Do you dress the part?
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
January 27, 2011 5:35pm CST
A long time ago, when I first started working, I learned early that to get to where I wanted to be, I should dress the ‘part’. I was working at a place that developed consumer products, and I wanted to be part of those geniuses that decided what regular people bought at stores. This meant I had to deal with high profile Marketing people.
So I did. I started coming in business-like, and I became part of the group that I wanted to be in.
Nowadays, I still try to dress-the-part. Although we don’t have any dress codes at work, I still try come in to work looking professional so I could easily blend in with management when tasks and responsibilities are discussed.
How about you? Does dressing the part work for you?
I am not saying that the track suit is a bad look
, but don’t you think people take you more seriously if you dressed up?
Not only at work, but do you see this too when you’re up and about? Like when you go into stores or restaurants?
, but don’t you think people take you more seriously if you dressed up?
Not only at work, but do you see this too when you’re up and about? Like when you go into stores or restaurants?13 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
31 Jan 11
When I worked outside the house, I definitely did try to always dress professionally. It wasn't really because I wanted to advance in my work because I really was a person that just wanted to work to make money. However, for me I found that dressing the part made me feel better and made me care a lot more about my work. Now that I stay at home with the kids, I still try to dress nice to go out of the house because it does give me more confidence.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I think that is the mentality of most people that are eager to dress up at their respective jobs. That there is something more to whatever position they are holding on to. And that dressing the part gives the impression that you are capable of other responsibilities.
Thanks.
@mimoy36 (39)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
i think dressing the part really does great wonders. it makes other people take you seriously and by that it gives you opportunities to achieve your goals. although dressing up can be time consuming, but if you're going to get dressed anyway, why not dress up? :)
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I have met a few people who would attest that this is true. That dressing the part does give them opportunities that are otherwise not available. Impression goes a long way, and the way we look says something about ourselves too.
Thanks for the response.
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
For me it is good to wear not something weird so that the people we encounter is not scared of and said what kind of person you are.
@soulsshine (488)
• Bangladesh
28 Jan 11
Hi bounce!
I don't have any job yet but I'm really serious about my dressing. As I'm a business student and doing my Bachelor in Business Administration, duel majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management so it is really important for me to get used to this dressing part. Basically in our school, we people are really stylish ..I hardly wear casual dresses but when I have general classes I wear a bit less formal. But when I do my HRM classes we are strict to maintain our dress code otherwise our faculty give us penalty for bad dressing. In every semester (4 month semester) we normally have 3-4 presentations. That day we are expected to wear executive dresses, totally formal even when we have any seminar, workshop in our school we dress formal. I also see my faculties, most of them wear formal.
..I hardly wear casual dresses but when I have general classes I wear a bit less formal. But when I do my HRM classes we are strict to maintain our dress code otherwise our faculty give us penalty for bad dressing. In every semester (4 month semester) we normally have 3-4 presentations. That day we are expected to wear executive dresses, totally formal even when we have any seminar, workshop in our school we dress formal. I also see my faculties, most of them wear formal. @bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I think that is good training soulsshine.
Although it is not really out in the business world yet, the training you get there will make it very comfortable for you when you are going for interviews. And making it second nature will just make you successful.
You should post more pics of you in those formal wear here on myLot!
@jacrosealbert (107)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
Yup,I think you really have to dress the part. Like you said so people would respect you ^_^
@wilmscz (104)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
i don't usually dress the part of anything. i go for clothes that i'm comfortable wearing. before we have office uniform, now that we don't have, i usually wear casual clothes for office. and for some walks, a pair of jeans and a tank or tee will do for me. i seldom dress up, only when it's needed, like parties, but i still go with the comfortable, and clothes that will look fine with me.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
28 Jan 11
hi bounce the first part of my life I worked as a nurse's aide sol this was easy just buy white uniforms of whatever styke you liked and white stockings and white shoes. now they are more colorful with colored p ants and tops . the second 23 years I worked as a page in our local library and I dress in pretty skirts and tops as I shelved media all day long, not a librarian or clerk so I wore pretty and comfortable clothes myself.I dress up to shop ro eat out, as why not.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I've seen those colorful pants and tops that nurses, and I guess nurse's aides too! I've often wondered about those. Although, white symbolically looks clean, I've wondered why they didn't come up with those colorful scrubs sooner.
