The Art of Corporate Dressing
The way you dress is the countenance of your personality. And when it comes to the corporate realm the saying first impression is the last impression is sworn by all. If done in the right manner, dressing up formally can take you a long way. Corporate style dressing helps you inculcates good work ethics and at the same time, your magnetic personality would be a key in taking your company to the pinnacle of success. Corporate Citizen caught up a few corporate heads to understand the importance of corporate style dressing
Ramchandra Honap, Head - Group HRForce Motors
The lighter, the better
For someone like Ramchandra Honap, who has been in the field of Human Resource for 20 years, feels, using subdued and unflashy colours of your attire, and especially of the formal shirts, creates a huge impact in the corporate world. “Opting for subtle shades of shirts is the current trend. As opposed to brighter coloured formal shirts which were a rage a few years ago. Also, dressing in a lighter tone in the corporate world is quite appealing. Both men and women are expected to wear a classic, tailored outfit in dark neutral colours. Colours of the shirts like white, off white, lighter shades of grey and blue, brings out the best in the person’s personality,” he informs.
The head of Group HR, Ramchandra, has been with Force Motors for three years now and in his opinion, one’s corporate style dressing reveals a lot about their personality. “The individuals’ corporate attire speaks volumes of their personality. It’s vital to dress smart, particularly in the corporate world, where one’s first impression is important and you carry forward that for a long time.” Further adding, “Even before you commence your speech, meeting or interview, your persona creates an impression in the viewer’s mind. A crisp and dapper attire surely creates a positive impact,” explains Ramchandra.
The charm lies in the detailing and a lot of effort goes in putting up the best business or corporate attire. You have to also ensure your dressing match up with your persona as well. Usage of accessories and ornaments should always be at a minimum level. Though a bright smile never goes out of fashion. Regardless of the work environment, it’s important to dress professionally. Different industries have a different expectation of how employees should dress. The appropriate dress code can vary greatly depending on the company culture, nature of industry and work location.
“Attention to detail is the key here,” he says, while further explaining, “A light coloured shirt matching the colour of the tie, with a trouser and a blazer of a darker shade of the same colour, coupled with accessories like cufflink, belt, watch and a pocket square sums up power dressing. It creates a great professional image.”
For corporate footwear, opt for black socks and shoes. Ramchandra suggests, “Women who opt for western formals should go for pleasant, natural and appealing colours like blue, black and pastel colours. Depending on their body frame, they should tuck in the shirt. A formal pant or shirt works well. Sarees and kurtas are also considered as formal depending on its type or fashion and material. One needs to dress as per the occasion, surroundings and professional environment. And when it comes to wearing jewellery, go for fine necklaces, bangles or bracelet and earrings. Don’t wear fancy jewels, in fact, opt for either one of them.” Shoes should be neutral leather or leather look and closed toed, but heal height can vary for individual. Generally you can go up to three inches and as low as up to one inches.
Any styling tips for the freshers who are waiting to enter the world of business? He says, “Carry your attitude on yourselves. Always wear lighter shades. Don’t experiment much with your hairstyles and beards, keep it professional or else it becomes an eye-catch and sometimes a distraction. Wear stubble accessories. And always wear crisp and well-fitted clothes.”
Wear your heart on your sleeves!
While she wears her heart on her sleeves, Ankita feels that what escalates one’s productivity is their attitude. Of course, their attire does matter, she said, “For me, it’s about the comfort that really affects productivity. It also helps you be to more confident. It’s simple, once you are happy in the way you are dressed for work, it genuinely shows up in your work, the happier you are, the merrier is your work!”
This young entrepreneur had turned challenges into milestones. Be it her work, sports or enjoying her time to rejuvenate, she loves to dress up as per the occasion. “It’s something that I have been following since I was a child. A well-primed dress for work, or a sporty outfit, while playing badminton, or wearing a casual jean and a top while chilling, is something that defines my attitude,” she informed.
Ankita got the privilege of entering the corporate world at a young age. And for her the significance of corporate style dressing has evolved over the years, she said, “It’s about comfort, confidence, personality and first impression. I have seen my business dressing style literally transform since the time I entered the office first. It all depends where, when and for what I am heading for. It could be from a casual-formal to something extremely formal. For women, there is a wide range of business attires in Indian and western wears.”
She sports both Indian and western wear for work. Ankita has quite an affection towards the Indian kurtis. She informed, “A kurti as a complete attire is quite versatile. You can sport it with literally anything and it will turn out as a great corporate wear. When it comes to international conferences, I would be dressed in a trouser and shirt or western dress.
A business attire that one wears is something that would be known by. And that attire speaks volumes. Ankita couldn’t agree more, she added, “These days it’s become quite important to dress aptly in the business world. It creates a visual image and sends a strong message to your employees and subordinates. While wearing formals or semi-formals always remember to wear something that makes you happy, confident and comfortable. Create your own fashion cause each person has their own unique personality and one should carry their own image.”
