The Dress Code, Handled with Emotional Intelligence



Get Advice from Take our Word.com on take-our-word.com. The Dress Code, Handled with Emotional Intelligence topic will increase your understanding on Advice from Take our Word.com. We at take-our-word.com only provide news, articles, information in Advice from Take our Word.com. Advice from Take our Word.com at take-our-word.com provides the most up to date news and articles. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

It strikes terror in the heart of some of us, while others ignore it completely. Some of us are relieved there is one; others of us resent it. The Dress Code: Does it affect your career, affect whether you’re hired or not, affect how you’re treated on the job? Definitely.

How do you ‘manage’ this particular area of your life? It requires emotional intelligence – some awareness, creativity, flexibility and intuition, and a whole lot of common sense.

For instance, in former years I applied for a job at a major international law firm. At the interview, we were handed one sheet of instructions. The second item they chose to put on this piece of paper was, “Since you have chosen to work in a conservative work environment...”

It went on to outline their strict dress code. Two of us were hired. The other one later complained to me about the dress code there. I maintain - she knew when she signed up, she agreed to it, she had no leg to stand on.

If you like to work out certain, um, conflicts in your life via the dress code, that’s your choice. Otherwise, here are some tips.

THE POLICY

Believe what you read. Part of EQ is reality-testing. If you’re a free spirit who likes to express herself through wardrobe and accessories, don’t work for a conservative law firm. Being provocative is not emotionally intelligent.

THE REALITY

There’s the P&P manual, and then there’s what really goes on. They don’t always coincide. Once you’re hired and working, EQ would suggest that you observe those around you and fit in. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

THE BASICS

·Start with neat and clean. No rumples, stains, frayed edges, hanging hemlines. Your clothes should look and smell clean and tidy.
·Make sure your clothes fit.
·Go easy on trends. A zebra-striped accent is okay. A total zebra look …save it for a social occasion.
·Watch “heaviness”. Don’t load yourself down with big jewelry or weighty fabrics.
·Watch what you do around your face. You should ‘set your face off,’ not outshine it.
·Aim for a smooth look – no underwear lines, for instance.
·Get the classics. The Little Black Dress really can get you everywhere – wear the right ‘tone’ of jewelry depending on your skin tone – pearls, gold, silver, it makes all the difference. Experiment. Black slacks and a white blouse (ivory, if you look sick in white, like I do) can take you anywhere.
·De-clutter. Less is more.
·Look at yourself in the mirror and see what you see.

If you’re applying for work at a business or corporation, err on the side of conservatism. If you work in an artistic field, you will, of course, have latitude. You likewise have some latitude if you’re really good in a highly competitive filed. Though I might not go so far as my young friend and computer genius with the 4.0, who told me, “I could show up for an interview with a bone in my nose and they’d hired me.”

CASUAL DAY

Often a nightmare for managers. Have you seen that memo circulating the Internet that starts out “Starting May 1 we will have Casual Day on Fridays”, proceeds through ”dashikis, turbans, bikinis, and gold lame jumpsuits are not...” and ends with “Casual Day has been canceled.”

Some companies use phrases like “client dress code” and “meeting dress code” to help the good-taste-challenged. If they don’t, use your common sense, quintessential EQ. If there’s a big meeting, or clients coming to the office, dress accordingly.

WHAT’S IN & WHAT’S OUT

The other day a friend of mine (we live in TX) was heading for the D. C. area and asked for my advice re: wardrobe. I told her no florals, no bright colors...” She interrupted with “How do YOU know?” Well, because I get around. I look around. I care.

My family moved every 2-3 years when I was growing up and in the summers I went to my grandmother’s in a rural Texas town. I got tired of being made fun, so I learned to learn quick. “Being made fun of” in the adult world can mean missing promotions, or being fired.

SO HOW TO FIND OUT MORE?

·People-watch. When you see someone well put-together, who looks really good, analyze why. Color? Fabric? Accessories or lack of them?
·People-ask. I can’t think of anything more flattering than to be asked how I manage to look so good. Ask and you can learn theory. One thing you’ll likely pick up, a la EQ, is that the person delights in dressing as they do. They’re having fun. They’re creative. Then remember, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
·Read magazines. Find some middle-of-the road magazine, something down-to-earth. Try “Marie Claire.” It’s a bit pricey but you can apply what you learn in a resale shop. FOR INSTANCE: They have “The Best Jeans to Flatter Your Shape.” “Great-fitting jeans are the ultimate wardrobe essential—and the hardest to find,” they say. I agree. The editors’ pick for all figures happens to be $138, but I’d pay that just to see if they actually flattered me: http://magazines.ivillage.com/marieclaire .
·Watch tv shows with fashion in mind. Anchor people are good, too.
·Use the Internet.
·Watch who compliments you. One time I had on something I will not describe to you, and a teenaged boy with purple spikey hair and 5 earrings brushed past me in the store and said, “Like, dude, cool outfit.” It went in the trash. What was I thinking?
·Work with a coach.

Like everything else, dressing appropriately and attractively can be learned, and it can make a difference in your life. The greatest accessory you can have is self-assurance. If you do your homework, you’ll know you look right, and then you’ll feel right. Personal Power!




Brand New *Hot* Easy Internet Email. - Get your own personalized email for you or your business, without the headaches! You pick the address, we do the rest!
Cell Phone Magic! - We reverse cell phone #s to address and name. 100% guaranteed.


Article Index: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57


Advice
Home Business
Technology
Online Advertising
Motivational
Internet Marketing
SEO Help
Online Games
Science Articles
Happiness

More Articles:


1. Why Collect Art Glass?
Ironically, I was asked this question recently. My first reaction was to wonder just how this person could be so naive. Then I realized that many people who don't collect glass may be naive when it comes to understanding the fascination that we art glass collectors share.There are definitely many different reasons that each person collects art glass, but the one thing we all have in common is the pure appreciation of artistic perfection. Just loo…

2. Do You Love Someone Who Suffers From Depression?
Publishing Guidelines: You have permission to publish thisarticle electronically or in print, free of charge, as longas the resource box is included with a live link to my site.A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.***********************************************************Title: DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION?Author: Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSWEmail: mailto:editor@overcoming-depression.comCopyright: by Dave …

3. FRAMING YOUR ART WORK
David Waddleton www.houseofcachet.com Purchasing framed art to many can even affect the decision they make in purchasing the artwork itself. However art is fairly simple to frame and is relatively inexpensive. Many of the art frames can be purchased to match your décor and/or other artwork adjacent. There are endless amounts of choices when it comes to finding the right frame online or offline. My personal preference is to purchase my artwork o…

4. Met Online? Tips for that First Meeting
1. Before you meet someone, it’s essential that you let a friend or family member know where you're going and who you're meeting. You’ll feel better and they’ll feel better knowing you’re being cautious.2. Meet in a public place. There's safety in numbers. 3. Keep the first meeting brief. As everyone knows, chemistry is fickle. You may know right off the bat that you don’t want to ever see this person naked, let alone sit through an entire dinner…