DON'T LET YOUR CAREER BECOME A FASHION VICTIM

Five trends we want to see a lot less of in business wear.

 

For Women:

 

Underwear as outerwear

Who came up with the idea of wearing underwear as outerwear? Fabrics that are too sheer and tight, anything that borders on leaving nothing to the imagination or lingerie-like is sending a distracting message. For business, the more skin you show, the more credibility you lose!  It's as simple as that.

 

This is the single most requested item employers want us to address in our professional dress seminars. So necklines should not reveal a lot of cleavage, even when bending over, and tops should be long enough to meet the waistband of the skirt or pant, especially when seated, and please no thongs showing or butt cleavage, ever!

 

Click to see New York Post Scary-Look Photos WARNING - Not for the faint of heart.

 

Shrunken fit

Lately we've seen Oprah wear trendy shrunken jackets (they tend to look like they're two sizes too small). Even with her svelte, new body, these don't do her justice. The reality is that when we wear clothing that's too tight, it emphasizes our size, whether large or thin.

 

If you are preoccupied with losing that extra 10 pounds after the holidays, remember shrunken clothing only serves to make us look 10 pounds heavier. If you're at the opposite end of the spectrum, thin and angular, it actually calls attention to this. Clothing with ease, which fits well is the best option for all body types. As an added bonus, you'll feel more comfortable as well.

 

For Men:

 

Distressed clothing

Intentionally frayed, wrinkled or bleached is becoming a fashion statement. Yes, people actually spend money on new tailored clothing that looks trashed. (Click here to see what we mean, zoom in and check out the supplier's fine print - "This blazer features distinctive frayed edges. This is part of the style and not a fault of the garment.")

 

It may be totally appropriate if you're employed at a hair salon or an avant-garde graphic design firm, however in most business settings it just sends a confusing mixed message.

 

In business many of your clients will simply presume you don't have the time, money or inclination to launder, press or buy good clothing. If you like the look, and work in a conservative setting, save it for weekend wear or save your money. You wouldn't buy a distressed new BMW, would you?

 

Flat front dress pants

Dress trousers with a flat front are a more casual look and are a trend that may quickly date your otherwise classic suit. Most men benefit from a moderate pleat in dress trousers - it eliminates wrinkles at the hipline for a well dressed fit (pockets in flat front trousers tend to gape) and provides a bit of ease and 'wiggle' room in the event of moderate weight fluctuations. 

 

Longer suit jackets

This is a look that is being embraced by young businessmen.  If you have tall proportions with long legs, it works. However if you are average to short in height with short legs, steer clear or you will wind up looking like Toulouse-Lautrec in a ditch. For best proportions, short or average men should wear their jackets just covering the curvature of the buttocks.

 

Get real, please

Sometimes we just shake our heads. Fashion designers rarely consider the real world of business. We aim to help you sift through the fashion trends to choose attractive business looks that express personal style and yet enhance your professional image.

Dining Etiquette Question:

 

No soup for you!

 

Q.

I know where to place my knife and fork when I'm finished with my main course but what about my soup course? I've seen some people leave the soupspoon in the bowl and some leave it on the plate, which is correct? I want to follow the proper rules.

- In a soup in Vancouver

 

A.

And rules are important. Just ask Jerry Seinfeld's soup-nazi. (Click here to see the soup nazi and his rules)

As for the soupspoon, if you're resting, the correct position for the spoon is in the bowl. If you're done, the soupspoon is placed bowl up on the right side of the service (under) plate. That way when the staff takes it away there's less chance of the spoon falling.

If you're eating at a very casual restaurant and they don't provide a service plate under the bowl, rather than placing the used spoon on the table, you would leave it in the bowl when you're done.

The underlying etiquette rule is to prevent mess and keep the linen clean. Don't mess up the tablecloth or "No soup for you!"

 

- Terry

 

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Quotes of the Month:

 

The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you're hungry again.

 

- George Miller

 

Fashion is something that goes in one year and out the other.

 

- Unknown

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All contents Copyright ©2006, Style for Success Inc. - Terry Pithers and Joanne Blake except where otherwise indicated. All rights reserved worldwide. Duplication or reprints only with express permission or approved credits as indicated below.

Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:

This article was submitted by Terry Pithers and Joanne Blake, business dining, image and etiquette experts, speakers and authors.
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Copyright © 2006 Style for Success Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.