Vaibhav, when we talk about professionalism, it does not just eventuate at one thing or attribute that reveals your professionalism. “It is about doing the things you love to do, even on the days you do not feel like doing them.” It is the conglomeration of the way you present yourself every day, said Sivaranjan. We are unveiling all the quintessential factors that bring out our assertiveness, and so far, we have gone through the trivia of professionalism, effective communication skills, and non-verbal communication – body language.
Vaibhav, do you know the subtle art of standing out while fitting in the workplace? How do you make yourself heard without words?
According to Abraham Putnick’s research from California State University, formal clothing exacerbated people to think like leaders and make decisions more expansively and abstractly. The findings were compared to those who made decisions based on immediate and pragmatic issues; these individuals wore casual clothing and placed less emphasis on appearance. As a result, we can conclude that formal attire is appropriate for people looking to advance in their careers. After all, the adage “dress for the job you want, not the one you have” is timeless.
Since the 1970s, the concept of power dressing has been prevalent. When professionals are dressed powerfully, they are said to look their best. However, the definition has evolved since the term was coined. It was all about wearing fine, expensive clothing with sharp lines that made professionals appear more angular and assertive in the early ages. Power dressing is no longer limited to clothing in the twenty-first century; rather, it refers to a person’s overall appearance. It’s all about wearing whatever you want while still looking attractive in anything and everything.
Vaibhav, I am sure you might wonder about corroborating power dressing in your daily life. Don’t worry, I will walk you through every step scrupulously, said Sivaranjan.
It is an eye-opener for me, uncle. I always thought power dressing or grooming depends on the way we dress for work. However, I am discovering some edifying facts about our overall presence in the workplace. It is a pragmatic journey for me and it can help so many others like me, said Vaibhav with a sparkle in his eyes.
Definitely, our conversations can ignite a spark in all the fledgling freshmen, said Sivaranjan.
What Is Power Dressing?
Power dressing is an individual’s distinct style that demonstrates their position and authority in business or at the workplace. When people advise you to dress for the position you want, they are correct because power dressing has a significant impact on your career. Not only does your clothing matter, but so do your style, confidence, body language, and overall demeanor.
Although your clothing is not an indicator of your intelligence, it does serve as a confidence and morale booster in the workplace. When you have intelligence, intellectual ability, and leadership potential, your dressing style conveys this message. The charm and suaveness that power dressing exudes are unmistakable and extraordinary for people who want to make a moniker for themselves in climbing the corporate ladder.
First impressions are peculiar, they never happen again. We believe in talent and inner beauty, however, we cannot deny the importance of power dressing. Your first presentation is your appearance, and if it is on point, your subsequent presentations in the boardroom are more likely to leave an impression. Your attire and demeanor in the workplace not only reflect your job description, but also reveal the relationship between your mind, body, and soul. So, no matter how hard you try to avoid the eternal dilemma of “What do I wear today?” You must plan your outfit before getting ready for a day at work.
What Are The Power Ways To Enhance Your Presence?
New-age businesses and start-ups take a more traditional approach. Today, CEOs of multibillion-dollar empires hold press conferences in plain tees! Power dressing has blurred, but there are unspoken rules about what to wear and what not to wear. Let’s look at the advantages of power dressing.
Power dressing is smart dressing. Well, the right attire can help you make a good first impression and even get you ahead at work. It serves as a window into your personality and influences how others (external or colleagues) perceive you. Corporate dress codes are divided into four categories: Business Professional, Business Formal, Business Casual, and Casuals.
Make sure you gel well with the attire
Whether it’s casual trousers with a t-shirt or an elegant suit, if it doesn’t fit properly, it’s not acceptable! Don’t just grab clothes from the rack and toss them into the cart. Choose them, try on different fits and colors, walk or try on comfortable postures, feel the fabric, commiserate with the color, and then take them home. Your clothing should reflect who you are as a person.
