CAREER & MONEY
BE A STAR AT WORK
Call it “dress for success” or “dress for the job you want,”
it’s more than just an adage for women.
Style and image have played - and continue to play - a crucial role in
the career strategies and trajectories of many high-powered execs.
Let’s face it, how you look says a lot about you — whether you’re
organized, lazy, fashion-forward, creative or serious.
Jacqueline Whitmore, an internationally-recognized etiquette expert,
author of “Poised for Success: Mastering The Four Qualities That
Distinguish Outstanding Professionals,” and founder of The Protocol
School of Palm Beach, says what a woman wears to work really
does matter.
“You may think that focusing on appearance as part of your career
strategy sounds superficial - that we should be judged for our
intelligence and experience, not our style,” Jacqueline said. “But will
someone really want to listen to you if you look dull, boring, meek
and frumpy? Sure, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but sadly,
that’s not how the workforce works.”
Jacqueline’s tips
Invest in a few good suits
When you put on a suit, you
assume the role that comes with it.
You will find that you walk a little
taller and have more confidence.
When you wear a suit you give
the impression that you’re serious
about the business at hand.
Buy quality, not quantity
Purchase good quality “global”
clothing, especially for business
travel. Select lightweight,
breathable fabrics that do not
wrinkle easily and can be worn in
multiple climates. It will be more
cost efficient in the long run if you
purchase suits made from fabrics
such as wool or a wool-blend
that can be successfully worn
to a meeting in San Francisco
and still look appropriate in New
York, London or Singapore. Colors
such as black, navy and taupe are
professional, travel well, and don’t
look seasonal. Showcase your
personality while adding a pop of
color wit