So You Want To Be Unique

We all want to be unique, and more often than not that can be reflected in our fashion (or lack of). What we wear makes us either a part of the crowd or the elephant in the room that everyone wants to ignore. That is, having the appropriate attire for interviews and professional meetings can ideally score you a job and at the very least an opportunity for you to begin a beautiful relationship. This of course comes with the disclaimer that you will be much more successful if you do your homework on etiquette.

In an ideal world we can wear anything we want without negative criticism. After all we are not hurting anyone. Unfortunately this isn’t an ideal world. The fact of the matter is that the way you dress can influence how people perceive you. In fact it sends instant messages about your status, your level of professionalism, and your self-confidence.

But wait, I hear dissent! You say that people don’t just judge you by what you wear; it is what’s on the inside that matters. Well, I agree with you. It is what’s on the inside that matters but you need time to build a relationship with someone before they get to know that beautiful and smart inner you. And guess what? If you are dressed like an extra from the Nights of the Living Dead, 9 out of 10 times you can forget about it. It takes roughly 4 minutes for a person to create an opinion about someone that is largely based on a combination of visual, organisational and action factors. So if you dress like a clown expect the laughter but don’t be surprised if you are shown the way out rather than an offer for that really awesome job you were going for.

It used to be that industries had strict and set standards but with today’s varied levels of fashion, dress codes in workplaces are more situational. Essentially, it means a person must adapt their appearance by the expectations of the workplace as well as the expectations of people they do business with. Some may find this concept very difficult to grasp, but really it is quite simple. Just think what the other people at a potential interview/meeting/gathering will be wearing and wear something similar. If you don’t know what people will be wearing than call up the business and inquire whether there is a dress code for the company; implicit or explicit.

Dress the part

So, a few pointers; be clear in what you are trying to convey. For business scenarios you want to dress conservative yet still attractive. You should choose appropriate accessories that will compliment your outfit, though be extremely careful when choosing. Grooming is also a major factor in creating a positive visual appearance. Your outer-appearance reinforces whatever image you are trying to convey. Generally speaking, professional dress includes the following;

• Solid colours are safe. Black, gray and navy blue is all acceptable.
• Avoid extreme colours; this can be very off putting in professional meetings.
• Details – check for loose threads, wrinkles and so forth. Neat and presentable.
• Accessories/jewellery – this is a way to say something about yourself; don’t be afraid to use a bit of colour, but don’t overdo it, playing it safe is never a bad thing. For conservative industries, wear something small and unobtrusive.
• Clothes and shoes should be fitting. Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose. If you can afford it, invest in a set of clothing that is tailor made.

In Conclusion

Think about the situation you will be entering; do research about the dress code of the company/organisation. Being unique does not mean disregarding reality. After all, you need a job to be able to afford to keep on buying all those outfits that scream you!

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