Keep your options open while culling colors such as charcoal gray, olive green, chocolate brown, and many more. Choose fabrics that accentuate your features. The clothes you wear should look good when you stand or move around as well as when you sit. Bespoke clothes are an all-time must-have because they fit perfectly to your body’s curves and make you look your best.
Say no to the grim look
With a tousled face, you can wear the best clothes and look dull. You must maintain your hair and beard. It is not sufficient to simply go to the salon for a haircut and shave. You must constantly pamper it and pay special attention to it by trimming it on time, using the right products, and taking special care.
A new hairstyle gives you a literal advantage over others. Any outfit can be put together with a decent trim, and the best suits will look shabby if your grooming isn’t up to par. The most important elements for power are a perfect fade at the sides, a well-trimmed edge, and a smooth shape.
It’s always about the best foot(wear)
It is said, “Good shoes take you to good places.” Vaibhav, if you want to outdo your entrance in a new space, then always put your foot forward with the best footwear, read the room and choose accordingly. Did you know that when you’re on a date, a woman looks at your shoes first? Always have a variety of shoes to wear on different occasions. Having a few pairs of clean shoes on hand will prepare you to conquer the world.
Even Steve Jobs, the minimalist, had a signature trainer New Balance 991 to go with his black roll-neck. Every man’s shoe closet should include a pair of well-polished brogues for formal occasions and a clean pair of sneakers for casual outings. Have formal shoes in both black and brown to match the accessories such as belts and watches.
Wear your confidence up your sleeve
A premium watch personifies power dressing like no other true staple. Watches, cufflinks, brooches, rings, and other accessories help to elevate your brand. You don’t have to wear all of these; instead, choose one or two and incorporate them into your style.
You, too, can have a signature style such as Narendra Modi’s Movado watch or Salman Khan’s bracelet. Just make sure to match your accessories to the occasion. It will make a strong statement and complete your flawless ensemble.
Bags to brag
You might be surprised to learn that power dressing includes bags. Assume, you are dressed superbly from head to toe and are carrying a backpack. It’s ruining your ‘Oh, so Perfect’ look. Similarly, if you simply replace the backpack with a sleek leather laptop bag, your boss may compliment the bag and notice you.
In an official setting, a laptop bag is more professional, as is a duffle bag on business trips. Your backpacks are certainly short and comfortable (which is why kids use them), but they lack the elegance to add power to your outfit.
See there, Vaibhav, a recipe for your magical aura through the tactics of power dressing is ready. Your impudence to make a difference in the corporate world will always be acknowledged, I am certain of that, acclaimed Sivaranjan.
Thank you for wishing me well, uncle. Your declaration and faith in me are surely boosting my confidence, said Vaibhav cheerfully.
One thing about power dressing at work is that it’s contagious. That is, if you decide to go the extra mile by paying more attention to detail in your professional attire, your coworkers are very likely to do the same eventually, said Sivaranjan.
Vaibhav, you have to tread this trail very cautiously. Your powerful outfits will create extra impact and radiate strong power postures. “Power dressing is about learning to present yourself most dramatically, it’s all about dressing in a way that conveys importance and success at the same time, says Allen Flusser,” quoted Sivaranjan.
Wow, you certainly are a connoisseur of professionalism. You should write a book to help freshers from every nook and corner of the world. It will bring together the deserted and baffled freshmen, gleamed Vaibhav.
https://www.thehrdigest.com/power-power-dressing/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/importance-dressing-professionally-at-work
https://www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/beauty-and-fashion/2021/09/23/power-dressing-effective.html
https://www.fuzia.com/blog/details/let-s-uncover-the-importance-of-power-dressing
https://www.edarabia.com/7-power-dressing-tips-what-wear-work/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-power-dressing-help-you-amplify-your-success-pradeep-agarwal
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/professionalism
https://www.manslife.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/shutterstock_739502467_1366x900.jpg
https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2138885/business-people-working-together.jpg
https://cdnz.blacklapel.com/thecompass/2018/11/best-suit-colors-LEDE.gif
Written By: Jimmy Jain
Edited By: Afreen Fatima
Society of Design Thinking Professionals
