The March of the Penguins
February 9th 2008 22:21
When did it become the norm to remove creativity from the workplace wardrobe? As a general rule, the black suit, white shirt seems to be the uniform of the masses. The term “white collar” was obviously created for a reason, but in this day and age of personal expression and fashion, why aren't we daring to defy this bland trend and add some stand out style to our workwear?
The other day I passed what was obviously an emergency evacuation drill in the middle of Sydney. It could have only been that or a funeral procession that had gone haywire, as almost everyone bar the lady in the bright orange fire warden jacket was in a black suit. From two streets away, anyone passing by could see this gaggle of folk shrouded in black on what was a relatively sunny day. Not only did the group look homogenous, they looked boring. Void of imagination and void of style. Upon closer inspection, I saw one bold lady wearing red shoes and had to stop myself from hugging her. At least she was attempting to break the mould.
Then, interestingly, yesterday I passed a university graduation ceremony, and everyone was in black gowns. Granted there was a coloured sash to distnguish the area of study, but I had to wonder - is this where it all starts? The perception that black alone is the colour to denote professionalism, and professional employment?
Now I have been known to regularly praise black ensembles. Black is both stylish and flattering, but the black suit, void of a personal touch, every day, is not a fashion icon. Yes, some professions do evoke impressions of, and perhaps even require, slightly more drab ensembles. You don’t really anticipate meeting accountants who are the epitome of style. (And I’m not saying incredibly fashionable accountants are not out there, but stereotypes are not created in a vaccuum.) But regardless of your professional employment, if you’re not completely restricted by a head to toe uniform, surely self-expression can play a (very vital) role? Looking professional does not negate looking stylish. It is oh so easy to add some flair without compromising on looking smart.
What's wrong with accessorising, accessessorising, accessorising! Chunky colourful necklaces, or fabulous shoes, add spark and personality to an otherwise ordinary outfit, and they don’t compromise your professional look. Great colours of the new season like lemon, are a great addition to a black suit and white shirt, and can make the world of difference.
And why aren't people daring to be different? When it’s heading into summer, dare to mix it up with a – gasp! – white suit and black shirt! Not only will you look super stylish, its much more fitting for summer to wear a light colour. You can’t get away with it in winter, so embrace white during summer. If you can’t bear the thought of white pants, tone it down with a great beige suit or even consider cream.
My personal favourite to really throw the people you work with is...wear a dress. Not exactly revolutionary one would have thought, but look around and it appears maybe it is. Great dresses have the ability to look smart and stylish at the same time. I’m not talking the flimsy little things you wear to the beach, I mean a tailored dress that will take you from day to night, and that will make you the best dressed lady on the floor. Fitted frocks with boat necks, roll necks, big belts and flattering hemlines ensure no-one will question your professionalism, but they will question what they chose to put on that morning. And if wearing a dress is all too much to begin with, pair it with a jacket. You’ll still look like you’re wearing a suit until you’re brave enough to drop the coat.
For most of us, having to go to work on any given day is bad enough; don’t let your boring wardrobe make your plight even more tragic. Add a touch of style and personality to your outfit each morning. Dare to stand out from the stock standard suits and ensembles of your office and become the Happy Feet in your workplace’s daily penguin march.
The other day I passed what was obviously an emergency evacuation drill in the middle of Sydney. It could have only been that or a funeral procession that had gone haywire, as almost everyone bar the lady in the bright orange fire warden jacket was in a black suit. From two streets away, anyone passing by could see this gaggle of folk shrouded in black on what was a relatively sunny day. Not only did the group look homogenous, they looked boring. Void of imagination and void of style. Upon closer inspection, I saw one bold lady wearing red shoes and had to stop myself from hugging her. At least she was attempting to break the mould.
Then, interestingly, yesterday I passed a university graduation ceremony, and everyone was in black gowns. Granted there was a coloured sash to distnguish the area of study, but I had to wonder - is this where it all starts? The perception that black alone is the colour to denote professionalism, and professional employment?
Now I have been known to regularly praise black ensembles. Black is both stylish and flattering, but the black suit, void of a personal touch, every day, is not a fashion icon. Yes, some professions do evoke impressions of, and perhaps even require, slightly more drab ensembles. You don’t really anticipate meeting accountants who are the epitome of style. (And I’m not saying incredibly fashionable accountants are not out there, but stereotypes are not created in a vaccuum.) But regardless of your professional employment, if you’re not completely restricted by a head to toe uniform, surely self-expression can play a (very vital) role? Looking professional does not negate looking stylish. It is oh so easy to add some flair without compromising on looking smart.
What's wrong with accessorising, accessessorising, accessorising! Chunky colourful necklaces, or fabulous shoes, add spark and personality to an otherwise ordinary outfit, and they don’t compromise your professional look. Great colours of the new season like lemon, are a great addition to a black suit and white shirt, and can make the world of difference.
And why aren't people daring to be different? When it’s heading into summer, dare to mix it up with a – gasp! – white suit and black shirt! Not only will you look super stylish, its much more fitting for summer to wear a light colour. You can’t get away with it in winter, so embrace white during summer. If you can’t bear the thought of white pants, tone it down with a great beige suit or even consider cream.
My personal favourite to really throw the people you work with is...wear a dress. Not exactly revolutionary one would have thought, but look around and it appears maybe it is. Great dresses have the ability to look smart and stylish at the same time. I’m not talking the flimsy little things you wear to the beach, I mean a tailored dress that will take you from day to night, and that will make you the best dressed lady on the floor. Fitted frocks with boat necks, roll necks, big belts and flattering hemlines ensure no-one will question your professionalism, but they will question what they chose to put on that morning. And if wearing a dress is all too much to begin with, pair it with a jacket. You’ll still look like you’re wearing a suit until you’re brave enough to drop the coat.
For most of us, having to go to work on any given day is bad enough; don’t let your boring wardrobe make your plight even more tragic. Add a touch of style and personality to your outfit each morning. Dare to stand out from the stock standard suits and ensembles of your office and become the Happy Feet in your workplace’s daily penguin march.
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