Appearance in the world of work Flashcards
The role of appearance in the workplace
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
How to create a professional appearance at work
Clean, neat, wrinkle free
Clothes fit well
Neat, polished, comfortable shoes
Limit jewelry
Hair and nails well groomed
No provocative clothes
No offensive clothes
Guidelines for buying work clothes
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
Planning a basic wardrobe
- Determine needs - lifestyle and activities
- Evaluate existing wardrobe - what do you have and frequently wear, take career/personality into account
- Examine available resources: budget determines what you can buy
- 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
What are the nine factors to consider when buying clothes for work
Season
Different work functions
Type of work and activity
Budget
Figure type
Personality
Values
Design elements
Design principles
Explain what needs to be considered: seasons (appearance in the world of work)
Summer - lightweight fabrics, cool and absorbent, linen
- pale/cool colours, white, cream, blue
Winter - heavyweight, wool
- black, grey, dark blue
Explain what needs to be considered: different work functions
Choose daywear that can be dressed up with minimal changes
Avoid being provocative
Explain what needs to be considered: type of work and activity
Work determines what you wear
Public work - neat/professional
Not public - less formal
Active - prioritise comfort
Explain what needs to be considered: budget
Buy the best you can afford
Quality over quantity
Classic clothes that you combine with other clothes/accessories
Mix and match - multiple outfits
Explain what needs to be considered: figure type
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
Explain what needs to be considered: personality
Show personality within the dress code
Explain what needs to be considered: values
Reflect your value system
Do not wear offensive clothes
Explain what needs to be considered: design elements
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
Explain what needs to be considered: design principles
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