University Of Success Ch 35

Dressing for Success

• Appearance Matters: The world judges you based on your appearance, so it's important to present yourself as a successful person.
• Dress for Success Now: Don’t wait until you're successful to start dressing for success.
• Suit Color and Style: Aim for plain, dark blue or dark gray suits. Avoid patterned suits or those with fancy textures.
• Tailored Fit: Suits should be tailored to fit perfectly; alterations are crucial for a successful look.
• Trousers: Trousers should have a clean break at the shoe and be free of baggy fits. Avoid extreme bell bottoms.
• Avoid Heavy Fabrics: Opt for lighter fabrics to avoid sweating in overheated offices.
• Shirts: Simple white shirts with button-down collars are the most flattering choice for business attire. Avoid shirt pockets.
• Ties: Choose ties with subtle patterns and muted colors. Avoid overly wide or thin ties.
• Cuff Links: If worn, cuff links should be simple and understated.
• Handkerchiefs: A plain white linen handkerchief should be the only item in a jacket pocket.
• Suspenders vs. Belts: Successful people often wear suspenders, but never wear both suspenders and a belt.
• Shoes: Successful individuals pay attention to shoes; avoid chunky or heavy-soled shoes.

Dressing for Success

• Minimalist Shoe Style: Success is achieved by wearing the least amount of shoe possible. Patent leather Gucci loafers are ideal as they never need polishing and look elegant.
• Black Shoes: Black is the more practical choice for success as it pairs well with various colors and is always appropriate.
• Avoid: Shoes with pointed or heavy toes, welts, fancy stitching, patterns, ornamental straps, high heels, thick soles, “space shoes,” “earth shoes,” sandals, and shoes made of braided leather.
• Socks: Black stretch full-length socks are recommended as they look good with everything and prevent socks from falling down.

Women's Dress for Success

• Lack of Guidelines: There are fewer guidelines for women's business attire than men's.
• Ambitious Women: Ambitious women in business can get away with more than men in terms of dress because men have less clear expectations for women's attire.
• Simple Style: Successful women aim for a simple dress style that is appropriate for their business and unlikely to attract negative attention.
• Dress Code: Many companies have abandoned strict dress codes, but women who rise to leadership positions tend to dress more conservatively and professionally.
• Diane von Furstenberg Shift Dress: This style is flattering, suitable for various settings, a recognizable status symbol, and available widely, making it a good choice for ambitious women.
• Classic Suits: Simple, classic suits in dark colors, like gray or blue, are also recommended for business success. Chanel suits are considered classic, but imitations are acceptable.
• Fashion Magazines: It's a good strategy to study women's fashion magazines like Vogue, Bazaar, Glamour, and Mademoiselle, especially their "working women" issues, to gain insights into successful women's attire.
• Avoid: Very bright colors, "fussy" clothes, very tight pantsuits, short skirts, plunging necklines, and blue jeans.

Putting Men at Ease

• Appearance and Confidence: It's important to put men at ease by avoiding overtly sexual attire and excessive makeup or hairstyling.
• Natural Nail Polish: Natural nail polish is a better choice than bright or dark colors as it avoids conveying a sense of sexual objectification or lack of work capability.

Accessories

• Handbags and Briefcases: Successful women carry a handbag or a briefcase, but not both.
• Briefcases: A good, solid briefcase is more professional and conveys a serious intent.
• Handbag on Desk: Placing a handbag on a man's desk might be used as a negotiating tactic, but it's not recommended for seeking promotions as it can make men uncomfortable.
• Large, Solid Briefcase: Choosing a large, solid briefcase similar to a man's briefcase is more appropriate for business settings
• Initials: Having initials stamped on a briefcase adds a personalized touch and can be intimidating to older men.

This quiz focuses on the importance of appearance in professional settings and offers guidelines on how to dress for success. Learn about the ideal suit colors, styles, and the significance of tailored fits. Equip yourself with style tips to enhance your professional image and make a lasting impression.