I think it looks good, specially in the nursery section.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
28 Jan 11
I work in an office where I don't deal with any of the people there. Basically, the people I work with are elsewhere, and most of my interactions are over the phone. Therefore, I go for "comfy". On the rare occasions when the boss comes up here and/or I actually have a face to face meeting with anybody, I go for business casual.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I think that'll be a perfect job for me. One in which I could go 'comfy' most of the time. Of course like you, I'd dress business like if need be, but I think it's just easier for me if my buttons wouldn't feel like I'm being strangled all the time.
Thanks dawn.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I don't usually dress the part for anything. I'm lucky if I throw my jeans on before the end of the day!
Actually, I've been needing to buy a couple professional looking outfits. I at least want to get a decent outfit for interviews. I had a horrible problem yesterday trying to find something nice enough to wear to my clerical interview. In the end I chose a pair of black slacks (that the button is missing from) and a sweater type blouse. Actually it didn't look half bad, but I think I could have been more professional looking. That was the best I could do with what was in my closet. I do have to find a decent pair of black slacks and a nice top.. or maybe even a dress, or a blazer. Anything that shows I'm a professional and can dress like one!
My hair was another story. I cut myself too short on time and wasn't able to do it the way I wanted. I ended up just quickly curling the bottom portion.. but my hair doesn't hold a curl very well.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I'm sure there'd be a lot of people around you, even here on myLot, that'll say that if you want to get a clerical job, you should dress like one. It's great that you got through on one interview, but I'm sure that as soon as you pursue that job, and get to more and more clerk-type interviews, you'd want to look more professional as ever. Goodluck!
@buggles64 (2709)
• United States
27 Jan 11
I have always had to wear a uniform, or part of a uniform where ever I have worked. Even as a child care supervisor...I wasn't allowed to wear outside the basic uniform attire (khaki's and top) but if need be, I can dress the part...as long as I can wear something that I FEEL COMFORTABLE in. Not everybody feels comfortable in khakis and uniform top!
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
28 Jan 11
I find that I have always dress the part where I am and to. I am use the professional area, so suits and hells is a must for me. When I go to our theater fundraiser, I normally know the dress etiquette as well.
When I go to a house and or family party, usually I know if I am to wear, a nice dress jeans and hells.
I also know when it is way over the top, to not overdress and or under-dress.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
I think it is even more difficult for women. Specially when their business attire also mean wearing heels.
It is easier for guys, as there are black shoes that wear like sneakers.
It's great that you know the line between overdressed and under-dressed, as some people really don't know.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
I dress accordingly always.
At the office, we wear uniforms. During Friday, we don't because we call it Wash day for our uniforms. But still, we are required to be in office wear , so i conform.
On Saturdays, we could wear our casual wears.
On days i have to go out to the Church or mall i dress appropriately.
@FX777222999 (437)
• Philippines
28 Jan 11
I experienced working from an average employee up to the managerial position, and I was really amazed by the results. Dress code means everything to me when its comes to workplace, going out, meetings, etc.etc..Since I was the one who wore neatly and trying my best to look good every minute of the day in the workplace, I was promoted from a regular employee up to managerial status. I've been on this position ever since and it's a habit of mine now. There's no use working without giving attention your personal hygiene and dress code. So, I taught my staff to do the same and the result is very, very positive which made my self-esteem soaring up.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
31 Jan 11
It's the optics of it all. If you look professional enough, then it sends the message that you do know how to take care of yourself. That you are responsible enough. Which means that you could be trusted with other responsibilities in the workplace.
Thus, dressing the part. Thanks.
