Chapter 15
Professional Wardrobe
It's easy to rebel and claim you don't really care what people think; therefore, you'll wear whatever you want to wear—that's your taste and it really doesn't matter. Well, actually, yes, it does matter. Your clothes are the outside reflection of how you feel on the inside. In today's society, when people make snap judgments to decide if they are interested in getting to know you on a deeper level, unfortunately the clothes you wear will be one determining factor in this decision.
That doesn't mean you need to head to the latest designer's store and blow your budget—quite the contrary. Professional wardrobes can be created on tight budgets. Plan to buy the best you can afford. Wardrobe development should be a proactive activity, not a reactive one. Start with what you have. Go through all of your clothes hanging in your closet. Do this with a professional style-conscious friend or an image consultant who knows and understands the image you want to portray.
Decide if each article of clothing adds to a professional image or detracts from it. Items that do not coincide with your ideal image should be given away, sold, perhaps through a consignment shop, or kept for social time.
Next, decide if the clothes in your professional pile are flattering to you. Do they fit well, match today's style, and convey an appropriate message? Once you know what you have that looks great, makes you feel good, and presents a professional style, make a list of what's ...
