Dressing to create the life you want

It has been said that "Dressing well is its own reward". If you feel good about yourself and are dressed for your life's activities you are better equipped to tackle any task. Each sport requires equipment and proper attire for its team members. In life each of our activities requires the same.

Dressing is an effective method of communication. By understanding ourselves our needs physically and emotionally we can build a wardrobe that helps us address the world and makes us comfortable. When watching hockey you don't have to ask who the goalie is, it is obvious by his dress regardless of where he is on the ice. In career dressing, regardless of how causal the setting, professional image is important.

What you wear visually defines and identifies you. When you are dressed right no one has to ask who is in charge here.

Years ago John Molloy tested the corporate world for women's image. The test placed a man and woman in a tailored workplace and each was dressed in a suit. When people approached them, each person was treated similarly. The man and woman removed their jackets. Guess who got asked to go for coffee? The assumption was that the man was the executive and the woman was there to assist. The test confirmed my belief that any women dressing for business should pay attention to their image. Men have always had a corporate uniform to fall back on, a jacket, pant, and shirt and tie. Women, on the other had have never had this structure. Plentiful fashion options offer many acceptable career statements that offer flexibility but also make it more complicated to pull a professional wardrobe together.

First your clothing must be appropriate for your setting. If in a new position, evaluate this when you visit your new work place. Look around and see what people are wearing especially your superiors. Is there a corporate dress code? From this you can determine your own path. Today the business world has encompassed a dress code that usually accepts pants for women and does not rigidly require a "suit" to be tailored. It does require a jacket. Even when corporate casual is the mode of dress you should think of it as a smartly casual look, neat, clean and with a professional attitude. Your clothes should always fit you, flatter you and feel comfortable. Regardless of what your position you will earn the respect of others by respecting yourself.

If you are just launching your career and need a new proper work wardrobe invest in the best quality clothing that you can afford. Good quality clothing lasts longer, fits well and hangs properly. A whole new wardrobe can be assembled with just 8 basic items. In fact, this will give you 24 changes. Think in capsules of colours that flatter you and co-ordinate. Create variety by mixing the items in your wardrobe. For example one basic pant, one short straight skirt, one long skirt, one fitted solid jacket to suit up your bottoms and one textured or colour mixed jacket for variety will do the job. Simply add the underpinnings. Try to create lines of colour by making your tops match or tone in to your bottoms. Toss a few accessories into this mix and you will have an interesting and effective career wardrobe. To stretch your wardrobe budget try to use four season fabrics for your tailored items. Then as you proceed through the season you can simply add tops in the weight that is appropriate and necessary, lighter for spring/summer and heavier for fall/winter.

Don't forget to pay attention to your shoes and bags. Shoes should be comfortable, clean and always in good repair. Nothing looks worse than scruffy shoes when you are well dressed. Pay attention to detail. Invest in a good hair cut. Learn how to apply a flattering day look with your make up. Manicure your finger nails. Lastly, remember if you feel good about yourself, it will show. Walk tall, pay attention to your posture and do your work feeling professional and comfortable. It will pay off.