How to make a good first impression…

FACT: appearance and body language accounts for 55% of an invaluable first impression.

What kind of impression do you think they’re making?

Before uttering a word, your visual image will say a multitude about you as an individual--your perceived level of intelligence, competence, affability, self-esteem, confidence, power, beliefs and success.

What do you want your image to say about you???

OR

Some things to think about:

• Keep it clean and neat

• Hygiene counts!

• Do the ‘do

• Rule of 13

Simple dress slacks in black, grey, or dark blue

Classic ties in foolproof colors

Polished dress shoes

Crisp button down shirt in white or blue

A sampling…

Watches and rings are acceptable jewelry for gentlemen in the workplace…

Do any of these say ‘professional’ to you?

These guys look sharp!

Tailored dress pants or skirt in subtle colors

Don’t forget nylons and polished close-toed shoes!

A crisp button down shirt or sweater set is always a good choice

Dresses can be worn as an alternative

In a word? NO.

Don’t these ladies look smashing?

AREA POINTS: ALL POINT AWARDED POINTS: 0

TOP Clean and pressed with no visible stains or tears. Material is office appropriate (cotton/poly mix, silk, rayon). Gentlemen—shirt is long sleeved and collared.

Material is inappropriate (body hugging spandex, shiny metallic material, casual cotton), cut of top shows cleavage, bares shoulders or back, is see-through, or has a cutout showing skin, has an unprofessional design (metallic swirls or phrase, or designer name)

PANTS Clean and pressed with no visible stains or tears. Material is office appropriate (wool blend, khaki, rayon). Pants are on waist.

Material is inappropriate (denim, jogging pants), pants are sagging, belt is missing (gentlemen), style is unprofessional--cropped (ladies).

DRESS/SKIRT (LADIES) Clean and pressed with no visible stains or tears. Material is office appropriate (cotton/poly mix, rayon, wool blend). Length is just above the knee or longer, sleeves are capped or longer, no cleavage showing.

Material is inappropriate (body hugging spandex, shiny metallic material, casual cotton), length of frock bares thighs and/or above, unprofessional accents (showy zippers, studs, sequins, etc).

NYLONS/KNEE HIGHS/SOCKS

Nylons (ladies) have no visible tears. Socks (gentlemen) are dark blue or black to match or coordinate with pants.

No nylons or knee highs are worn with outfit (ladies), white gym socks are worn (gentlemen).

TIES (GENTLEMAN) Gentlemen—clean and pressed with no visible stains or tears. Design is office appropriate (no cartoon characters or holiday themes).

No tie is worn, or theme is unprofessional.

SHOES Shoes are clean and polished with no excessive scuff marks or dirt. Ladies—heel is at least 1”, no more than 2 ¾”, and toe is closed or very small peep toe. Gentlemen—shoes are dark brown or black to match or coordinate with pants.

Ladies—sandal is worn, shoe is open toe, has unprofessional decorations (sequins, sparkles, etc.), stiletto is worn (3” or higher), flat or ballet slipper is worn. Gentlemen—work boot, Timberlands or tennis shoe is worn.

JEWELRY 7 items or fewer are worn, ladies—earring are studs or very small hoops. All additional facial jewelry has been removed (eyebrow, nose, tongue, multiple ear piercings) Gentleman—no earrings are worn.

Excessive bangles, multiple necklaces showing, rings on almost every finger, more than 2 piercings in each ear (ladies), dangle or large hoop earrings worn. Gentlemen—earrings worn. Facial jewelry intact.

GROOMING Hair is clean and looks polished. Style is not overly intricate or distracting. Gentlemen—long hair is brushed and pulled back.

Hair is unkempt, tangled, looks oily and/or unwashed. Style is over-the-top and distracts from cohesive professional appearance.

MAKEUP (LADIES) Face looks natural with a hint of color, no excessive eyeliner or wild eye shadow colors. Lip gloss noticeable.

No makeup worn.

Your assignment:

• In groups of 3 or 4, cut out words and pictures of professional/unprofessional business attire.

•Make sure the title “UN/PROFESSIONAL DRESS” is labeled boldly at the top. Use plenty of color.

•Think about your layout before you glue!

Due by the end of the block.