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How to Use Your Image as a “Secret Weapon” for Getting or Staying Employed in Tough Economic Times
by admin | Wed, 17/02/2010 - 00:09
Worried about your job these days?
You're not alone. If you’re like the many friends, relatives, and clients I’ve talked to recently, you’re not looking for summer vacation deals like you were this time last year, you’re looking for ways to cut costs while keeping your salary coming in. No frills, nothing extra. Conserve and be careful because no one knows what tomorrow may bring.
Of primary concern? Keeping a job. Or how can you be the obvious choice if a new job is in the works? Is there a sure-fire secret to getting or staying employed in a recession?
Unfortunately, no.
But there IS a simple way to increase your perceived value so that you’re among the first hired and last fired when the going gets rough: Dress appropriately.
Take a look around. How many people would you say dress correctly for their jobs? Some? A few? Don’t know?
Here’s what Human Resource professionals say:
The one interview mistake people make is dressing inappropriate.
Percentage of people who dress the wrong way for their jobs is 95%
Seem incredible?
It’s not. We’ve become SO casual in the last fifteen years that many have either forgotten how to dress appropriately or have never been taught that jeans, plunging necklines, and flip flops are NOT suitable for every occasion. And the oversight is costing them BIG. Those who don’t know the basic rules of business are frequently among the last hired and first fired when budgets get tight.
Don’t be one of them.
Dressing appropriately and enjoying the MANY benefits that go along with it – including getting or keeping a job at a higher salary -- ARE within your grasp, even if your current clothing allowance is practically non-existent.
How?
Let’s start with the basics:
“The rules” of business attire DO apply to you (really!)
Being fashionable and dressing appropriately are not the same thing
Every industry has its “uniform”
Some uniforms are uncomfortable
EVERY industry has its “uniform,” whether you’re a cook, a choreographer, or a cardiologist. If you hone your skills AND package them correctly, you’ll be amazed at how high you can go. But if you hide your talents in a wrapper that looks just like everyone else’s, you may never enjoy the success you deserve.
A Crisp White Shirt
A crisp, white, button down shirt can be worn under suit jackets, with a skirt or pants, under a vest, over a tank top whatever you want. Dress it up with a silk scarf or a strand of pearls for work, or tuck it into jeans for a more laid-back look.
A Form-Fitting T-Shirt
A simple style, form-fitting t-shirt can take you to meetings when worn under a jacket, to a picnic when worn with jeans, and help keep you warm when layered under a shirt or sweater. Forget the logos, cute sayings, or goofy details – just stick with plain and fitted for maximum versatility
Straight Leg Dark Pants
Dark, straight-legged pants in a simple style can take you to work during the day, to evening events at night, and to casual events on weekends, depending on what you pair with them. Dress them up with a beaded top and sandals for night, dress them down with a sweater and flats for errands.
A Dark, Fitted, Single-Breasted Jacket
Want to command respect and immediately set a more formal tone? Put on a dark, fitted, single-breasted jacket. It’s appropriate for meetings, funerals, church – you name it – and will immediately upgrade any outfit you wear, including jeans. If you can only afford one jacket, make sure it’s this style.
A Knee Length Skirt
Whether your lower half looks best encased in a straight, A-line, or wrap style, strive for a dark or neutral color with a hem to the knees. Knee-length tends to flatter most women, whereas thigh high or calf length tend to work for very few.
A Day Dress
A day dress in a simple style can take you just about anywhere, from church and teas to funerals and work. You can dress it up with heels and jewellery, dress it down with flats and a trendy jacket.
A Trench Coat
A class icon, belted trench with a zip-out liner can take you anywhere in the world three seasons a year. It will repel rain, sleet, and snow in style, and fold up compactly when not in use. Keeps you warm in all sorts of weather.
Now I have to admit that if I’d seen this list at the height of my clothing consumption days in my 20’s, I would have shouted, “boring!” and immediately dismissed it. But take a closer look at these clothes. They look great all by themselves, but they also offer an elegant background to more interesting pieces.Have a stunning top you want everyone to see? Pair it with your black pants or dark skirt. Have a gorgeous new necklace? Put it with your classic day dress and show it off properly.
1. £28.00 ASOS Seam Detail Shirt http://www.asos.com
2. £30.00 ASOS Tailored Tulip Dress http://www.asos.com
3. JAMES PERSE long-sleeve T-shirt €58 http://www.net-a-porter.com
4.1 BTN DOUBLE HEM DETAIL TAILORED JACKET £179 http://www.reiss.co.uk
5.Double breasted coat £49.99 http://xml.riverisland.com/
6.PINSTRIPE FORMAL TROUSER £95 http://www.reiss.co.uk
7.CLASSIC FITTED TAILORED SKIRT £95 reiss
By Contributing Stylist and Make-Up Artist Jane O'Connell of Beauty at Home
Contact Details
Beauty at Home
11 Pilmore cottages
Pilmore Strand, Youghal
Co. Cork
Ireland
0863056360
10am- 10pm
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Comments
ill fitting shirt reply
Anne Fontaine is just fab and yes she has created the perfect simple white shirt and making them stunning season after season. Once you put on a Fontaine design, you'll find that not one other white shirt can compare as far as design and quality craftsmanship are concerned. So very true but yes no stockiest in Ireland as far as I am aware also. however if your ever in New York she is right in Manhattan or if you know someone who is going there to help get you one.Other than that can I suggest www.simplybe.ie, they really do some excellent sizes in various style. right now they have a Tuxedo-style shirt with long sleeves Ruffle detail to front and cuffs Machine washable Cotton. I also find Dunne’s & M&S have a good quality White Shirt with a slight stretch, but you need to spend at least €20 - €50 in any of these to get the best one suited for you. Also the right fitting bra make an awful difference to wearing the right shirt or blouse to prevent that gap.
Ill fitting shirt
Every shirt I buy for work gaps at the bust, and the ones that fit on the bust are too big at the waist. can you recommend any where to buy a good fitted shirt or even one with a slight strech. i've heard Anne Fontaine is good but can't find any stockist in Ireland!
Thank you
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