dress for success: from head to toe (malaysian ladies edition)

By Chuah Kee Man

“Go Professional Programme” 2014

By Academic and Career Exco

Sakura Residential College, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Disclaimer

I’m not a fashion expert

or an image consultant.

I am just an ordinary man....

What’s the point of

knowing how to

wear professionally?

To let others be

impressed,

you must first be

well dressed.~Chuah Kee Man

You cannot climb the

ladder of success

dressed in the

costume of failure.~Zig Ziglar

For decades, studies

have shown people

who are hired or

promoted tend to

dress better.

Dress decently but not

merely imitating the

celebrities or models…

..because your

workplace is not a

fashion runway,

It’s your stairway to

success.~ Chuah Kee Man

No matter how we try

to ignore,

People still judge us by

our appearance.

And sadly even more so

for women!

Wardrobe considerations for work, women

usually have more to think about…

The “Terms”

Business Professional Business Casual Casual

Part 1

Head to Toe

The Hair• Avoid dyeing your hair with striking colours

• Well-groomed hairstyle

• If your hair is rather long, tie your hair

neatly

Fun FactRecent surveys and studies showed:

More than 70% of men indicated that

they notice women because of their

hair.

~Glamour.com

The Hijab• KISS – Keep it Sweet and Simple

• Keep to “1 colour”

• Avoid complicated patterns

• Best colours? Shades of brown, pink or grey

The Face• Clean and no visible piercings

• Minimal make up with conservative tones

• Eye brows and “eye shadows”: natural

The Ears• Simple ear rings

• Avoid long dangling ones

The Body• Wear according to your body size

• Clothes must be suitable with professions

• Not revealing or eye-striking (not too shiny)

• Avoid elaborated accessories

The Hands• Clean

• Trimmed Fingernails (not too long)

• Hand bags? Not too big or glittering.

The Accessories• Minimal (if possible don’t use them)

• But make use of the suitable ones (simple

yet elegant) to make you stand out.

The Shoes• Clean and well-polished

• Not too fancy (No sneakers, sandals, boots)

• Stilettos or pumps are fine (but not too high)

Part 2

The Overall Look

The Basic 3Cs Principles to

Look Good:

Colour Comfort Cleanliness

ColourThe color of your clothing sends a

subconscious message about your

personality.

Loyal and Committed

Authoritative

Calm and cool

Friendly

Powerful

Clean

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

ComfortMake sure you feel comfortable too.

Not too tight/loose, not revealing and

most importantly the fabric suits you.

Match the clothes with your

professions.

CleanlinessIt’s very important to be clean which

includes well-brushed teeth and fresh

breath.

These 3Cs will lead to

the ultimate C…

CONFIDENCE

Part 3

The Big NO

No “Sexy” Attires

Never assume being sexy gives

you better prospect

No Excessive Perfumes

Employers may be allergic to

perfumes and it can be distracting

No Chewing Gums

Distracting and also indicates that

you are not showing respect

No “Bad” Manners

Good Manners will enhance your

look. Bad manners will surely “kill” you.

Part 4

The Inner Beauty

Body language is

equally

important. Don’t

forget to “wear”

your smile!

Project positive

“aura” or vibes.

And show your

inner beauty.

In a nutshell…

To dress professional does

not mean you have to

spend on expensive

brands.

Start simple by focusing

on improving the way

your dress. Being

moderate is the key.

Dress according to your

profession too. Follow the

dress code if it is given.

Most importantly, make

sure you feel good about

yourself.

Thank you.A copy of this slide is available at

http://is.gd/dressforsuccess