Smart dressing involves sending subliminal messages, particularly when a serious job is at stake.
This is something that even high-ranking business leaders can underestimate. "People don't understand the messages that their clothes send," says Dorothy Waldt, a New York executive recruiter. Women sometimes don't realize how often a tight shirt or a low neckline comes across as seductive. People who meet them are likely to assume the sexual innuendo is intentional.
For ideas on looking authoritative but approachable, look at politicians--the most practiced job candidates of all--who are savvy at flashing messages with their clothing. Female politicians know what a tightrope fashion can be: Smart clothes might not win votes, but the wrong style can lose them votes. The wardrobes of female political candidates are so closely scrutinized that the media has reported who shops for Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (her husband Paul).
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In the ultimate employment interview, for U.S. President, Hillary Clinton wore a looped red scarf in the New Hampshire primary that looked decisive and framed her face, while her dark suit hit that nice-not-loud note that signals that we're supposed to be paying attention to her brain, not her designer.
We haven't yet taken fashion analysis as far with well-known business executives. But job interviewers don't miss much, says Ann Marie Sabath, a business etiquette consultant and author of "One Minute Manners." She is relentless about getting interview clothes right. Her advice includes ironing creases into your pants, investing in a good watch, and wearing a collar. "A collar projects authority," says Ms. Sabath.
Here are some 'dressing to impress' tips:
- Dress for the position you want, not for the one you currently have.
- The higher a woman climbs on the corporate ladder, the more light-colored suits she can and should wear (to be less intimidating).
- Match the culture of the industry: Call ahead or have your personal coach find out the office's style. When in doubt about a jacket, tie or other item, bring one along. You can take it off, but you can't put it on if you don't have it.
- The definition of business casual: one notch down from business normal.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, January 10, 2008
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