As an accountant, I've worked with a variety of clients and have observed a lot of things. I have worked with directors, executives, and managers and have made mental notes over the years on small details that actually effect how bosses perceive their employees.
Yes, being efficient and having a great work ethic is important but if you really want to stand out, you need to look at yourself in the mirror. Like the old saying goes, "you need to dress for success." I've seen this firsthand countless times! People who dress too casually but work hard, go unnoticed. Sure, they might get a raise but they are not seen as go-getters and are rarely promoted.
I have been through the horrors of interviewing on both ends. I sat next to a woman once at a specialized recruiting firm who actually wore purple lace tights, matching heels, a green and purple tunic and bangles to her interview. Honestly, no one in the corporate world is going to hire a clown no matter what the resume looks like.
Ladies, think of this blog as a cheat sheet (one that won't give you the boot if found). I'm going to give you some helpful tips on what you should wear for different work events to help make you successful and noticed. Impressions really do matter in the corporate world and every little detail can help make you a star.
Let's start with informal events like casual Fridays, a jeans day, business casual, and weekend overtime. Most people are lucky enough to now be able to wear business casual every day. I suggest still wearing slacks, crisp button-ups, neat cardigans, simple skirts, basic colors, and a splash of patterns every once in awhile. Don't go too girly with lots of fluff and florals (we all do it) because that could signal you're not too serious.
Here are some photos to help:
For Casual Friday and for under $50, this Women's Classic Button-Front Shirt in yellow is only $20 at Old Navy and the mid-rise khaki trousers are only $21.99!
If you've got more cash in the bank, you should go to Express and try on their Short Sleeve Buckle-Cuff Shirt for $34.99 and the Editor Pant (a personal favorite) for $79.50.
For those weekends where you might have to work a couple hours at the office, this outfit is comfortable, cute and makes people think you're always well put together. New York & Company's City Linen Crop Pants are only $34.99 and their Madison Scoop Neck Tee is a great deal at $8.97.
If your company is stuck in business mode like mine (I know I'm not alone), here are a couple ideas for Monday through Thursday that says serious but also says you. Plus, it's always nice to able to mix pieces.
Victoria's Secret Stripe-trim jacket in cotton sateen $99.00
Target has a simple camisole in white by Assets $20.00
Victoria's Secret Pleated black skirt from Black and White Market $98.00
Victoria's Secret The Christie Fit ankle pant in cotton sateen $49.50
For more serious events, I always suggest going for darker colors and very little print. If I have to make a presentation, the last thing I'm going to wear in is a bright color that will blind people. You want them to remember your presentation or interview, not the hilarious outfit you wore.
Picking the right suit is important; it's like picking the perfect black dress. Unfortunately, good suits are expensive and it is really hard to find one under $100. Lucky for you, I shop too much and I have bought a lot of suits. I think the most important thing to remember is that you don't want the suit to look cheap, you just want the price to be cheap. The best way to tell if you're unsure: only buy a lined suit! Once you start shopping, you'll understand.
Surprisingly enough, Sears carries a line called Apostrophe that makes a great, cheaply-priced suit (yes, Sears). Although I couldn't seem to find the total price online, the jacket pictured is only $19.99 so you can imagine the skirt and shirt are probably dirt cheap.
Also included is Tahari suit found on Macy's. I just used this as an example(costs about $140.00) but I wanted to mention that Macy's usually has a huge selection of women's suits. Even better news is that they usually have a large sale selection under $100. If you're lucky enough, you can snag an Anne Klein or Tahari suit for under $100 (they normally are over $200).
I also found a great deal at Anne Taylor Loft for under $200. Here's their City Synthetic one button jacket($90.30) and pencil skirt ($41.30). I found this simple, white button-up at Target for $12.59.
Then there are those sort of awkward Happy Hours with co-workers. Ugh, dangerous territory. A little tip to keep you happy at your job: if you don't know them that well, don't drink too much. Anne Taylor Loft's Faux Wrap Shirt Dress($49.99) is something nice that won't offend anyone (showing a little skin could equal office ho to others) and you can still feel good in.
Last but not least, if you're young and alive after hours, here are some good examples of how to pull a day-to-night look. Hey, we work hard and we want to play hard too, dammit - just far away from anyone we work with.
This is a great deal:
Old Navy XXXXXXXXXX
For more money, this is something that I think is easy. Wear what appears to be a conservative dress (heh heh) with a buttoned up jacket over it to work. After 5, take that sucker off, swing it above your head in the car, and give the keys to the valet as you get out in your hot and revealing dress. Friday night, here I come!
These are just a few examples that can help you succeed in your career. Hey, every little edge can help move you up and that's what matters most.
