Your appearance is particularly important in making a positive first impression. Although you may not be able to change your physical features, understanding the significance of good grooming, hygiene and appearance can help you emphasis your strong points when dressing for an interview or for the workplace.
Projecting a positive image by dressing appropriately is imperative in developing trust and building rapport with others. Negative first impressions are hard to change and they will hinder relationship-building processes. In social or business settings, clothing acts as a communicator for yourself, your company and your position. In addition to dress, impressions are conveyed by a person’s overall appearance, which includes grooming, accessories and jewellery. Shoes in particular come under intense scrutiny; wearing inexpensive or shabby shoes is the ultimate no-no.
The suit remains the most appropriate business attire for both men and women. Men should choose a navy blue number however medium or charcoal gray are two other acceptable options. The shirt should be white cotton and long sleeved. Trying to pull off another colour in New York for example is an absolute faux pas. Additionally the colour of your shoes should be black. Of course brown shoes can lend an attractive Italian vibe, but again any one that has worked a day in the City in London or New York will know that brown shoes send all the wrong messages.
Middle Eastern men wearing thobes, should make sure to wear a freshly pressed white one and not any other colour. The thobe is similar to the suit in that the quality of the fabric sends a clear message: pure natural fibres such a cotton, linen, silk and wool are associated with higher status, whereas synthetics like polyester are associated with clothing of the lower-middle class. Other fabrics such as leather, suede, velvet and satin are completely inappropriate in the office place.
In as far as women are concerned the most appropriate look is a black, navy blue or a medium blue suit combines with a white blouse. A good tip would be to build your wardrobes around solid colours as this provides more opportunities to mix outfits. In addition, women are advised to use pastels to soften colours such as brown, black and navy. Always consider the occasion, the season, the climate and your skin and hair tones.
At the end of the day, there are no straight-cut rules only suggestions and you will need to rely on your own gut instinct. However when in doubt, remember this simple rule: it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Sarah P. Shebaya is a Certified Protocol Professional, CPP. She is an Inter- Cultural Trainer and Business Protocol and Etiquette Consultant for governments, businesses and individuals.
Women's winning interview attire
Solid blue or black conservative suit
White blouse
Quality, medium height heels
Limited jewellery
Neat, professional hairstyle
Tan or light hosiery
Sparse make-up & perfume
Manicured nails
Portfolio or briefcase
Men's winning interview attire
Solid grey or blue conservative suit
White long sleeve shirt
Sober tie
Dark socks, professional high end shoes
No jewellery
Neat, professional hairstyle without wax or gel
Go easy on the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase
