Day Job Dress Code

Posted by Yakuti in Archives | 4 views since Jan 31, 2012 | 0 comments

by Jacqui Olorunnisola

Many women who are currently jobless are praying for jobs. Those who have jobs are praying for promotions. This is not a bad thing, provided our motives are kept in check as always. It might be God’s will that you remain in your position for a while so that He can teach you something or do something in your life and situation for His glory. But it might not be the case. If after fasting and prayer you still feel you are not making progress, try to examine your professional life (in this case) and see if you are giving your best in all areas.

One issue that is a constant hot topic is the office/work dress code. CNN.com states that employers are more likely to promote people who dress well for work. Ladies, we have to remember that fashion and class are not about money. Divas do not have to be rich or wear the latest clothes. Jezebel, who was married to the king, was a rich woman and Mary, the mother of Jesus, was engaged to a carpenter.

According to Michelle McKinney Hammond, author of The Diva Principle: Secrets to Divine Inspiraton for Victorious Attitude, first impressions are very important. “When opportunity meets preparation,” McKinney-Hammond says in her book, “things happen – doors open, favor is released, and promotion is extended to you – if you know how to dress for the part.” Michelle says that dressing to perfection begins first of all with preparation of the body followed by the right foundation.

For a woman to succeed, she has to have the right foundation – character, beneath the surface where nobody can see it. Divas don’t have to be rich or wear the latest clothes. Their character supersedes all things. When character is right where it should be, then it is very easy to put our best foot forward and get things like fashion out of the way so that we can carry out our calling with more efficiency.

With this in mind, ladies, here’s a few tips for day job dressing!

1 The biggest rule of work fashion:

It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. That goes for the amount of material covering your… material.

2 Ask about the dress code the day you get the job.

Ladies, this is the easiest way to avoid a lot of problems. When in doubt, just ask. Approach your boss or Human Resources and ask them what is expected of you.

3 Stock up on the basics.

There are outfits with which you can never go wrong at an office job. A dark or neutral skirt or pant suit, a dark pair of shoes, a neutral colored, large-sized handbag.

4 Keep your clothes neat and clean.

I hope and pray this is a no-brainer for all of us. It’s distracting when women show up to work in creased outfits with dirty collars. Make sure you glance in the mirror before you leave the house. While there, be sure to check the eyes, and make sure there are no boogers in your nose, especially in the winter when people have runny noses that freeze over as soon as they step into zero degree weather.

5 Don’t be unnecessarily flashy.

It’s amazing how many Biblical principles you can find in the workplace. Keep jewelry and make up simple. No jingling around while you walk from desk to desk. Claw-like acrylic nails in screaming colors are a no-no. If you’re overdressed and overaccessorized, you will remind people of a circus, and not of Christ.

Still feeling a bit clueless? Here are a few outfit tips:

1 Two by two.

Pairs are good Pals. Keep that matching combo on hand. Skirt suits and pant suits look professional. Some cardigans come with matching tanks to give a great look. These can be matched with simple pants.

2 Pumps.

The pump is one of the longest lasting fashion trends. The earliest pumps were worn by both men and women in the 1500s. Every working girl needs a good pair of pumps. Shoes are a very important investment when it comes to work – especially if your job entails being on your feet or sitting down all day. Your feet carry the weight of your whole body. The wrong shoe can result in pain, sores and corns. Comfort is important because it will reflect on your face and in your work.

3 A carryall handbag.

If like me you need a place to keep a laptop, files, a cellphone, a novel and all the other itty-bitties that go into every woman’s handbag, then it would do you good to get a canvas or leather holdall bag. This is a convenient, toned-down bag that does not look like you are dragging a suitcase or trying to squeeze a house into a tiny wallet.

4 Nail care.

Especially those who work on computers and in the food and healthcare industries. If you have to explain something to someone, try to make sure they are not distracted by chipped, chapped fingers, peeling cuticles and dirty-green fingernails. Clients and employers notice and are turned off by nails.

5 Apply the Sunday Style tips every day of the week. Please remember:

- Tight and transparent are not appropriate.

- Strappy shoes (and sometimes peeptoes and slingbacks) are generally not allowed in the workplace.

- It’s possible to be appropriately dressed regardless of the season. Layer in the winter.

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