Tips for Smart and Economical Dressing for the Office For
Men and Women

Leahcim Semaj, Ph.D. - Change Agent

These tips are provided as a guide to new members of the work force on what is appropriate for work with most companies. As one observes the youngest members of the work force, (and regrettably some of the more seasoned) it is often obvious, that no one has pointed out the basics of good dressing. Don't despair; help is at hand. Some companies will provide you with uniforms and a strict dress code that will detail everything, from the length of your skirt to the length of your weave. These tips were developed by Cecile Johnson Semaj at The JobBank.

Depending on the nature of the product or service offered some work environments will be more formal, and others more relaxed; but most employers want their employees to feel comfortable and attractive while presenting the best possible image of the company.

At today's prices, you may not be able to dress the part of the fashion diva, but with careful planning and sensible spending you can create an attractive and practical wardrobe.

The key to looking good is clean, properly pressed, well-fitting clothing and shoes, in classic styles, and colours that give you that extra boost. Of course we won't know that they fit well if they are crushed or dirty.

Shoes
Wear your size. Two (2) pairs - black and one other will usually suffice. Best buy - leather. Sneakers are work shoes for pro-athletes and pickpockets. Alternate your shoes, try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. Leather needs 24 hours to recover and this way your shoes will last longer. Give them a thorough cleaning at least once per week. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, condition leather with saddle soap or polish of a suitable colour. Brush to a shine. Treat matte finish leather and suede as instructed by the manufacturer - they can be cleaned.

Ladies, backless shoes or slip-ons are not appropriate for work. Please check with your supervisor regarding open-toed shoes, some approve while others do not.

Belts
For men, the age-old guide is for the belt to be the same colour as the shoes. The colour of the pants will guide you in this. Two colours are essential - black and dark brown. Burgundy and tan are also useful. They should not be too long, and when cracked, stretched or worn, they should be discarded. Leather is the best choice. If not, examine the material for the tendency to stretch, the stitching and the likelihood to peel.

For women, the belt should not cut you in half, it should add to your outfit, not become the focal point. The width should be complimentary to your figure and don't draw it so tightly that onlookers will wonder if you are able to breathe comfortably.

Stockings
If you wear stockings ensure that they are the correct size and a colour that flatters you or is complimentary to your outfit. Stockings that are too large will gather around the ankles and will not give the smooth finish that was intended. Stockings that have runs in them must be used for other purposes or discarded.

Socks
White socks are not suitable for work unless you are a tennis instructor. The colour of your socks should match/compliment your pants. When they get stretched out, discard them as they will bunch up around your ankles.

Pants
Dark colours are a good choice as you can team them with a variety of colours and prints. The key is to ensure that your pants fit you well. Look at styles in magazines to get an idea of what is fashionable and what a good fit is. Treat yourself to a pair from a first-rate tailor or seamstress and use that fit as a future guide. Avoid fads if you want to wear the pants for more than a few months.

Gentlemen, your employer, his/her customers and your co-workers do not want to see your underwear, the end of your shirt or the crack of your …, please, save these views for those near and dear to you.

Skirts
They should not be too short; you should have enough to sit on if you were going to sit on an icy cold chair. Splits should not show us everything either. Colours - let the rainbow be your guide, but essentials are black, navy blue and beige or red. These will match almost any colour top you select. Choose a classic style over a trendy one for the office.

If you are reading this as a parent, you may wish to cut this out to help guide your child when the time comes, as some rules remain timeless. More next week!