Wardrobe problems at work can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and time consuming. I once had the unfortunate experience of rounding the corner into the office kitchenette as one Java drinker was exiting. His cup of Joe went flying — fortunately, the coffee was not scalding, but I was soaking wet, stained and embarrassed. I realized I had no option but to return home to change clothes.
In today’s fast-paced world, an unplanned trip home (especially if it requires switching Metro lines) can be more than an inconvenience, as deadlines pass and e-mails accumulate unmercifully in your in-box. So, here are a few tips that will allow you to keep the ball in the air even when your wardrobe has been sacked:
*For the worst-case scenarios, keep a change of clothes at the office, even if it’s just a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. No one will fault you for a day of dressing down, but they might not be happy if you disappear just before the big presentation in front of the CEO.
*A safety pin can be the difference between dressed-to-kill and disaster. Toss a few in your paper clip holder for those days when zippers break, buttons pop or hems fall out.
*Buy stain-resistant clothing. Fabric finishing is increasingly high tech, with today’s stain-repellent offerings having far surpassed their scratchy, stiff and unfashionable predecessors. From Dockers, Haggar and Liz Claiborne to Brooks Brothers, Gap and Lands’ End, to name just a few, the options are numerous and expanding.
*Treating stains depends on the type of fabric and the nature of the staining agent, but a few general rules apply across the board: 1) Attend to a spill immediately. The longer you wait, the more it will set. 2) Blot, don’t rub. 3) Keep a bottle of vinegar handy, as it is good for many types of stains.
*Most of all, keep your sense of humor.
Dear Jordan:
I have always liked wearing a sport jacket with a turtleneck but I don’t want my boss to think I am slacking by not wearing a tie. Is there a rule to this look?
Steve - McLean
The better way to go without a tie is to pair up a sports jacket with a crew or V-neck sweater. This look can be dressed up or down depending on choice of pant because trousers, cords or even jeans will work.
Dear Jordan:
My assistant wears micro mini-skirts and even though she has a great figure, she joins me for presentations and I think it undermines our credibility. How do you suggest I tell her to stop wearing them? Frieda - Silver Spring
Bring it up as a question rather than a criticism. “Do you think your short skirts are distracting from our presentation? I have noticed their eyes are more on you than our flipcharts.” Suggest a skirt length mid-thigh or just above the knee when you have important meetings. Good luck.
Dear Jordan:
I can’t wear pantyhose but the thigh highs always fall down. Any tips?
Minnie - Fairfax
Try a different brand because the elastic support designs vary. Garter belts aren’t as comfortable but the finer lingerie shops have different styles that will give you a tighter fit.
Dear Jordan:
I wear a suit and tie everyday but my branch manager goes casual. This sends a mixed signal when clients visit (and often they come unannounced). Do you have any ideas about how to talk to my boss or my clients because there is definitely a disconnect. Andrew - Potomac
Appropriate attire is determined by both the company culture and the roles you play. If your clients are responding to you, then by all means, continue the traditional attire. And, if they frown at your boss, acknowledge it with a positive. “As the boss, he does a lot more running around than I do” or “Wearing play clothes is the reward for running a successful branch”. Showing respect for their concern and your boss’ attire will impress them and strengthen your own image.
Dear Jordan:
I am at a tipping point in my career and need to be taken seriously. Will wearing pink set me back? Should I stick with traditional dark blues, black and gray? Renee - Bowie
Color shouldn’t tarnish your professionalism if you wear the right clothes. A mini-skirt or halter top in any color is inappropriate at your level but classy apparel or accessories in any shade of pink (which is hot right now), either as your primary or accent color, will enhance not interrupt your goals.
Jordan Speer is the senior editor of an apparel business magazine and she has been writing about the industry for more than nine years. . Send workplace or corporate fashion questions to styleforsuccess@aol.com.
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