The Professional Edge

It's hard to believe that women have only been a force with equal pay and opportunity in the work place since the late 1970's, barely 30 years ago. At first women wore skirted suits of the same material that men's suits were made. As the saying goes... we have come a long way. The corporate structure of your company sets the tone for this unofficial dress code and women today have far more latitude in what to wear. The flip side to this option is that women have many opportunities to make mistakes.

Given a group of professionals equal in experience, education, ambition, intelligence and political acumen without fail the one that looks the part gets the job. That very important professional appearance so critical to obtaining interesting assignments, increased earnings and upward mobility can easily be obtained by YOUR Fashion Fit Formula solution. It provides the measurements to turn your wardrobe into the harmony and symmetry of balance usually found only in custom designed clothing.

Business casual is a condition fraught with danger for the woman who aspires to a high professional level or public position. In many companies jeans are acceptable to wear on Friday’s. Don’t fall into the trap. Set yourself a part, by dressing more casual than normal but not casual enough to be shopping at the mall or hanging with friends.

In days of ole (back in the 1950’s and 1960’s) a company that was planning on hiring an executive (male of course) would arrange a dinner invitation for both the prospective employee and the wife. Plenty of liquor would be served, and the entire process was anything but a friendly get together. Many a career was sabotaged before it even started. In many ways Business Casual has taken the place of that archaic custom. Even if you think your position isn’t visible, you walk through the door, go to the ladies room, eat in the company cafeteria or go to the snack room. You are seen. Never has it been more important that you apply your individual Fashion Fit Formula solution to your casual business clothing. Business sloppy is not business casual. You are being judged continually. How would this employee appear and handle herself at an informal business event with an important client? While these words are not spoken, they are thought.

Your ability to get promoted frequently depends upon your interaction with employees in other parts of your company. Get known even if your current job doesn’t put you in direct contact with people outside of your department. Say hello, to someone you don’t know when on the elevator etc. Ask their name and where they work. They will then have to do the same! You will make a great impression with your perfectly proportioned casual business wardrobe!