"Style is the image of character."

- Edward Gibbon  (1737-1794)
Author of "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire"

 

Since Edward Gibbon's day, nearly three hundred years ago, styles at the workplace have changed drastically, but their message hasn't.  The clothes you choose to wear are a direct reflection of how you feel about your current position, a job interview, meeting, conference and perhaps most importantly, yourself.   

 

It's seems that everywhere you turn these days the media is full of images that suggest sexy dress is acceptable for the workplace.  Plunging necklines, bare backs and micro-minis are the norm on today’s popular television shows.  And since Julia Roberts’ won an Academy Award for her busty performance in "Erin Brockovich" Human Resource departments around the world are worried about what will turn up at the office next.

By: Lindsey Aspinall & Trevor Thieme     

"As much as we hate to admit it, appearances matter," says New York City-based image consultant Elena Castaneda. This isn't news to you. You know all too well how your CEO smiles approvingly at the Topher Graces rising through the ranks and how easy it is to peg the over-35 crowd in the halls. How do you polish your image so you can most effectively show off the stuff that matters—your intellect and experience? What can you do to turn back time in the days leading up to a major corporate showdown? Here are 15 ways to put on a more-youthful face.

Before a prospective boss, client or coworker forms an opinion about your personality, charm and skill set they are initially influenced by your grooming and dress.  That's why it's important to choose garments that fit -- fit is one of the top dressing mistakes committed by both men and women.  It doesn't matter how much you spend on your wardrobe--if your clothes are too snug or too loose they will undermine your professional credibility. 

" Just let the wardrobe do the talking. "

-- Jack Nicholson, (b. 1937)
   (said to Michael Keaton while on the set of Batman)

OK, so there's a low probability that you'll turn up to your next job interview or company meeting sporting a bat suit and cape, but like Jack Nicholson's advice to Michael Keaton, your wardrobe can help you psychologically prepare for the part you're about to play.