Vibrant Nation

Workplace style: Tips for a more polished, professional image

Sandy Dumont's avatar Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 by Sandy Dumont Professional image consultant Sandy Dumont has consulted for TV, Fortune 500 companies, politicians, and celebrities. She is the founder and President of the World Association of Image Consultants, a pioneer in the field of image psychology and impression management, and a thought leader in color psychology. View this video demonstration by Sandy for tips on how to make a strong fashion statement at work and still be taken seriously as a professional.
It only takes two seconds to make a long-lasting but very powerful and memorable first impression. In this video demonstration that originally aired on ABC, I give one woman a power makeover using items that she already had in her own closet.

Tips I share in the video include:
  1. How to wear her power suit, instead of the other way around
  2. The two things every woman can do to give a powerful impression at the office
  3. The right colors to wear for maximum professional impact and credibility
  4. Common wardrobe mistakes regarding bustline and hemline
Click the arrow below to view the video:



Learn more about Sandy's work on her website, The Image Architect
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responses (9)

Rowena's avatar Rowena
Rowena said to Sandy Dumont
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I can definitely see how cleavage affects the image a woman presents. I'm a woman and *I* have a hard time taking another woman seriously when she's "showing". I feel like I involuntarily glance down repeatedly and it distracts from my ability to listen to her, whatever she's trying to say! I think it's also a shame when women don't realize they're wearing a bad bra, and the "girls" are down close to the waist. That's as distracting to me as cleavage!
Marilynne's avatar Marilynne
Marilynne said to Rowena
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I remember a woman who came to work in a crocheted top (lots of viewing room) and then complained that men were harassing her at work.  Wasn't that the message she was sending?

julie davis's avatar julie dav…
julie davis said to Sandy Dumont
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Yes I would agree with you Sandy how important it is to one's credibility to dress for the impression you want to make. It is having the complete package from head to toe. I think so many us do not understand the value of creating a good first impression and how it impacts others perception of us.
kgritts's avatar kgritts
kgritts said to Sandy Dumont
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Loved the video! It really jogged my memory. It's easy to get lazy and dress like everybody else. This reminded me that you need to "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" so that folks will see you as someone with credibility. Great post.

Sandy Dumont's avatar Sandy Dum…
Sandy Dumont said to kgritts
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Thanks for your feedback. Dress to impress and you'll be a source of inspiration to others!

Marilynne's avatar Marilynne
Marilynne said to Sandy Dumont
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It works in other ways too.  Once a man I worked with was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  No one told me that until later.  However, they did tell me he had focused on me as the source of his problems.  Some of his complains weren't even rational or documentable.  However, once I knew about it, I began wearing soft feminine, housewifely clothing.  I felt like I'd faded into the woodwork and maybe I had.  He went else where to have his breakdown.

Sandy Dumont's avatar Sandy Dum…
Sandy Dumont said to Marilynne
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Marilynne,

The way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from you. Thanks for your feedback!

pamkoh's avatar pamkoh
pamkoh said to Sandy Dumont
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I would love to dress more professionally , but I'm a pharmacist and have to wear the totally flattering (not) white lab coat. Also, I stand all day so comfortable shoes are an absolute must. The pharmacy is super-hot in the summer. So difficult to look professional while I'm sweating to death. Any suggestions? Lots of lady pharmacists would like some advice.

Sandy Dumont's avatar Sandy Dum…
Sandy Dumont said to pamkoh
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Pam,

White has been given a bum rap, because we are in the habit of saying "stark white." I'm assuming you mean that the lab coat started as white but it's lost it's brilliant sheen from washing, wearing, etc. Pure white can be very flattering if you wear a little pink blusher and lipstick. Do this:  crape a pure white towel or white t-shirt next to your face. Then drape something orange or coral over one shoulder. Drape a fuchsia fabric over the other shoulder. Remove the fuchsia fabric and notice how harsh the white appears. Then do the reverse: remove the orange and put the fuchsia fabric back on one shoulder. Notrice how soft the white has become.

Your pink lipstick and blusher will elicit the same reaction, and you will look "pretty" as well, in addition to appearing soft, kind, pleasant, etc.

As for keeping cool, natural fabrics "breathe" better, as I'm sure you know, but look for ultra light-weight fabrics. Also, I advise my corporate clients to choose jackets without collars in the summer because they are cooler. I realize that the "classic" lab jacket has a collar, but perhaps there is one manufacturer who makes one without a collar. 

Here's a tip from a pharmacist in San Diego. She said that years ago she worked for a big chain that required both men and women to wear a tie with their lab coat. Later, with another firm, she continued the habit, while the owner and chief pharmacist didn't wear a tie. Everyone deferred to her. In the winter, you could think about wearing a great looking tie. in a dark color (to contrast with the lab coat)  but with a pink stripe or small repeating pattern in pink - to harmopnize with your lipstick and blusher.

If you wear pants with your labcoat, shoes won't mater much, since they'll barely be visible.

Hope this helps. Give me feedback after you've given it a try.

Pure and Natural