DRESS SENSE REVEALS THE CULTURE OF YOUR COMPANY

Having an Image Consultant and having a personal Life and/or Business Coach seems to be the new "in thing" at the moment. Guess I'm only 50% "in there" with the crowd, I only have a Life Coach - but at least I can say that I have had her for the last 8 years, so I was "in" before it became an "in thing"! Ha!

Regards
Nikki

Ntokozo Ndlovu
20 October 2006 at 08h20

The work environment is constantly evolving and so are corporate fashion trends.

So says Bronwen Saayman an expert in image consultancy.

Traditionally authority and power have often been associated with the black suit, or navy blue attire, but corporate fashion has changed, and companies ought to move with the current trends to get the recognition they deserve.

"The way employees dress is a representation of the culture and values of a company," says Saayman.

If an individual's look is out of trend, sloppy, or intimidating, that simultaneoulsy becomes a representation of the culture of the company.

Saayman says that people should understand that the black suit power dressing is no longer impressive, it has become more intimidating than anything.

She says that it is important that we move away from the belief that the black suit is a representation of power, those days are gone.

It is a symbol of what used to be, and not a representation of the present.

"Times have changed, and dressing up for work is about creating a personal brand which becomes a representation of your company," she says.

Corporate culture has changed, marketing, advertising and the world of sale have all been transformed. "In actual fact the world has moved on and so has fashion.

"Dressing up for work has become more about lifestyle, professional style, the corporate image, professional creative branding and appropriateness," she says.

She advises that companies should constantly evaluate how they do things, and whether or not they are able to move with the times, not only in the technological sector, as well as in keeping in line with fashion trends.

"Clothes that are slightly out of look should be reworked to match with current trends, it's really about appropriateness, and when one looks good, they will feel good, motivated and energetic," she says.

"More often the mistake that a lot of companies make is that when productivity drops, the problem is attributed to the lack of skills, yet in actual fact in some instances, the problem is rooted in low self-esteem, and the lack of confidence to deliver, which is dependent on how one represents him/herself," she says.

Image directly influences our emotions, and can boost confidence and our energy levels.

"We often overlook the fashion value in our daily workplace dealings, but image forms a fundamental part in business," she says.

Saayman advises that people should dress in a manner that is reflective of their personal taste, than in what is expected of them.

"Individuals should dress in a manner that reflects their understanding of current trends in our society. If you dress creatively, appropriately and smart, you will look and feel confident and get rid of the '80s look and maintain professionalism," concludes Saayman.

For more information on image consultancy contact Bronwen on 011-462-9700.