| Most people are attached to their sense of image | | | | skirts at knee level. Suit pants are straight legged, |
| and style, as we are being fed daily by magazines | | | | not outrageously flared at the bottom. Professional |
| and TV shows, how fashion and style are | | | | designers and consultants are between conservative |
| expressions of individuality. However, being too | | | | and creative, so pick a suit that is of a trendier cut - |
| attached to what is deemed your individual style, will | | | | suit jackets may have more details and colours, They |
| lead you to using your image ineffectively to build | | | | could be above the buttocks, or longer. The suit |
| your business. | | | | pants may also have details and textures. For the |
| Whether you agree with it or not, people judge | | | | creative ones, a suit is not necessary in most days. |
| others by how they look. Therefore, personal image | | | | However, T-shirt and flip flops are mostly |
| may be used to create trust at first sight. So it must | | | | unacceptable, unless you are going to the beach! Do |
| be well thought out with much care. | | | | put in some effort to convey professionally what |
| I have given image seminars where I see people in | | | | you do. |
| conservative industries such as finance wearing tops | | | | Third, let's look at grooming. For conservative |
| revealing their cleavage, even though they are in a | | | | industries, keep your hair and make up neat and |
| suit. I have seen a career coach wearing an outfit | | | | neutral. It doesn't mean not to style the hair or not |
| that is more suitable for an artist. Their images are | | | | putting on make up. Hairstyle should be chic and sleek |
| not congruent with their professions. | | | | (if your hair can handle it). Nothing outrageous. A chic |
| Your image is not just about you. It's about how | | | | bob, for example, is a good option. Do remember |
| people relate to the image. Your personal image is | | | | putting on make up, however, but leave out the |
| comprised not only of dressing and grooming, but | | | | sparkles and bold colours. People need to see you, |
| also your body language and words. That being said, | | | | not focused on the extremities of your dressing and |
| people do judge others based on how they groom | | | | grooming. For those who are in between |
| and dress. | | | | conservative and creative, you may have slightly |
| So how can we all make the best use of clothing and | | | | more outrageous hairdos - just don't dye it in any |
| grooming for the good of our businesses? | | | | colours of the rainbow. Your make up may be bolder, |
| First, consider the message of colours. The more | | | | but be sure it is sophisticated, not cheap. For those |
| conservative or formal your industry is, the more | | | | creative ones, do whatever you wish, but use your |
| neutral the colour of your outfit should be. Neutral | | | | common sense to keep everything neat and clean |
| colours are black, grey, white, beige, and brown. Blue | | | | looking, even if your hair is green. |
| is also considered a "neutral" colour in this sense, | | | | Last but not least, what about personal style? I can |
| because it conveys trust. Banking, law, accounting, | | | | just feel some readers having this question in their |
| and insurance belong to this category of | | | | minds - do they have to give up individuality and take |
| conservative. | | | | up what is appropriate? I can almost hear some |
| On the other hand, the more creative your industry | | | | women who are in law or finance, saying that they |
| is, the more colour options you have. If you are an | | | | love purple and pink, and refuse to give them up. So |
| artist, you may wear just about any colour. For | | | | what can they do about it? This is where you must |
| professional designers and consultants, however, you | | | | use creativity and common sense - for those who |
| may wear pops of colours but in strategic places, for | | | | refuse to live without pink, maybe a soft pink blush |
| example, in your tops, in the small details of a suit, or | | | | or lipstick, very soft pink nail polish, or a very light icy |
| in accessories such as glasses. | | | | pink shirt would do! If you feel that there are |
| Second, consider the style of your outfit. The more | | | | elements that are absolutely you, think of a way to |
| conservative or formal the occasion is, the more | | | | weave these elements (maybe not all of them at |
| formal the outfit should be. In a formal industry | | | | once) into the outfit, making your image acceptable |
| where you meet your customers in the office, a | | | | to the industry, yet reflecting your personal taste |
| conservatively styled suit is most appropriate. This | | | | and preference. |
| means suit jacket that covers the buttocks. Suit | | | | |