Casual Power

How to power up your nonverbal communication and dress down for success.

On the cover it has a sticker. It says “POWER UP YOUR IMAGE WITH clothing & accessories from Casual Coer, Petite Sophisticate, August Max Woman.” Uh. Advertising on a book? Ah well. Checked out the websites anyway. Casual Coer I think is in one of the local malls. Don’t know the other. Well, that and at 5′6, I don’t look for petite stores, anyway.The book was good. Great for men and women. It seemed geared toward two types: pinstripe and jeans. I am the latter. Well, not jeans. I don’t wear jeans to work usually but I do dress way down. For example, khaki pants and polo are my normal attire with either birkenstocks or brown shoes. If I’m going to the gym that night, maybe sneakers.

Chapters:

The Casual Confusion Syndrome

• CSS: wearing casual attire inappropriately
• Jim’s story was dead on. He usually dress casually, and a surprise meeting with a VIP client happens. But Jim can’t do it cause he looks like crap. So another guy gets it.
• Shiela was pretty damn close to home too. She would wear the casual garments her company sold, even. But a sharply dressed guy got the promotion. Why? She was told, “While her work was excellent, the overall level of Shelia’s professionalism was not on par with what the company rewarded with high-level promotion.” So, even though I’m surrounded by scientists in shorts, sandals, t-shirts, that doesn’t mean I should dress like that. Though, wouldn’t I alienate my customer?
• “Your choices of dress-down attire reflect directly your respect for your workplace, your career goals, and your level of overall professionalism.”
• Six categories of casual dress: Active Casual, Rugged Casual, Sporty Casual, Smart Casual, Dressy Casual, and Business Casual.
• Examples of each category are fantastic. Sneaker + jeans, khaki, walking shorts, etc., and are not participating in a sport, that’s sporty casual. (Hmm…) Smart casual: jeans + sports jacket. Dressy Casual: Dressier shoe, fabrics are richer, dressier. Pant suit, dress, or coordinated separates in semi-dressy fabrics. Going to art gallery exhibit with invitation said “casual attire.”
• Business Casual: like smart casual and dressy casual.
• Casual no-nos I’m guilty of: t-shirt and jeans (together), sandals, no belt, shirttail out, poorly coordinated outfits, sleeveless attire, no hosiery or no socks, shorts.
• Dress down for the job you want, not for the one you have currently. Though, I’ve heard that before (minus ‘down’). But in my environment, I don’t think it matters. But maybe. Must research this.
• No-nos besides those above that I’d done or surprised me: crayon box or strong, loud prints, and gypsy styles; cutesy little girl and sweet prints (including floral dresses); poorly coordinated or incomplete outfits; failure to accessorize (no belt or no earrings); chewing gum; wet hair; naked feet. But the photo of the floral dress is so pretty. I would so wear that.

Communicating — Before You Say a Word?

• First 30 seconds, these factors are evaluated: socioeconomic status, educational level, desirability. Educational level? Hm.
• To communicate success, look of high quality. Success attracts more success. The world treats you as you treat yourself.
• I did ok on the quiz, even though I don’t dress like these people. I think it’s the confidence I exude. That and I smile. But if I dressed better, I bet I’d get more respect in the workplace. I already get great service outside the office.
• I love the Paula makeover after photo. Short hair. All over brown. Long flowing lines. Multi-colored tweed jacket, with base color of the same chocolate-brown as the rest of the outfit. Brown boots too. And looks like a shoulder strapped briefcase.
• Inspire Trust:
  • Good quality fabrics — simple, tailored lines best
  • Harmonious blend of colors and textures of fabrics
  • Blue tones (for women) — navy blue, dark blue, and royal blue (brown are for men)
  • High-quality, well-maintained shoes
  • Simple high-quality jewelry
  • Women: metal watches
  • eye contact — establish and maintain
  • erect posture — shoulders back
  • open body language — trustworthiness has nothing to hide
• dark colors. Black and navy are the best power neutral colors. Dark, rich shades of green, red, brown, and taupe also project a sense of power.
• Quality natural-fiber fabrics
• Harmonious color schemes — tone on tone, monochromatic dressing, or coordinated separates
• Long sleeves
• Straight-lined tailored garments
• Excellent-quality shoes and belts
• Simple, expensive-looking jewelry (metal watches only)
• Shoulder pads, small — important for women
• Jackets and sport coats always add distinction and power — must be of quality fabric and a superb fit
• Firm handshake
• Confident attitude
• Real power does not boast or throw weight around unnecessarily.