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| Grooming Yourself for the Corporate Life |
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Written by E-JAM Staff
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It’s not too complex, but can be if you let it go unnoticed. It might mean a dramatic ‘makeover’ for some, a simple adaptive twist for others and just being what you are for a rare few. But the bottom-line — in corporate life your grooming etiquette makes you what you want to be seen to be. And that’s just not the external piece. People frame opinions on how one looks or smells, and that better matter, because these opinions are what get you to where you want to go. If you think this is just a skin-deep approach — yes it is. But then remember: it’s the skin that feels hurt or delight first. Let’s face it. How often we’ve bought something because we liked its packaging. Be it the clothes you wear, the way you smell, or the shape of your hair; remember that’s what people see first. So make sure you are “appropriate”. All essential grooming begins and ends with one word — “appropriateness”. It’s a wonderful “win-win” where neither you nor the folks you interact with are distracted. A loud tie, a strong perfume, an exotic hairdo or just a crumpled shirt is all unacceptable extremes. Here are a few quick tips on getting ready for your life ahead: Start the shopping early Remember at least 5 days a week you will need to be “appropriately” dressed and that’s a lot of load on your wardrobe. So don’t wait for the first-job-shopping-frenzy — start building your collection early. It’s recommended to have at least three weeks clothing so as not to constantly repeat clothing which will cause fabric to fade dude to regular washes. Now getting to specifics. Here’s an indicator of what to wear and how to be. “Business casuals” are the most common style in corporate life Pants in fairly conservative colours: khaki, brown, blue, grey, black, beige, etc. The fabric may be cotton, synthetic or blend. The styling varies — flat-fronted vs pleated, cuffs or no cuffs, etc — and all of these are OK. They should be long enough to hide your socks under normal circumstances, and short enough not to touch the ground at the back. Pants with cargo-style pockets, decorative zippers, or weird straps and loops are not usually business casual. Anything with contrasting external stitching or rivets on the seams may be a bit too close to jeans, depending on your workplace’s standards. Shirts in plain colours, stripes, checks, or subtle patterns. Long or short-sleeved. Cotton or synthetic, or blends. Tuck your shirt in, wear a belt. And if you need to wear a tie, remember unless you are a pro at it, “match than contrast” is easier. For starters let your tie in some way merge with your shirt and trousers. You can get adventurous later. Shoes in black or brown or other neutral colours, usually in leather. Ensure that you coordinate them with the right trousers. A brown shoe on a blue trouser might not be the best. Don’t let your shoes show a high polish, but they also shouldn’t look too beat-up either. If you wear a belt, it should approximately match the color of your shoes. That is: black shoes, black belt; brown shoes, brown belt. Getting a reversible belt makes life a lot easier. But buy the good brands. They are costlier but last longer. Socks. Don’t wear white socks with dark shoes. Match them with your shoes and your trousers. This is the trickiest, so watch it! Sweaters and other such warm things: plain colours or simple patterns (a couple of stripes across the chest, for example). Jackets of various kinds are also suitable — anything that they sell as casual wear in that business-suits-but-not-jeans store is probably OK. Hair long or short, as long as it’s clean and neat. Shaved bald is fine too. Brightly dyed hair (green, red, etc), dreadlocks, or unusually shaved hairstyles aren’t appropriate with business casual. Facial hair likewise: clean and neat; stubble is less appropriate with business casual than with entirely casual dress. If you wear dreadlocks this should be neatly covered in appropriate colours or held back in a ponytail. Personal Hygiene could be a maker or breaker of even official transactions. Keep away bad breath or body odor. Mint and deodorant are absolute essentials and never be without them. Clean manicured hands are as important. Remember, “You need not be attractive, but please don’t be repulsive.” Jewelery should be kept to a minimum. Watch, wedding band or class ring, and not much else. Some plain metallic necklaces and bracelets are okay, some aren’t. Look around and see what your co-workers are wearing. Remember to “fit in”. Piercing are becoming more and more common. Earrings are no problem at all with business casual, though you probably don’t want anything too attention-drawing. If you have multiple or stretched ear piercing, go for something fairly simple in stainless steel. Facial piercing may or may not be acceptable in your workplace, and in general the less obtrusive the better, but again, go for something plain in the way of jewellery. Bags aren’t part of your attire, but you’ll be seen with them anyway as you come and go from work. Backpacks, courier/messenger bags, laptop bags, etc. are all fine, but the important thing here is that they shouldn’t be too battered, nor covered with band patches or political stickers or whatever. Care and maintenance of your business casual attire is much more important than for casual clothes. Make sure your shirts and pants are ironed, or else buy ones that don’t need it. If anything has a stain, put it aside for weekend wear. Don’t wear shirts with missing buttons. Replace your shoes before they disintegrate. Quantity If you’re wearing business casual every day, you’ll want at least 3 pairs of pants, 6 shirts, and 2 pairs of decent shoes. This is enough to last you a week between laundry loads, with a reasonable amount of swapping and changing. (The sixth shirt’s just in case.) If you only wear business casual occasionally, such as for interviews and meetings, you’ll still want two full outfits so you don’t always appear in exactly the same gear. Or, at minimum two different shirts. Business casual for women is in one sense easier (because the unwritten rules are less strict) and in one sense harder (because the unwritten rules are less strict). Just about anything described for men, above, is suitable for women working in the technology field, with the following exceptions: • The range of acceptable colours and patterns is broader — for instance, it would be okay to wear a bright green shirt that would be considered rather eccentric on a man. • Fitted/styled women’s shirts are more acceptable than similar shirts on men. • Skirts are acceptable, but appropriate if not too short (just above the knee is acceptable) not too light/frilly/feminine in styling. Plain colours or subtle stripes or patterns are best. • Sandals are usually acceptable for women in warm weather, and the range of acceptable footwear is broader overall. • Makeup isn’t required, but if worn, ensure it is not loud. The sparkle eyeshadow is best done without. And finally those Shopping tips (only if you think you need them!) • Take a friend if and only if you think s/he’ll actually give good advice and you actually want to listen to it. Otherwise, it can just be extra stress. • Go at a quiet time (not Saturday, not lunchtime) when the stores are less busy. • To a certain extent, price does indicate quality, and quality is worth paying a little extra for. Higher quality garments won’t need replacing as often, and are cut and constructed with greater care so they will sit better on your body and make you appear to better advantage. I’m not saying go for the most expensive brand name, but conversely don’t just go for the cheapest you can find. Every company has its own stipulated “dress code”. It is professional and courteous to stick by it. To reiterate: “appropriateness” is the key and with it unlocks your exciting life ahead. The clock is ticking. 
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