Appearance in the world of work

Question 1

The role of appearance in the workplace

Answer 1

Clothes convey messages about you
You need to know who you are and what you want your colleagues to think about you
Neat, professional, competent, confident

Black - smart
Grey - conservative
Blue - dependable
Red - assertive

Question 2

How to create a professional appearance at work

Answer 2

Clean, neat, wrinkle free
Clothes fit well
Neat, polished, comfortable shoes
Limit jewelry
Hair and nails well groomed
No provocative clothes
No offensive clothes

Question 3

Guidelines for buying work clothes

Answer 3

Uniforms - identification/hygiene/protection
Choose basic colours
Fit well
Feel comfortable
Quality not quantitiy
Classic styles with ‘pop’ pieces
Mix and match easily
70 to 80% plain colours
20 to 30% patterned
Classic, comfortable shoes that match everything
Easy-care fabrics
Do not shop impulsively
Accessories - give style/complete an outfit
Choose accessories according to figure type

Question 4

Planning a basic wardrobe

Answer 4

1. Determine needs - lifestyle and activities
2. Evaluate existing wardrobe - what do you have and frequently wear, take career/personality into account
3. Examine available resources: budget determines what you can buy
4. Compile list: what compliments your existing cupboard, what should be in a basic wardrobe, what do you have

Organise/analyse your existing cupboard
Mix and match
Styles/textures need to be adaptable

Question 5

What are the nine factors to consider when buying clothes for work

Answer 5

Season
Different work functions
Type of work and activity
Budget
Figure type
Personality
Values
Design elements
Design principles

Question 6

Explain what needs to be considered: seasons (appearance in the world of work)

Answer 6

Summer - lightweight fabrics, cool and absorbent, linen
- pale/cool colours, white, cream, blue

Winter - heavyweight, wool
- black, grey, dark blue

Question 7

Explain what needs to be considered: different work functions

Answer 7

Choose daywear that can be dressed up with minimal changes
Avoid being provocative

Question 8

Explain what needs to be considered: type of work and activity

Answer 8

Work determines what you wear
Public work - neat/professional
Not public - less formal
Active - prioritise comfort

Question 9

Explain what needs to be considered: budget

Answer 9

Buy the best you can afford
Quality over quantity
Classic clothes that you combine with other clothes/accessories
Mix and match - multiple outfits

Question 10

Explain what needs to be considered: figure type

Answer 10

Compliments your figure
Emphasise assets, hide problem areas with dark clothes
Classic straight leg trousers work for most
Triangle/pear shaped - trousers and skirts that flare out over hips
Oval/apple - avoid pleats

Question 11

Explain what needs to be considered: personality

Answer 11

Show personality within the dress code

Question 12

Explain what needs to be considered: values

Answer 12

Reflect your value system
Do not wear offensive clothes

Question 13

Explain what needs to be considered: design elements

Answer 13

Line:
Create optical illusions
Vertical lines - height, works for short people
Horizontal lines - wider/shorter, tall people
V-necks - taller/slimmer
Cuved lines - outlines body, thinner people

Colour:
Compliment features/skin tone
Light colours - look larger
Dark colours - look smaller
Bright colours - draw attention
One colour - can make you look taller

Textures:
Sheen - suitable for formal occasions
High sheen - look bigger
Knitted fabric - comfy, can snag

Question 14

Explain what needs to be considered: design principles

Answer 14

Emphasis:
Draw attention to positive, disguise negative

Proportion:
Comparison of size, shape, space
Skirt length is correct
Handbag size, button size, pocket size

Harmony:
Well balanced outfit

Rhythm:
Repetition of design, colour, form, texture