Success factor Fashion

Parents are so keen to give their child a name which will not hit it back in their life. Something that can easily be cut short, but not estranged. Something that sounds self-confident and looks solid on business cards. They put so much effort in it... and then they dress their kids like idiots. What were the far too short trousers in the 80s, seem today to be the sandals with white socks. Seriously? That's cruel. The name can be as brilliant as possible and nevertheless those kids will suffer during high school. And just to take the basic argument away: no! Looking good has nothing to do with money or practical thinking. It has simply to do with understanding yourself.

Why I point this out? I am convinced, what kids don't learn early, they will never learn. Table manners is another example.Those small factors become so important in business life. I appreciate my parents had style and taught me the importance from the beginning. Every employee is a representation of the company and it's brand. What do you think: would a lawyer agency prefer to send somebody to an important client with white or black socks under the black suit?

I would love to say, that this counts for men and woman alike, but let's be honest. It's not. A woman does not only have to proof through a higher level performance that she is worth her salary or a promotion. Also her look will be judged. Imagine a woman and a men coming to a meeting with jeans and a white T-shirt. He looks still self-confident, uncomplicated and straight forward. She looks a bit slutty, particular if the shirt is bodyhugging, and that simply because society has that stereotype picture in mind.

Statistics show that a first impression is influenced to 55% by the way you dress. You can sound as smart as you want, if they don't like you in the first 10seconds, you won't rock the meeting anymore. When you meet a client, a business partner, a team colleague... why not overdress slightly and show them your respect. Your fashion statement can easily tell them how important they are for you right now and how serious you take this talk. This should give you a much better start and you would be surprised how more likely you are to win this game.

To win from the beginning and leave a professional impression, here are a few tips about dressing up for business:

1. Yes, the traditional style guide still exists. For woman this means simple basics like never go without stockings, no open shoes, skirts and dresses should cover your knees, tops should not be transparent and jewellery/make-up/perfume should not be overloading. You might think, people don't recognize those details, but actually they do. Especially if several points come together.

2. Find your style, colors and forms. Understanding what forms you can wear and what not is fundamental. Not everybody looks the same good in every color. I have pale skin and therefor avoid colors like yellow or orange. Horrible! If you are small like me and formed like a pear, be careful with trousers. Not all fit well. I recently learned a great tip by a sales person at Hugo Boss: In her suits she removed the pockets and stitches it up. Less textile which could visually put volume on your hips. You nevertheless don't need the pockets - hands should be visible, items find their home in your bag. Love it!

3. Celebrate your gender and be diverse. Men can wear a suit in black, grey, blue. Done. If you want to have fun, grab a coffee in the morning and go out to stand in the financial center of your city. It's impressive. They all look alike, even the woman. It's like somebody died. It's a pity, because as a woman you have the opportunity to be dressed correctly and express your personality. You like pink? How about pink high heels and a black dress? Or a pink blazer and black skirt. Or you go classic black and white but instead of a scarf you wear a tie or bow tie. Culotte pants and a twin set or even a blouse with suspenders look lovely.

4. Be true, not dressed-up, to be self-confident. You are probably rolling with your eyes now as this sounds all so artificial. They are guidelines and rather generic. Use your fantasy on how you can realize it for you. If you don't like high-heels, wear flats. Having white sneakers on dark blue trousers with a white blouse and a marine-like sweater is absolutely fine. Looks for me like a tough leadership woman who needs to sprint from one meeting to another. Make yourself a brand and express it. Being dressed up makes you uncomfortable and even if your outfit is perfect, your posture will ruin everything. It's not worth it.

5. Be prepared. Being a business woman, means being a lady. Fashion, manors, brain... it all plays together. Ladies are prepared for everything that could happen during the day. A few decades ago, this role was taken by the leading secretary. She was prepared for any problem that could come up. Nowadays we are grown up girls enough to take care of us ourselves. I always have an emergency bag in the office. It includes a pair of black shoes, basic make up, a brush, a nail set, a pair of stockings and perfume. It covers the main accidents to ruin your outfit. Men traditionally should also have another white shirt or another tie in the office. Another one: Lay out your clothes the evening before. It gives you time to think through what message you want to bring over and what makes you comfortable. It avoids rushing into the first shirt crossing your way in the morning and recognizing in the office that it has wrinkles. You also have 5min more time in the morning. Take them to stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself you look good. Sounds strange, but you would be surprised how quick the smile appears on your face, you stand straight and you will rock this day!

6. Don't forget the accessories. It includes everything additionally to the clothes you wear. A colorful scarf is helpful for rooms with air condition. Manicured hands are a must! If you decide to wear a shinny nail color, it should not be five days old. A handbag helps not to lose anything. Friends always tell me "You have your shit together". Actually, the honor goes to my handbag. Make your hair when leaving the house. At least brush it! Nobody wants to know how you look when leaving the bed. If you don't like make-up, how about transparent lip gloss? It makes your lips fuller without loosing your natural flair. But even more important: it puts notice on your smile which is probably the most valuable accessory we have. Never loose what makes you so special!

You know yourself best. You will find the perfect look and be surprised how much easier it can be in business. Enjoy!