Corporate Style

Mon Apr 21st 2008

The significance of style

First impressions are paramount in today's society. It has been shown in a US study that within the first 7 seconds of meeting someone almost 60% of the impression is made by what you are wearing, followed by the tone of your voice and language and then by what you're actually saying. Yes we are constantly judged by society in both business and social environments.

Meeting the dressing prerequisites in a business situation is not always about you - it's also about positively representing the company you work for. All businesses have a corporate culture that needs be taken seriously, and this extends to the presentation of their employees. A survey shows that employees with high levels of personal presentation are cost effective and create pride in the company while increasing the company's credibility.

The key to success is getting ready

The saying "the key to success is getting ready" is a strong statement when it comes presenting yourself for a job interview or a meeting with a client. If you have a job interview the most imperative thing to do is prepare yourself and be ready for the big day! Being prepared is the way to improve the chance of success. Research the company you're applying for a job with and know what you will say and how you will say it. The same goes for preparing your personal appearance. Think about what it is you want to achieve, and how you should dress to come across as professional. The way you look is all part of the process in making it a big hit!

Look Polished and Professional

Acquire some knowledge of the culture of your industry and the appropriate dress code. For example, finance roles, property development or recruitment agencies are well regarded and considered conservative, while an advertising agency may allow a little more fashion through the door.

It's important that you embody the professional image of the company you meet with. If you're serious about your career, you'll be more concerned with looking professional rather than trendy and cute. A general rule is - the more distracting a piece of clothing or jewellery the less appropriate it is for the office. Only one standout piece should be worn. A stand out piece in an interview can give the interviewer greater recall. For example, a bold colour tie (no quirky prints) or an impressive piece of jewellery or watch.

Colours play a major role in portraying a professional image. Keep it safe with your traditional career colours like navy which denotes trustworthiness, gray is conservative and black is chic. These colours will mix well with other softer colours you might wear. As your main overall colour try to stay away from loud colours like hot pink or bright orange and eliminate wild prints.

Take your time when trying clothes on…

• Pants should be fitted, but free from visible underwear lines
• Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough so that you can sit down comfortably.
• Jackets should be able to be buttoned, and blouses shouldn't gap between buttonholes.
• Most importantly make sure you feel comfortable in whatever you are wearing.

Shirt Studio Dress Presentations and Boardroom Series

If you are interested in finding out more about corporate dressing, call our corporate division on (07) 3217 2661. Presentations with information such as what has been covered in this article can be conducted at your place of work.

Shirt Studio's corporate division offers the Boardroom Series Event, which is a service where we come to your place of work and educate the staff on corporate dressing, what to wear in the office or any other work related events.

We will take your staff through everything they need to know from matching the staff's image to the corporate culture of the business, appropriate colours, ties, etc. We then give each person the opportunity to order shirts at a corporate rate, assisting each individual to choose the right styles and colours to suit them.

If you prefer a more private corporate dressing event, one-one-one appointments can be arranged.

Visit our website www.shirtstudio.com.au/corporate-wardrobe to make a booking for a presentation or Boardroom event or just call us on (07) 3217 2661.