Dr Prakriti Poddar, Expert in Mental Health,HR, Corporate and Education upliftment
A powerful attire empowers you
From three-piece suits and corporate dresses to pants and shirts, and semi-formal ensemble – the business style dressing has changed drastically over the years. The trend to work in a more creative environment has led some of the company HRs to forgo the formal look to more of casual dressing. So much so that formal and business style dressing has pertained to the baking and finance segment. However, Dr Prakriti Poddar, cannot stress enough the importance of corporate regalia.
Prakriti, an image consultant, is of the opinion that a powerful attire can simply empower you. She explained, “Corporate style dressing puts forth a visual impression that the employees are professional and that they are taking their jobs seriously. A defined professional dress code talks highly about your personality and your company at large. Dressing formally as the occasion is a powerful tool.”
In fact, the correlation between dressing in an influential way and your emotions is highly uncanny. An apt business attire can instantly elevate your mood and productivity. “One cannot undermine the importance of corporate style dressing. Even a simple crisp shirt and well-steamed pant can make you increase your performance and heighten others’ impression about you. Be it a formal saree or a classy suit, the moment you dress in a commanding way, the brain accepts what you wish to exhibit. And if your mind understands your emotions it reflects in your work. The way you feel about yourself is directly linked to your appearance,” she quipped.
In a cutting-edge job, employees should be well aware of what is happening in the fashion industry. Prakriti agreed, “Both men and women should keep themselves updated with the fashion market. Solid and neutral is visually appealing. Dressing down a notch will, in fact, accentuate both beauty and brains. Stick to sliver and subtle jewellery. Opt for high heels when you are going for an important meeting, it makes a prevailing statement.” Further adding, “Men should groom themselves to look dapper. Tone down the beard according to the work environment. Suits, blazers, classy and preen hairstyles, well-polished shoes coupled with your signature accessory defines for a power dressing.”
Prakriti, who is a leading mental health expert with decades of experience in the fields of mental health, human resources and development and corporate and educational upliftment, prefers dressing in formal Indian attire when she goes to train corporate employees. However, she would suit up if she is addressing a young audience.
For freshers who wish to set their foot in the corporate world, she advised, “It is true, what matters is your knowledge. However, dressing in an authoritative way can hoist your confidence. Look apart to get the jobs. These days even the interns are dressing in a charismatic way. For the interviews, dress up as a part of the company and accompany it with your signature accessory.”
Ajinkya Firodia, Managing Director, MVAgusta India, Motoryale
Dressed To S-kill!
To each their own, right? And when it comes to corporate attire, these days, people are trying to add their personalised touch which can not only increase their productivity but also make them stand out, and at the same time make them feel at home. In short, they are ‘Dressed To S-kill’.
Informing about their dress code, Ajinkya said, “Our definition of a corporate attire is pretty chic and dapper. We have put a lot of thought behind the look that we have created. That’s simply because our attire depicts self-respect rather than self-importance.” Motoryale employees’ attire is a standardised look with a smart black shirt with their logo, a red coloured button on that shirt, paired up with a denim or a formal pants and they are ready to go. “However, during a conference or meeting, I prefer teaming the same shirt with a suit that conveys a certain air of authority and conformism. We also have a dress down weekend, where I like to wear a collared t-shirt with denim,” added Ajinkya.
For him, a well-groomed and wholesome attire, is work half done. And he certainly agrees that their corporate attire not only impresses but also increases the employee’s productivity. “A well-dressed and smart employee doesn’t have to work hard to impress his clients. Dressing appropriately at a corporate office increases an employee’s productivity. It acts both ways, it boosts their confidence whilst gaining the attention of the person they are interacting with. Since the trend has also moved towards smart causals it makes the employee more comfortable and at ease which assists him to focus and be more productive,” he added.
An employee’s attire is secondary, however, the thought that takes the drivers’ seat for Ajinkya is the how well-turned-out the person is. “The only thing that always remains in fashion is impeccable grooming. I feel grooming is one of the most essential parts of personal branding. One can wear the best tuxedo or suit but when he is ungroomed it kills the entire impact,” he explained.
Talking about the evolution of corporate style dressing, he said, “The degrees of sartorial formality tends to vary between industries, companies and roles. Fashion is an ever-evolving, context-specific and a highly-personal thing. However, I see it moving from high formal dressing to more of a business casual wear which makes people more comfortable and at ease during work hours which in turn increases productivity.”
The young tycoon over the years won several laurels and hearts. While his work speaks for himself, he is not afraid to break the barriers when it comes to authentic business dressing. And frankly, it has worked in his favour. While signing off, he gave a few essential tips to freshers who are keen to take the world by storm. He said, “There are three things to be kept in mind every morning while dressing up for work dress according to your position, dress for your clients, never dress in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.”