JetNetting ™ With Heshie Segal

The First Impression Factor, Part 3

 

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If you do not already have the proper clothing to make a positive first impression, now is the time to go shopping. Part III will give you the basic guidelines; follow them for your success.

For both men and women, natural fibers top the list. Silk and wool present the richest, warmest and most professional look. Cotton and linen are also natural and while they rank next in line, they wrinkle easily (unless they are a blend), making them less desirable. Synthetic fabrics are generally not viewed positively. Even though hard to tell in some cases, especially with blends, when the fabric is touched, it has a very different "hand" or feel to it.

An appropriate wardrobe for women in business includes suits and dress skirts, dress pants with white, off-white or pale colored dress blouses with a suitable neckline, and skirts that are at knee length, no shorter than three inches above the knee. Floor length skirts in a day-time business setting are not acceptable. Dresses can be worn though they are viewed as the least professional. By wearing an understated yet feminine cut, you will come across as strong and confident, flexible and approachable. While a masculine cut suit may reflect power, it may also be considered as aggressive, domineering, rigid and inflexible. While some think the "power suit" is a thing of the past, it is not and women are still safer following this course than dressing down. Overall, conservative classic styles get the best response. Women need to strike a balance and wear what is appropriate in their particular environment. Appearing professional is the key.

Inappropriate business attire for women includes shorts of any kind or length, stirrup or spandex pants, crop tops, anything sleeveless, tight clothing, sundresses, leather pants, denim clothing of any kind, or short skirts that put the focus on you and not your message. Gaudy clothing is usually more offensive to conservative people than conservative clothing is to those who wear gaudy or outrageous clothing.

The suit still ranks as the most appropriate and professional business attire for men. The suit fabric should be wool or gabardine. Avoid cottons and linens that wrinkle. The business suit is worn with a well-pressed dress shirt, belt, tie and dress shoes with over the calf socks. A jacket should be buttoned when standing and unbuttoned when seated. Solid navy blue (the dominant power color) and medium to dark gray suits are preferred. A soft stripe or muted plaid pattern are alternatives; however, the stronger the pattern, the more casual the suit will appear. For men who follow the rules for serious business attire, the minimum guideline is to wear at least two solids with one patterned item. The suit, shirt and tie are the elements upon which a man relies. Putting them together could mean wearing a solid colored suit and shirt, with a patterned tie. A well-cut suit is indicative of high status and/or wealth.

If you want to appear more approachable, leave the formal business suit at home and wear a navy blazer and gray or tan slacks. Strong patterns or colors in a sport jacket give you less room for choice in your shirts and ties and also becomes more memorable than you might like ... the used car salesman of the '60s and '70s comes to mind.

Under the jacket wear a shirt with long sleeves, extending about ½ inch beyond the jacket sleeves and preferably, professionally laundered. Unbuttoned collars, dare not show a "ring around the collar".

For a finished look, wear a solid white undershirt under the dress shirt.

In a business setting, the real professional will not wear jeans, denim or shorts. Save white pants for informal social events and the yacht.

Accessories and color will be covered in the next segments of The First Impression Factor.

 

 

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