Dressing for success at the office

This week's question comes from a woman in her early 30s starting a new job in an office after years working in NGOs. She is used to going to work in jeans and sneakers, but is aware that she has to change her look for the office.

What are the wardrobe essentials for a middle management position in a big company in Makati?  – Christy

Congratulations on your new post! Dressing to be taken seriously and command respect takes conscious effort on the kind of image you want to project. A professional image means a polished, well-put together look. You don’t have to purchase expensive items to make it work.

First, check the corporate style guide (dress code) of the company. If this is explicit, then there should be no mistake as to what is allowable and not. If it is vague and left to the interpretations of the employees, then this could spell disaster.

People will always forgive you for being conservative in your dress, but they will never forgive you if you are not conservative enough.


Here are some guidelines to make your clothes work in the office:

1. Choose your personal standard. If you say you are an executive but dress differently, then you are undermining your credibility. Choosing professional as a standard means in all aspect of dress, behavior and communication.

2. Assess your clothes. Weed out clothing that doesn't reflect your current position and style. Clothes we had during college don’t reflect the position we have to today. So donate them.

3. Start with basics. When you have the basics in color and style, it’s easy to work around them.

• Bottoms (pant or skirts): have them in basic colors such as black, blue, gray or brown. Anything you wear as tops will be easy with these colors.
• Coat/blazer/jacket: if you can have these with matching pants, better. This will work as part of your capsule.
• Tops: you can now have them in light basics such as white, cream khakis, or printed in blues, pinks or greens.
• Shoes: my best recommendation is have black and nude pumps. They are always appropriate and always in style. A 2- or 3-inch heel works best.
• Accessories: jewelry pieces don't have to be real, but they should be tasteful. Bags don’t have to match shoes anymore, but get one that is of fine leather to wear every day. Scarves and neckpieces are good options too.

4. Consistency is key. In order for you to be credible, be consistent with the image you want to project. Otherwise, your people are not going to show you the respect you deserve. Come in a position of authority and power and be the example you want to see in your people. — BM, GMA News

Olen Juarez-Lim, AICI, is the managing director of OJL Consulting Group, the premier and leading certified Image, Etiquette, Civility and Protocol consultant in the Philippines.

Do you have an image or etiquette question for Ms. O? Send your questions to submissions@gmanews.tv!