How do you manage your personal brand in the summertime when it is steamy hot outside? Here are tips to keep your bar raised for the office.  When an HR representative calls me to provide business etiquette training for their team, inappropriate dressing usually tops the list for areas that need improvement.  Don’t make the mistake of not understanding how to dress professionally, especially during the summer.

What NOT to Wear to the Office

Tank Tops – Too much skin will show for the office.

Golf skirts – You know the saying, “There is a time and place for everything” Wearing a skirt that is too short is never appropriate at the office.

Flip flops– Never make this mistake.  Why would you want to look like you are going to the beach or getting ready to do your laundry?

Shorts- Just too casual for the office.

Boat shoes- Too casual so save them for the boat ride with your friends.

Maxi dresses- Save this look for the cookout you are invited to over the weekend.

Sunglasses– Do not wear your sunglasses inside

Workout clothes- Do not follow this trend.  Yoga pants are never appropriate for the office, not even with a blazer or a tunic.  You are not getting paid to be that comfortable.

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Is your office gearing up for the annual holiday party?  Well, it is that time of year.  Here are a few tips you might want to consider before heading to the stores (or your closet)  before picking out your next outfit for your office party.

What to Wear to the Holiday Office Party

Do’s

• Consider the audience and the venue:  Is your holiday office party during lunch, after work, over the weekend, or down the street at the local pub?  First and foremost, consider the location and the time of day of the event when choosing your outfit.  This will determine if you need to dress up or dress down for the event.
• Dress Modestly:  This is a great opportunity to show restraint and your professionalism.  Do consider this a networking opportunity and a chance to get to know others in your office.  Always put your best foot forward.
• Plan in advance:  Take a moment to plan your outfit. If your holiday party is during lunch, you might want to wear something that is a bit more dressed up than your normal office attire.  Maybe a top with a bit of glitter under your blazer or a pair of shoes that might be a bit more glamorous for the holiday season.

Don’t’s

• Be inappropriate: Don’t wear an outfit that is too short, too low cut, showing too much skin or all glitter from head to toe.  Enough said.  There is a time and place for everything and wearing an outfit that can double as “clubbing” attire is not for the office party.

Here are a few of my favorite outfits for the office party:

 A Casual Party

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1. Ask: Find out what is going on for Halloween at your office. What is the company culture?  Is your office going “all out” with decorations and dressing up or is the plan to pass around a few pieces of candy?
2. Choose “nice”:  Now is not the time to be “naughty”.  Save that for a night out on the town.  Leave the spandex, the low cut costumes or the “wannabe Kim Kardashian” at home.
3. Be creative: Now is not the time to be political or to make fun of a certain candidate.  Put your mind to work and think outside of the box.
4. Itchy:  Remember you have to work.  Choose a costume that is comfortable and something you can wear while sitting and carrying on with your day.

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 How to Dress for a Business Dinner

•  Plan ahead.  We must be smart when choosing what to wear, whether dressing for a day at the office or dinner after. What we choose to wear says a lot about us.  Since you have plans after work, you might choose a dress with a cardigan or fitted blazer.  Your shoes can make a difference in the overall appearance of an outfit.  Even though you are going out to dinner, in order to keep your total look professional, opt for a closed toe. If your office is very casual, slacks are fine pared with a blouse or pullover.  Fit is key.  Is your top buttoned up and professional?  How is the fit?  If it is too tight or doesn’t fit properly, don’t wear it.
• Don’t over or under dress. Let the location guide your choices when getting dressed in the morning.  If the dinner is with potential clients in an upscale restaurant or city dining club, dress accordingly.  If the dinner is down the street at a casual restaurant, then dress down a bit but still pull out your professional attire.
• Dress for your industry.  If you are an attorney your attire will be different that if you are an editor for Vogue magazine.  Being in a creative industry allows for more adventurous choices.

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It is steamy hot in the northeast this week. While speaking at a Women’s Initiative program for a financial firm, I ran into their  human resource manager.  She was so frustrated she had to send an employee home because they were not dressed appropriatley for their office. The HR manager commented the “employee looked like she was headed for the shore”.  Have you heard the saying, “there is a time and place for everything”?  Wearing sundresses, tank tops, and short skirts at the office because it is hot outside is not in your best interest.  Don’t get me started on wearing on flip flops in the office.

So, how can you build a stylish summer wardrobe that works in the heat but still allows you to look and feel professional at work? Luckily, this season it is easy to find lightweight cardigans, fitted blazers, and airy scarves.

So many retailers are offering a featherlight cardigan.  You can easily tie this around your neck during your commute or toss it in your tote bag.  JCrew has cardigans in many colors and fabrics as does Tory Burch. Unlike the cardigan you keep at home, make sure the one on the back of your chair at the office is neat and and free of snags and pilling. As you can see, you have many options.

