By Diva Undecided
“However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff” ~ Miranda Priestly, Devil Wears Prada
Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly) in Devil Wears Prada may have, very well, encapsulated the entire backdrop and basis of her character in the movie with this outright and blunt remark. In that regard, anyone familiar with this scene will also concur that a similar level of reactive-bluntness can justifiably (provided you are a self-proclaimed fashionista) be spearheaded towards those who demean the value fashion entails and bears in our day to day lives.
A good number of folks spend the majority of their day at work, and a great number of those folks constitute the exact demography that utilizes any given opportunity to either, look good and presentable or over do it.
Love it, loath it or downright despise it, every day people are judged by the way they dress and present themselves; why else would first impressions be weighed down by the physical appearance quotient? An unkempt look always signals lack of conscientiousness—a trait that is one of the biggest predictors of success. Various focus group studies have, time and again, proven that appearance can create credibility. It’s not all just for show.
Undoubtedly, office apparel is tricky stuff, necessitating walking the fine line between chicly appropriate and frowned upon. Understand the corporate culture and emulate it.
Kuwait has several means and norms to position itself as a fashion hub, both for the masses and the classes. Throw in some well-endowed disposable income and willingness to shop, and you end up with self-proclaimed fashionistas and a retail gala. However, not all times does everyone get it right. The women, particularly in their bid to make everything seem like appropriate office-wear, often end up doing more damage. Towering stilettos, figure-hugging business suits, loud shirts and not to forget, harems!
With the economy tiptoeing its way into the 2nd recession, it is perhaps safe to assume that we need to gear up for cutting corners in every possible direction. It’s about time we start shopping in our closets for the perfect finds and go the extra mile to look professionally appropriate. And what better time than the age-old clean slate of the new year? The following is a list to help ladies accumulate more budget-friendly ammo for their office-wear arsenal.
Staples, Staples and Staples – Bing it, research it, study it or better yet Google it. Formulate your findings and make a list of what your wardrobe staples are. Male or female, this will not just be a mere act of kindness to your budget-friendly pocket, but will also make you a thrifty fashionista(o) in the process.
When in doubt, always go conventional – A clean-cut suit with a buttoned down, sober-colored shirt can never betray you. Trust it. Own it.
Under dressing is equally disastrous as overdressing – Strike a balance and stick with it.
Leggings and/harems are a strict ‘No No’ to work – This includes the most modern of office-wear tolerance levels. At a professional set up, remember that you’re being sized up all the time. Formal wear means no PJs, no Juicy Couture tracks and definitely, no harem pants.
Huggies belong to your 2 year old – Ladies! SUBTLE. It’s probably the best advice an average fashionista, yours truly, could part with. It will take you to great lengths in terms of earning respect from your peers. Anything remotely close to body-hugging formal trousers, business suits, skirts do not spell out ‘subtle’, and rightfully so.
The office is not a Milan ramp – Impossibly heels qualify as both physical and visual abuse. Remember that you’re not dressing to attract attention but to underscore your professionalism. Make best friends with ballet flats and/ classic 2 inch pumps.
And Finally, no loud make up – Just a hint of makeup unless you’re looking to copy Ronald McDonald’s look. When using perfume, go easy with it. The idea is to not come off as someone who showered in it.
Mark Twain said it best: “Clothes make the man.” So, dress wisely.
