January 24th, 2007
Dress for Success
This was the tittle of a ground breaking book for business men in the 70’s.Author John Molloy’s book became a best seller. I did not need the book, my mother taught me to dress well. However, many men were clueless. Some of the advice was; wear red or yellow ties for power, dark suits, but not black, too much power. Never wear a brown suit, too weak. A man should only wear a wedding ring and a watch for jewelry. White shirts were a must and do not mix a pattern with another pattern. If you have a stripped tie, wear a solid suit, or a stripped suit, wear a solid tie. Mr Molloy’s advice was very conservitive and boring. Keep in mind, I never read the book but it was such a story, most men of that time would follow and talk about it’s guidelines plently.
Fast forward, 2007. I came across some advice under the title, “want the job? Dress the Part!” Advice given; reconsider that fauxhawk hair, Blue hair looks cool but a traditional workplace may not be accepting, be careful with visible tattoos and body piecings, It is a job interview not night at the club, leave the strappy open toe shoes at home. No short sleeves, do not wear too much perfume ,cologne or make up. I assume this advice is for women, wear a bra, do not reavel too much skin and look professional.
As Marvin Gaye would say, what’s going on. Very seldom do people dress nicely to, go to games, fly, go to plays, funerals, church, work and now we have to be told , wear a bra for a job interview, or not to color your hair blue!
I remember, wearing a suit and tie 5 days a week. Then we had casual Friday. Then Causal Monday and Friday, later Casual Summer and ultimatly, casual every day. I must admit, I enjoy wearing a suit and enjoy not having to wear a tie. But now when I watch CNN in the morning the news people may not wear a tie, the President may not have a tie on, have we gone too far? I think Richard Nixon always wore a suit, I see people out in clothes they could pull weeds in.
If you look at old fight photos or ball games, the fans are dressed up. People use to dress up to fly. What do you think? How about the jeans showing boxer shorts, thongs and more, combat shoes? I say there is a time and place but perhaps it is time to take more pride in appearance. Friends I have from other nations have been heard to say Americans are slobs. Dose it matter?
January 24th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
The original book had some sound advice (remember it well). Even though what’s in fashion goes in cycles (i.e., stripe on stripe tie and shirt combinations are apparently the fashionable thing this year for men), the underlying message does not change.
One must look like one can achieve success to eventually be successful.
January 24th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
There’s a ying and yang to this. Hip-hop has usherd in many millionaires who have never worn a site or tie to a business meeting. MAny start up companies are very relaxed in setting due tot hat fat that mane people are working long hours in the office. And at some point you just don’t want to wear a full suit to work. Fashion and business fashion has changed. A lot of people are working 9-5 from their homes and only put on a suit to go to church. People are more effective and proficient when they are comfortable, relaxed, and focused. So its really a matter of your work culture. I’ve only seen my boss in a suit 1 time. Other wise he’s business casual all the way.
January 24th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Great insights that I agree with, the hip hop world has taught us a lot. I have noticed like with rock stars, more suits for Jayz, PDitty, Biggie prior to death, Common and Kayne are very preppy. Comfort is the deal.
It depends on the corporate culture and the business
January 24th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I’m right with you on this… I enjoy not having to dress up and always be formal, OTOH, the over the top, pajama wearing, look seems a little much. I think there is a balance somewhere in there!
January 25th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Hi all:
I would say that both the environment and the general attitude or ambience of the business setting determines waht is the appropriate dress.
The type of work that I do (commercial credit approval) has very little face-to-face interaction with customers; but heavy contact with our own sales reps. So, our office dresses more casual than a bank office’s staff would dress.
GreasyGuide.com & Jim:
I agree hip hop has had some influence on fashion and also on the publ-person’s. But in a way it still ties into the norms of that particular environment. Like, for instance, a media mogul like J Dupri is almost expected to wear designer everything, bling this and bling that…while a business consultant would be expected to come clad in conservative suits and ties…So, hate to use cliches but..I would sum it up with “in Rome do what the Romans do”.
January 25th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Whether we like it or not our appearance is important as it is the first thing people see however it all depends in what context you’re making contact with someone. If for example you’re being interviewed that first impression may be the only chance you get. I attend a myriad of conferences and always make sure that I am properly dressed with a bra! and it leaves a lasting impression.
What the rest of the world sees when Americans travel is the tourist in his baggy shorts, t-shirt and sneakers and well sorry to tell you but it looks hideous, so what! Of course the Italians always look chic even on vacation LOL
Jim thanks again for calling in to the show yesterday and now that I relistened to it you paid the highest of compliments and it was soooo beautiful!!!
hugz
January 25th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
This was a fun topic for me and I thank all the comments.I have found even in big conservative companies there are different rules depending on your dept. Some R&D guys can wear jeans, ear rings for men, and long hair, marketing and sales, no way!
January 29th, 2007 at 9:10 am
First Impressions. Quite simply like Tisha said you only get one chance to make a first impression.
I don’t know how many times I have been grateful that I was dressed well, (with clean and polished shoes) as I have had to unexpectedly meet a client or new business prospect.
Once you have established a realtionship with someone they are more likely to be accepting of how you appear. But it is important that we are prepared for the unexpected.
January 30th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Michael, thanks for your comment.your first impression takes on added significants when you are blackinbusiness. We have so mant sterotypes to overcome that may be beyound our control, why leave one more hurdle to chance.
September 25th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Yes, how we dress does matter, Jim. You say it so well and I had not realized you spoke so eloquently on the topic!