The beauty of style in the workplace

How do you feel about beauty and style in the workplace?


What is your style?

As accomplished women emphasizing our intellectual abilities is always first on the list of priorities. We need to always be the true professional who is secure in our skills and abilities; this is how each of us got to where we are today, this will always be the key factor in where we go tomorrow and how we make our way in the career world. But let’s admit it how you dress matters. Yes, you heard me how you dress matters, how you wear your hair matters, the application of makeup or lack of it matters and how you present yourself matters.

After doing some research to get a feel for how other professionals feel about this topic. I came across a quote from David McKnight the founder of DAMstyle, an image consulting firm in New York. "Professional presentation is critical and we must be constantly aware of the unspoken messages and personal brand that we are communicating to our audience."

Mr. McKnight went on to say “the biggest fashion faux pas that professional women commit stems from not understanding how to dress for their body type. Imitating styles found in magazines or on celebrities is a risk. True professional style must be synchronized to your professional image goals and internal identity, rather than what you see on your favorite fashion blog. Once you define your image goals and embrace your unique identity, then it's time to curate a versatile wardrobe that is inclusive of items that communicate your desired messages to the world, appropriate for any situation or environment."
So how can women navigate the potential land mines of appearing attractive, polished and professional while still conveying a sense of competence and accomplishment?
Well we need create our own style that is professional, polished and stylish. We must keep our hair freshly cut and styled so we can can highlight our best professional features, our makeup needs to be kept to a minimum and looking fresh and above all else we must convey a sense of confidence. Don’t misunderstand my view on this. I just feel that we are women in the workplace and as such we need to be women looking professional not downplaying ourselves to fit into some mold others think we need to be in. That being said I never downplay myself what I do instead is dress in a style that is appropriate for each professional situation I’m about to enter. Frankly I bring my A game with me everywhere I go, that my friend is my best workplace style.
And remember the best accessory a woman can wear is her confidence.

Cheers,

Toni