| Being
You and Being You at Work
| *A
monthly column devoted to helping women and men be their
best and most confident in any situation.
Topics include dress, body language, attitude and etiquette.
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Victoria Seitz, PhD
Image Expert |
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Some one mentioned to me that I should update my book and include comments
related to tattoos and body piercings and your image at work. To many, these
bodily adornments communicate who they are and are important to their total
image. Mention to someone that they have to give these up if they want to
work somewhere and they may just walk away from the position or secretly
wear them at work. It reminds me when I was a student and said that I wouldn't
work anywhere that I couldn't wear my Levis. Come to find out that in one
of my meetings with my superior in the Fashion Office at Burdines that wearing
pants (not even jeans) was considered unfashionable.
Being you and being you at work are two different parts of your life but
are integrated with one another. You can communicate who you are within
the confines of your profession and the corporate culture. However, like
me with my Levis there are some things that are best worn with your peers.
When you are at work you are among all different types of people, mostly
none that are part of your peer group. Why create a barrier to rapport with
body adornments and clothing that typecast you - that's right - stereotype
you? Build a bridge of rapport by creating an image that communicates who
you are within the realm of your profession, business peers and clients.
Here are some tips that will help you get started:
- If you have a tattoo, don't show it off at work. If you can cover
it with clothing. If you are serious about your career, you may consider
having it removed which is a relatively easy procedure now. Your tattoo
may have been cool like my jeans were, way back when but its not now.
- Regarding body piercing for men and women - not at work. Two earrings
are becoming common at the workplace for women and in some places an
earring for men are ok, but holes in your earlobes, nose rings, tongue
piercing are not acceptable in the workplace unless you are a designer
or work on Melrose in Los Angeles! In most professions body piercing
doesn't fly. Wear them when you are hanging out with your friends and
not at work or the office party.
- Another ornament that is overdone is jewelry such as six earrings
on one ear, rings on every finger and toe, lots of dangling bracelets,
big necklaces for men, and ankle bracelets to name a few. Give it up.
Let people see the real you! Rings on your ring fingers are ok, a bracelet
or watch that isn't noisy is super and if you just have to have something
that makes you unique try something inconspicuous like a toe ring. I
have one but no one see's it except the pedicurist and when I'm wearing
sandals on my time.
- Now you probably think I have taken out any imaginable way to show
off who you are but there are alternatives. For example, try an interesting
accessory that becomes your trademark that is appropriate for your work
environment. I enjoy interesting pins for my lapel and wear men's' silk
hankies in an unconstrained manner. Try interesting scarves, ties, or
for men, suspenders.
- Save the fishnets ladies for your time but consider hosiery in colors
that complement your outfit and are sheer.
- Jewelry is fine but forget the diamond studded watch and go for something
that is more toned down but you such as a Mickey mouse watch or Winnie
the Pooh if that is your gig.
- Don't forget that your office can communicate who you are with pictures
and things that you've collected over the years.
- Being you at work is possible. Simply use your imagination and create
your trademark in the clothing and accessories you wear that bring together
your professionalism and individualism as one.
Victoria
Seitz, PhD is a professor of Marketing at California State University,
San Bernardino and is author of Your Executive Image, AdamsMedia,
Inc, 2000 and Power Dressing, DonJon Publishing, 1991. In addition
to teaching, Dr. Seitz was a fashion coordinator for Burdines, Florida
and in retail management for Saks Fifth Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. Clients of
Dr. Seitz have included Abbott Laboratories, Northern Telecom, Texas Instruments,
Yellow Freight Systems, Sally Beauty Company, the United States Armed
Forces, Travellife magazine, YWCA and Accountants Overload, in addition
to law firms, hotels, newspapers, universities, banks, credit unions,
national and local community and professional organizations nationwide.
To learn more about Dr. Seitz please visit her website at www.cbpa.csusb.edu/vseitz.
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