Fashion at Work

Pinpoint your image

Regardless of whether you've been in the job for one week or 30 years, stop and think about the image you're really hoping to project at work.  'Do you want to be seen as professional? Dynamic? Approachable? Authoritative? Knowledgeable? Now try to identify how this would look - but think beyond the obvious. For example, being seen as "professional" doesn't necessarily mean wearing a suit - but will entail some kind of tailoring, so that could be a jacket, smart dress, tailored trousers or pencil skirt.'

Adopt and adapt

Successful workplace dressing is a subtle combination of 'fitting in' and 'standing out'. So the trick is to adhere to the accepted dress code, but find tricks and twists that help you project your own personal image and identity. 'While the banking and finance industries are traditionally formal, for example, a tailored suit wouldn't necessarily be the right look for the creative sector, where you can be a little more adventurous with your look,' 'But above all, it's important to dress to suit your personality and feel comfortable in what you're wearing.'

Think long-term

One final piece of advice before we move on from the basics: 'Remember that 90 per cent of people will form an opinion about you within the first 10 to 40 seconds of meeting you. Always to dress for the job you want, rather than the one you're currently in.' Or, to put it another way, don't allow yourself to get complacent about the way you dress for work. Always make an effort with your appearance and people will react towards you accordingly.

Mix and match

Even if you're obliged to stick to the strictest of dress codes, you can still find ways to add variety and personality with that old fashion staple - a capsule working wardrobe, livened up with carefully chosen extras. Not sure where to start? 'A neutral tailored jacket or blazer in navy or mid-grey is a great staple - then you can lift the look with shirts and accessories that show off your personality and enhance your skin tone,'. As for workplace outfits? 'Try an Empire-line or shirt dress that can be teamed with a cardigan and patent court shoes; black boot-leg trousers teamed with a shirt and jacket; or an A-line skirt with a smart top and peep-toe shoes.'

Know what colours to wear

The colours you wear send out subtle - and not-so-subtle - signals. 'An understanding of colour psychology can give you a great advantage when you're planning what to wear. So consider who you are meeting and how you would like to be perceived. For example, wearing just black is easy, but can be seen as aloof and distant, so not great if you want to build up a rapport with someone. Grey is the colour of neutrality, so fantastic to wear in conflict situations or when negotiating. It helps you feel calmer.' And the best colour to wear in an interview? Blue: 'Navy helps you assert your authoritarian, but warmer blues will also be well received.'

...and what colours not to wear

So how can you inject some brightness into your working wardrobe without looking too desperate, attention-seeking or unprofessional? By adhering to the simple rule, less is more. 'If you want to be taken seriously, dazzling head-to-toe brights are not the way to go. Instead, wear one colourful piece - a scarf, a shirt or even a dress - but keep the rest of your outfit neutral. A red scarf or top will suggest power and assertiveness. But too much red could be deemed aggressive. And one final no-no: never wear pale pink in the workplace. It's fine if you want to appear innocent and girlie, but not if you want to get your point across effectively.'

Don't lapse with the weather

It's natural to adjust what you wear to suit the climate - but don't be tempted to reinvent your working wardrobe just because there's a heatwave. 'If you've spent all year building a consistent image that projects a professional elegance, the last thing you want to do is spoil that image by coming to work in a strappy top, short skirt and flip-flops. 'Instead of baring your legs, try good quality linen trousers or a plain maxi-skirt. And remember, bare legs and dark court shoes rarely work - so try peep-toe courts or smart wedges.' Likewise, don't suddenly dig out your novelty jumper for the office during a cold spell: layering is key, so you still look as smart as ever when you get to work.

Choose your shoes wisely

There's a whole host of considerations to take into account when choosing workplace footwear. Yes, you want to look smart and stylish - but your shoes also need to be practical, comfortable and professional-looking. 'Heels will always give you some gravitas - but not if they're so high that you end up having to totter. Our advice? Take the safe option - smart court shoes with a manageable heel. But look for something that's just a little bit different - a contrast toe cap, patent leather uppers or subtle cut-out details, for example - to give the look a hint of personality and individuality.  Check out our new Autumn/Winter catalogue for a number of classic examples, then choose the colour to match your outfit and with made-to-measure service, you are GUARANTEED comfort AND style!

www.poppybees.co.uk

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