I have a friend who swears by the golden rules of Color Me Beautiful and Dress for Success. I recently picked up New Women's Dress for Success to see what all the fuss was about. Dress for Success was first written in the 1970s by a researcher, John T. Molloy. The book is research and data driven analysis of how some forms of clothing perform better than others when it comes to corporate success. The book really took off in the Eighties when power suits had lots of shoulder padding and the briefcase was the status bag.
The material was last updated in 1996, right on the cusp of the internet revolution and casual Silicon Valley workplaces. As I was reading this, I kept wondering how it would apply to today. I work in the technology sector where most people are happy they got some clothes on on the way out the door in the morning. But even in this most casual, west coast environment, some of Mr. Molloy's advice still holds true. One of the most blunt pieces of advice he gives is that people perceived as upper-middle-class are more likely to be successful than others. If you are able to mimic this behavior, you can be successful too.
While I was reading the book, I found myself paying close attention to my judgements of others out in their daily life based on their appearance. Take this test the next time you are out in public. For one hour, ask yourself if someone is an executive as s/he walks by, and you will find very quickly there are certain things you will look for. The people you assume are executives are slender, neat, traditional, conservative and like "everyone" else. I observed my own tendencies, as well, and realize I have certain rebellious streaks that really pull me away from Mr. Molloy's recommendations.
Rules I Break
1. Dress to fit in with your co-workers. Given that most of my coworkers are men who have the convenience of a baggy blue dress shirt and jeans uniform, this is generally not the case. Even when working with women, I have preferred to stand out in my attire. I'm not convinced this is necessarily a good thing.
2. Be one of the more traditional dressers in your group.Since the tech sector does not cater to fashion conscious folks, I tend to be less traditional. When I was in financial services, I found ways to wear John Fluevog shoes to work, throwing my difference in the face of the man. Thinking back, if I'm an executive looking at such a person, I would wonder if they will be able to effectively represent the company. Interesting hindsight.
3. Make sure your hairstyle and makeup say "executive". I change hairstyles like some people change their bed sheets. I could probably tone this down to be less visual about my hair.
4. Wear serious footwear - no boots, sneakers, sandals, and spiked heels. Given that I'm 5 feet tall, I'm constantly wearing very high heels. I've also been told every inch is $10,000 in salary, so I'm making $50,000 in footwear alone. I also think the boots thing is dated. But have you seen any executive wear boots to work lately?
5. Wear only upper-middle-class colors and combinations - gray, navy, black, beige. Sometimes I follow this, but I have a hard time being pulled away from purples, pinks, blues and whites.
Rules I Generally Follow
1. Carry and wear obviously expensive accessories. I do love bags and shoes and have splurged on occasion. I wear a lot of my grandmother's costume jewelry.
2. The best casual clothing is made of natural fibers. Done.
3. Neatness counts when you are dressed casually. Agreed. I can do a better job of this on the weekends.I mean, I was judging people simply walking around shops on a Saturday if they were successful. Don't think it doesn't happen to you.
4. Don't dress sexy to work. Mr. Molloy points out that if a man dresses inappropriately, another man will say something. If a woman dresses inappropriately, no one will say anything since the men are embarrassed and the women don't think its their job. I have had the pleasure of coaching some young female team members on clothing appropriateness, so I have seen this avoidance in action. Once you are sexy at work, it is hard for people to take you seriously.
I'd love to see this book updated for the tech sector. What attire rules do you see followed for successful people in the tech business? In your sector?
Style Illiterate
P.S. If I dressed sexy at work, you would tell me, right?!
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