Another option is the fitted blazer.  No longer do we have to rely on the boxy cut.  The fitted blazer is a favorite of mine.  This should be a staple in your professional wardrobe.  There are still many styles and lightweight options available this time of year.  Theory takes first place in this category.  Not only is this a great piece for the office, but you can pair it with your jeans for a casual weekend look.

The three quarter length top is always easy.  You can push up the sleeves and wear it with a pencil skirt.  How easy is that?

A classic button down shirt with a pencil skirt:

You can always keep a supply of scarves in your desk drawer and throw around your shoulders when you are cold.  Scarves always make an outfit more interesting.

Many office workers complain about frigid temperatures. According to the International Facility Management Association, two thirds of workers keep extra clothing at the office.  Some wear parkas, flannel shirts over their office attire and blankets.  Now you know you have options, and stylish ones.

So, mind your P’s and Q’s and don’t wear your beach attire to the office.  Cover up, and do so with a professional dress code in mind.

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Women once thought a more masculine outfit might help them to be taken more seriously in the business world.  Think again.   Wearing a dress (or a skirt) signals that a woman is confident enough not to have to rely on wearing slacks to the office.  The U.K.’s University of Hertfordshire, surveyed more than  300 participants (both men and women).  They were asked to make snap judgments of images featuring women in traditional business attire – both pants and skirts.  The participants were asked to comment on factors such as confidence, success, trust, etc.  In three seconds, they were able to determine they preferred the more feminine options.

Wearing a dress can look authoritative, professional and polished.

Tips for Wearing a Dress to the Office

• Find a good tailor.  If you choose to wear a wrap dress to the office make sure it fits well.  Have your tailor secure the top of the dress (the top area that wraps) with a clear snap.  This ensures the dress will stay closed. It is not appropriate to show your cleavage in the office or during a business meeting.
• Check the length of your dress (or skirt).  The dress should come right at/above your knee or shortly below.  Don’t wear a dress that is too short.
• Sheaths or wrap dresses are perfect for the office.
• Silk is not the best choice in fabrics for a dress at the office.
• Heels ( not peep toes)  are your best choice with a dress.  Flats with a dress can make you look a bit frumpy.

Now, go out and shop until your drop and find yourself a new dress.

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According to The Wall Street Journal, The Power Suit is over.  How many women do you think are jumping for joy?  Today, female executives are more sophisticated and not afraid to show off their style and femininity.  For years, women have looked for options other than boxy jackets and ill fitting pants or loose skirts.  Women are feeling more comfortable in their own skin. They are no longer playing it safe with their dark suit with maybe a colorful scarf thrown into the mix.  Now it is common to see pink, orange and florals.

The article does state this look is harder to pull off.  It take more time and effort than a white or cream blouse under a navy or black suit.  However, the new look exudes confidence and authenticity.

Michelle Obama’s fashion sense has played a strong role in this.  She is the queen of high low dressing- mixing an Alexander McQueen jacket with a skirt from JCrew.  She wears vivid prints and curvy shapes well.  She is not afraid to stand-out.

A word of caution to the young women out there that are new to the workforce.  These women have “earned their stripes” so to speak. Don’t over do it too early in your career.  Women still need to be careful.  Color and fit are key in achieving this look. Low cut or tight blouses and short skirts are not appropriate at any level.

Tips for Wearing The New Elements of Style

1. Choose a cropped or fitted jacket; no more boxy or masculine fits.
2. Don’t overdo the jewelry; one statement piece is enough.
3. Pair a pinstripe jacket with a floral blouse or skirt.
4. Mix an expensive piece with a lower priced item.
5. Opt for a colorful handbag in a bright color.
6. Mix patterns.

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Photos courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, Elie Tahari and Simply Luxurious Life on Pinterest.

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Earlier this week, I wrote about three very successful entrepreneurs.  Alexa von Toble, one of the three women, crossed my reading path again.  In addition to being featured on the TODAY Show, she is also the topic of a Forbes article. The article addresses and gives you guidance on what to wear to an investor meeting.  Alexa is the CEO of Learn Vest, and has raised over $24 million.  In the article she points out her investor meetings were formal affairs so she dressed the part, skirt suit, heels and polished hair.  She says “There are huge decisions being made at these meetings.  Show those decisions and dollars the right amount of respect and dress as professionally as possible.”

Von Tobel goes on to say while she sticks to a  pulled together corporate look, she makes a point to incorporate one bold or brightly colored item to make her outfit more memorable.  She might pair a brightly colored orange dress with a black or navy blazer.  If she wears a skirt, she will wear a brightly colored blouse.  This is a great way to show your style and be authentic but professional at the same time.

Whether  you are in sales, a seasoned professional, or a new hire, you are being judged on your ability to represent your company or brand.

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