“Summer time and the living is easy” so the song goes…
Why is it that the minute temperatures rise, corporate South Africa gets more casual? Maybe the thought that the holidays are nearer makes us more relaxed in appearance. Work doesn’t stop in the Summer months – why should your professional image?
In this e-letter we take you through some image pitfalls to watch out for.



We’ve scoured the shops and magazines to bring you a list of the top essential Summer wardrobe items. If you are confused by the latest trends, read ahead to make your choices easier-guys we have not forgotten you! By the way the look above does not belong in the office –even though the tailored short suit is in the financials district of New York…tells you maybe why the economy in the US took a downturn?

 
Workplace Warts
MEN WOMEN
  • T–shirts with large slogans
  • Long sleeved shirts rolled above the elbow
  • Short sleeve shirt with tie
  • Creased clothing
  • Clashing colours or prints
  • Beer boep hanging out from shirt
  • Pants under waist–plumber’s crack
  • Socks & ties which are funnier than you
  • Sport /chunky socks with business attire
  • Belts placed too high or low
  • Cheap looking shoes
  • Unpolished shoes, dirty takkies
  • Visible tattoo’s and piercings
  • Too much after shave
  • Perspiration marks
  • Afternoon shadow
  • Greasy hair and dirty nails
  • Comb-overs
  • Out of control ear, nose, eyebrow hair
  • Over-stuffed pockets
  • Shoe string, strappy tops, dresses
  • Mutton dressed up as lamb
  • Ultra short skirts/shorts
  • Ultra low cut tops
  • Leggings, gym wear
  • “Tired” looking clothes
  • Sports wear such as tracksuits
  • Dark underwear under light clothes
  • Bra straps showing
  • Revealing, clingy garments
  • Bare midriff, belly rings
  • Very large, distracting prints
  • Plastic shoes
  • Flat, thong–type sandals
  • Big, bulky platform shoes
  • Skin tight, faded denims
  • 10 rings and bracelets per hand
  • Sandals worn with un–pedicured toes
  • No make up
  • Chipped, neon bright nailpolish
  • Taking shoes off (even if sitting at your own desk!)
   

If the Workplace Warts are familiar in your office,
it may be time for your company to establish a clear image guidelines.

We can assist your organization in:
  • Evaluating your company’s current dress situation vs the ideal one
  • Determining the appropriate level of dress suited to your industry/environment
  • Defining the minimum dress standards
  • Compiling and writing an illustrated policy with clear guidelines
  • Conducting educational and entertaining image workshops for the staff

Defining what is professional, appropriate and comfortable is our area of specialty and expertise.
For more information contact Professional Impressions
Tel: (011) 467 5126 email: haydee@profimp.co.za
Website: www.profimpressions.co.za

 
SIZZLING SUMMER STYLES


Every season you should re-invent your look and keep current with the hottest trends. However, at all times, remember the words of Coco Chanel:

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

Cap sleeve shirts with ruffles HOT TIP – the ruffles already add an amount of busyness to the outfit so don’t opt for a bold print or bright colour. If you have a large bust-the volume over the bust will make it appear bigger.

Bold bright Colours- turquoise, red, fuschia, purple and citrus colours. Brighten your wardrobe but don’t frighten your colleagues. HOT TIP -use these colours to accent with a blouse, scarf, accessories rather than an entire suit. Make sure you don’t wear high contrast at work (eg two bright colours together) it will make your colleagues run for their sunglasses!

Uber wide leg, high-waisted trousers HOT TIP-Avoid at all costs unless you are very tall, slim and have a long upper body. The width of the hem of your pants should always balance the length-as well as your vertical and horizontal proportions.

Soft neutrals- lavenders, dusty pinks, beiges and flesh tones HOT TIP-make sure you have a colour consultation before you invest in these season’s colours-these muted shades can look very menopausal on most women.

Floral prints- mixed bouquets of flower prints for dresses and shirts. HOT TIP - make sure the print does not overpower you and it is in harmony with your bone structure eg petite = small print, average = medium print, larger = medium print. The larger the print – the bigger you will look.

Going dotty-Polka dots are back. HOT TIP- invest in this ageless classic print-you will get great value for wear.

Swishy skirt, high and cinched at the waist and knee length. HOT TIP –wear with a cropped jacket or fitted top. Remember if you wear volume on top with volume at the bottom –you will look LARGE from head to toe.

Cropped, fitted, sleeveless jacket- HOT TIP-looks best on someone with a more defined waistline and toned arms.

Safari garments- shirt dresses, tailored shorts and trouser suits in neutrals from beige, stone, to taupe.

Waistcoats are used as a replacement for jackets HOT TIP-this garment adds freshness, fun to your wardrobe whilst still making you look professional-search for one in the classic pinstripe.

Ancient Greece- draped dresses, tunics in flowing fabrics. HOT TIP - the more flowing the style and the fabric –the less credibility you will appear to have at work-seen as a bit too “airy-fairy”. Most suitable for evening wear.

The oversized clutch bag. Hot Tip -if you invest in one special bag this summer, make it a clutch: it's the new season's star buy, however don’t spend too much on it.

Wedges, gladiator sandals and peep-toes lead the way HOT TIP- gladiator shoes can be too “busy” for the workplace. Wear them if you have narrower feet. If your feet are wide it will make them appear wider.

Circular , oversized sunglasses a la Paris Hilton. HOT TIP -don’t purchase these if you have a round face-they will emphasise the fullness of your face.

And for the Guys:

“The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice”
William Somerset Maugham

Stark white suit

Single-breasted blazer

Americana- classic navy and white

Neon colours-stripes still rule and are quite bold

Golfers are seen in pastel colours and short sleeve shirts are in bold stripes.

Suits – the 2 button jacket with a double vent at the back replaces the 3 button this season.

Cardigans

Tailored shorts

Shirts in Pastel colours e.g. light green, lemon yellow, salmon pink. Shirt styles – normal cutaway collars with double cuffs are strong.

Straight leg trousers

Aviator sunglasses

 
Want to know more about what suits you?
  • Learn the colours, fabrics, styles which make you look your best.
  • De–clutter and update your wardrobe appropriately.

Ask us about our image workshops and personalized consultations.
Tel: 011 467 5126 Email: haydee@profimp.co.za
Web: www.profimpressions.co.za


Professional Impressions would like to credit the following for information and images used in this article:

The Wardrobe Doctor New Woman Magazine, April 2002
The Australian Image Company-Ann Reinton
Fashion Trendsetter
Men’s Summer TrendsEurosuit, Sandton
Women’s Summer Trends Karma Clothing
ELLE-Spring Summer 2008
DestinyOct 2008
Style and Image-Ann Reinton
Mango
Queenspark Spring/Summer range
NY Times

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Tel: 011 467 5126
www.profimpressions.co.za

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