The document discusses the importance of dressing professionally and making a good first impression. It notes that people are often initially judged based on their appearance rather than their qualifications. It provides tips for always looking your best, such as investing in classic, well-fitting pieces and developing a style suited to your personality and job. Accessories, color, and ensuring your attire is appropriate for the situation are emphasized as ways to enhance one's professional image.

1. DRESS TO IMPRESS

2. Right or wrong, you are first judged by the way you look instead of by what you know and what kind of a person you are. Almost everybody does it, including you. You have to look the part or you may not get to play the role.

3. Class and elegance have nothing to do with money – they are a look and an attitude. You can have both if you are willing to invest the time to learn a new skill.

4. Most Dress for Success violators fall into three categories. They feel that: They don’t have enough time or money to dress nicely Appearance is superficial and unimportant The rules don’t apply to them

5. 10 Mistakes You Can’t Afford To Make Not making your best first impression Thinking that it takes a lot of money to be able to have a great look Not knowing how to look great every day Not owning the “perfect” suit Dressing too casually Not looking as if you have a sense of style Not accessorizing correctly Not dressing correctly for your job Not understanding how to use “color” Not looking promotable

6. First Impressions - What Message Are You Sending? One negative impression at the wrong time could hinder your career One instant positive image could change your life

7. Thinking That It Takes A Lot Of Money To Be Able To Have A Great Look Buy quality instead of quantity Buy classics instead of trends Spend the most money on the clothes you spend the most time in Go shopping in your own closet to coordinate with new purchases Buy clothes that fit

8. Not Knowing How To Look Great Everyday If you don’t look great every day (or most days), it means that on the day you did look great it was an accident Great looking accomplished people come in all shapes, sizes and ages You can stand out without standing out Wear boardroom looks instead of backroom looks Invest in a wardrobe that works for you, not against you

9. Not Owning The “Perfect” Suit A perfect suit is classic in style – it’s solid-color neutral, the pieces of which (jacket and pants/skirt) can be interchanged to give you more looks It will fit as if it was made especially for you From a quality standpoint, the fabric will feel good to the touch and be well cut so that it drapes beautifully It will give you the exact look you want for the office

10. Dressing Too Casually What does “Business Casual” mean? Unfortunately, a standard definition of “business casual" does not exist. For some organizations and employees, it may mean khaki pants and an oxford shirt; others may see business casual as wool slacks and a blazer. The words “business casual” are subject to multiple interpretations depending on the environment. Err on the conservative side – don’t take the word “casual” too literally. Do not mistake business casual for business sloppy!

11. BAD IDEA Too Casual

12. Not Looking As If You Have A Sense Of Style Develop a sense of style that fits your personality, the person you want to be, and is more than perfect for the job you have right now You can create any look and wear any style you wish (that’s appropriate for the office) as long as you get the scale, fit and balance right for your size and shape

13. Not Accessorizing Correctly The way you use accessories communicates your individuality and presence. They can also tell others about the attention you pay to detail When used properly, they can “pull” your outfit together to give you a polished look Accessories include: any jewelry, scarves, ties, ornate buttons, belts, socks, shoes, purses and even your glasses and your hair!

14. BAD IDEA Get Sized and Wear Something That Fits

15. Not Dressing Correctly For Your Job Play by any dress code “rules” your workplace or industry has (written or understood) Wearing clothing viewed as appropriate for your workplace gives the impression that you are highly competent and a team player Respect tradition

16. BAD IDEA Dress Correctly For the Job

17. Color Power When you want to get it right every time, the most important skill you can learn is how to combine colors in a way that gives you a great look. Learning this new skill will serve you well for the rest of your life. It’s your most important accessory and it’s free.

18. BAD IDEA Make Sure Your Make-Up Will Not Detract From What You Have to Say

19. LOOKING PROMOTABLE

20. Some classic signs that your lack of professional attire may be hurting your career: A superior has flat-out told you that you need to wear more professional attire to be considered for another position. Someone in your office always feels compelled to remind you to “dress nicely” for special events like meetings, presentations or other functions. A co-worker with equal or lesser skills but nicer wardrobe was promoted over you. On those odd days that you do take a little extra time with your professional attire, your co-workers want to know if you’re going for an interview. You keep asking to be considered for a more visible role in your company, but all you get is management “runaround.”

21. RULE # 1 Remember - always look great Whether you are wearing classic business, business casual, ethnic or formal clothes, you can always look great!

22. RULE # 2 Dress smart, look smart, be smart This means, among other things, playing by any dress code guidelines your workplace or industry has (written or understood). Create a look for yourself that is even more attractive, yet businesslike, than the code suggests.

23. RULE # 3 Dress equal to, or better than, the top executive in your workplace Think easy elegance, not overdone - quality, not quantity.

24. RULE #4 Invest in a wardrobe that works for you From now on, don’t buy anything unless it’s equal to or better than the best look you have right now. Spend the most money on clothes you spend the most time in. Learn to pass up a bargain if it doesn’t look good on you.

25. RULE # 5 Don’t sacrifice comfort for looks or looks for comfort Comfort can be found in any style and shape so it’s never necessary to make this sacrifice. When you try something on, sit in it, walk around in it and ask yourself how it feels on your body.

26. Remember……… Before an interview, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Is this the best I can look?” Because that is exactly what you’re telling a potential employer.