Heathfield, S. M. (n.d.). About.com Human resources. Retrieved 03 12, 2013, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm