Work Ethnics!!

Getting dressed for the office doesn't mean leaving your personal style behind, you still can look awesome if you dress appropriately. First and foremost, colors play a big part in professional image. Traditionally colors are classified as - red (offensive), navy (reliable), gray (orthodox) and black (smart).

Most of these colors work well with suits, skirts, pants, shoes and mix easily with softer feminine colors like sky blue, lilac, soft pink and ivory. So we should ensure that along with the choice of dress, the colors should also be taken care of.

Apart from clothing, the accessory we carry along with it matters too. Excess jewelry like dangling earrings or stacks of bangles is distracting; instead stud earrings or single bracelets can be worn.

Keeping the following in mind can go a long way to ensure that you are adhering to the work ethnics!

• -          Select clothes that are comfortable and at the same time communicates a professional attitude.
• -          Choose some of your existing business wardrobe and combine it with casual clothing, for example, try wearing a button-down shirt with khakis and loafers.
• -          Clothing should be clean, pressed. Shirts need to be tucked in (few women blouses are made in way that it is not required to tuck in, however, and this is permitted).
• -          Body piercing which can be seen by the client (with the exception of earrings) is not permitted.
• -          Hairstyle should prim and proper so that it gives a professional appearance: clean and well-groomed.
• -          The cloth worn should not be too loose or too tight, fitting should be taken care of diligently.
• -          Take your day's schedule into account when you are dressing. Keep an extra jacket, in the office for unexpected meetings.
• -          Clothing that reveals too much of any part of your body or your inner wear is not appropriate for a place of business, even in a business casual setting.
• -          Certain days business casuals are allowed, generally on Fridays. On these days, jeans and t-shirt or a top can be worn.
• -          Suits are a must have for office going men. A two-button navy suit is serious, sharp and appropriate, for all kinds of meetings.
• -          Formal shirt is the building block of every man's wardrobe. A spread collar white shirt can never go out of style and always means business. Wrinkle-free or no-iron shirt is a must have as it stays crisp and takes only 15 minutes for drying.
• -          Solid-color silk ties are always good for boardroom meetings. Wool/cotton blend matte mix can be a good break away from the shiny silk tie. Warm spring temperatures can be accompanied with a comfortable linen tie. The straight fold and puff are great ways to wear a pocket square.

Trying out fancy stuff on ethnic days and festivals works fine as long as HR policies of the firm are firmly kept in mind! Remember, it’s your workplace, dressing sharp and sensible is the way to go at all times.

Alisha Sehgal