It's been 8 months since I landed a highly visible job working for the city- a "big girl job" at the table with a bunch of men. I can be invited into an important meeting with a distinguished citizen, business owner or elected official at the drop of a hat! Which means, I can't roll out of bed and skip washing my hair. It also means I am on the news almost weekly.
This "has-been" pageant girl loves the opportunity to wear a suit and heels and I am doing a lot of that these days! So with that in mind, I am sharing some of my "best practices" that I enforce at work and maybe you have some to add....
Get to know a tailor.
Don't look like a child playing dress up in your mom's clothes. Have those favorite pieces hemmed or taken up. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to look put together. And your suits don't have to be expensive, they just need to fit well.
No one should ever see your cleavage in the workplace. No one.
Keep it modest ladies, this is not the time to prop those puppies up for all the world to see. Wear a camisole or tank if you must. Be classy and dress for the job you want. Test your clothes before leaving your house- bend over, bend down, reach up, sit, squat. If these pass the test, then you are ready.
Wear a watch.
In order to be on time, you have to know the time. When you are in a meeting, a casual glance at your watch is far more discreet than digging out your iPhone just to get the time. Plus, if you have notifications on your screen, they can create an unwelcome distraction from your current meeting. It's rude. Get a watch.
Buy the right undergarments.
I am the first to admit that I hate spending a lot of money on good "support" but it's a must. Undergarments that you don't have to tug or pull when you stand or sit. And for goodness sakes, your bra strap should never ever show.
Keep your shoes tidy.
Colorado can be hard on shoes. I buy cheap trendy shoes with the rest of you, but I am learning that quality in this department is vital. Keep a shoe shine cloth or brush in your desk.
Be careful with trend.
I love jewelry. (And I hate Khaki. You will never, ever see me in Khaki.)
Many times I remove my earrings or necklace prior to an on-camera interview. This is when good judgement comes in handy- if you have on a busy print, go slim on the jewelry. Ask if yourself if your accessories are a distraction. I once listened to a Communications Director speak at a professional luncheon and didn't hear a word she said because of her neon-green plastic earrings that matched her neon green eye-shadow. It left me wondering about her intelligence. Don't give people a reason to discount your skills.
Nail polish.
Ugh. Nail polish. It should be clean and simple. And when it starts flaking off, please please TAKE IT OFF WITH REMOVER!! Keep disposable nail polish remover wipes in your desk if you have to. And what is up with all of the crazy designs for nails these days? I do not think it appropriate for a professional job. That's my two cents. I notice people's hands and if you are dealing with customers or upper management, your nails need to be a priority.
This rant brought on by the lack of concern I see in many young professionals. Dress for the job that you want. And when someone tells you "you don't have to dress up for this job" -you smile and reply, "I know."
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
