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 DRESS
FOR THE OCCASION:
YOUR ATTIRE - YOUR IMAGE
By Fannie L. Allen
Your attire can affect the image that you intend to portray.
I remember reading an article that said, in effect, five
seconds after you walk into a room someone has an opinion
of you. If you are in the market for a new job or you are
being considered for a promotion, those are very valuable
seconds. Dressing professionally can affect your image and
very possibly give you a competitive advantage.
We are living in a very competitive society. When we dress,
we are expressing ourselves. If we feel good inside it should
show on the outside. One can dress professionally without
compromising ones personal style. Do you remember the old
adage, "dress to the position you aspire to?"
I am impressed by a comment attributed to Mr. Ed Bradley
of CBS 60 Minutes, in the book, Men of Color by Mr. Lloyd
Boston. Mr. Bradley said that, "… he dresses to
the occasion." We must be conscious of our environment
or the event we are attending when selecting our attire
for the day or evening. It is a show of respect.
Based on the industry in which you are working your attire,
aside from the incredible technical knowledge you possess,
could be one of the deciding factors when you are being
considered for a job or another opportunity. Although styles
are constantly changing, the fashion in business - on Wall
Street and in law, for example - remains the same. The power
colors for men and women are navy blue, black, and gray.
As I look at news magazines or business magazines (Black
Enterprise, September 2003, Fortune - August 2002 - - The
50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America, for example)
the men and women, for the most part, are in business attire.
There are those who would say that the business suit is
a uniform. I consider it a standard that has been set in
an industry. Those who are leaders and want to be perceived
as leaders dress the part -- they dress for the occasion.
In the words of Lieutenant General Albert Edmonds, USAF
(Retired): "If you want to be a leader and be in charge,
you have to look like one, act like one and speak like one."
General Edmonds has followed this dictum in the uniform
he proudly wore in the U.S. Air Force and the business suit
he wears as President of Government Solutions with EDS Corporation.
If you are interviewing for a new position the first order
of business, particularly if you are not sure how to dress,
is to go conservative. Most certainly, the business suit
will get you in the door for that five-second test. (This
principle may not be applicable in the arts).
Over the last several years, "Dress Down Friday"
or "casual dress for the week", has become increasingly
popular. The relaxed dress code regrettably, in my opinion
and in the opinion of others, has possibly been taken too
far. Many individuals seem less conscious of their image
in the workplace. Some employees come into the workplace
dressed more for a Saturday outdoor gathering or an evening
event rather than for work. Business casual does not mean
jeans, tennis shoes, halter-tops, and baseball caps. Some
businesses are considering eliminating the casual dress
code because employees have been extremely lax or negligent
with their apparel.
No matter where you go someone will see you. How do you
want to be perceived? There is still a place for a coat
and tie for the gentleman and for hose and shoes with closed
in heel and toe for the lady. Impress your employer or your
employees and those around you with your knowledge and your
presence! Dress for success and improve the image that you
portray.
Fannie L. Allen
is Director of the Allen Etiquette Institute, 2009 North 14th Street, Suite 706,
Arlington, Virginia 22201. Her telephone number is: 703-566-3270. She lectures
throughout the country on Etiquette and Protocol.
Ms. Allen welcomes
etiquette questions and comments. While she cannot respond to each and every one,
your question and a response may appear on this web site: www.blacksocietypages.com.
You may E-mail Ms. Allen at: faassoc@erols.com
or visit her web site: www.allenetiquette.com.
Copyright ©2003 Allen Etiquette Institute
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