New Twists for Teaching Professional

Wardrobe

Presented by

Sharon Fisher-Larson

Sponsored by

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Publishing

Our Mission Today

Interviewing Basics Dressing for the Interview Psychology of Color Rule of 14 Fashion Classics Overcoming the “I Don’t Have Anything to

Wear” Syndrome

Interviewing Basics: How to Stand Out in a

Competitive Job Market

Getting Ready for the Interview Research the company before you go Rehearse interviewing techniques and possible

questions Select appropriate clothes ahead of time Make sure your appearance is neat and clean Take a pen and notepad or portfolio Have two copies of your resume and/or complete

information– Have references, your social security number, etc.

ready for the application

Know What Counts When Interviewing

Be on time or a little bit early. Present a good appearance and body language. Project a positive attitude: confidence, maturity,

enthusiasm and interest in the position. Good communication skills: use complete

sentences; speak clearly, with good enunciation. Listen attentively, too.

Answer questions truthfully, highlighting the skills and strengths you would bring to the job.

Ask appropriate questions

Following Up After an Interview

Your actions after the interview can significantly impact the employer’s perception of you.

– Send a thank you letter – Accept or reject the offer properly– Learn to handle rejection and learn from it

Career Checklist:On the Day of the Interview Arrive on time, well rested from a good

night’s sleep. Think through the answers that you have

prepared for key questions. Plan to go to the interview alone—you can

call your friends or family after to tell them how it went.

….and you know to dress appropriately and with a clean and neat appearance.

Career Checklist:On the Day of the Interview

Act confident and enthusiastic—it will be obvious to the interviewer if you are comfortable.

Maintain a positive and friendly attitude. Sell yourself! Let the interviewer know

why he or she should hire you. At the end, express interest in the position

and thank them for the interview.Adapted from Succeeding in the World of Work, 7th Edition, published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Class Projects and Activities Tell students that they have three days to prepare for an

interview with a local company. Have students prepare a time schedule of what they need to do to prepare for the interview.

Have students cut pictures from various magazines depicting proper and improper ways to dress for an interview and explain why each one is appropriate or inappropriate.

Ask students to look for a job ad that gives a telephone number to call and find out additional information. Then have students write a 50-word paragraph describing how their specific skills would benefit the company.

From Succeeding in the World of Work, 7th Edition, published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Classroom Activity Ideas

Give students several different interview situations (interviewing for a position in a bank or a construction position) and have them discuss appropriate dress for each situation.

Have students find a book in the school or public library about how to dress for success and make a list of at least five pointers.

From Succeeding in the World of Work, 7th Edition, published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Classroom Activity Ideas

Body Language: Projecting a positive and confident appearance – Ask students to suggest actions that might be

inappropriate during an interview – Possible answers might be:

• Chewing gum, playing with your hair, biting your nails, staring out the window, slouching, fidgeting, smoking, mumbling, avoiding eye contact, etc.

From Succeeding in the World of Work, 7th Edition, published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Dressing for the Interview

You’ve found a job you’re interested in and an employer has asked you to come in for an interview.

What can you do to increase your chance of getting the job?

Three Things to Remember About Job Interviews

The interviewer doesn’t know you. They will quickly decide if they want to

consider you for the job. “First impressions are lasting

impressions.”

Interviewing Success and Appearance An employer’s first impression of you is based on

your appearance. Your grooming and the clothes you wear to an

interview can mean the difference between being hired or not hired, regardless of your skills.

Your appearance gives an interviewer clues about how you feel about getting a job and what your future performance on the job might be.

What to Wear to an Interview

Dress as you would for the job, but slightly better.

Be conservative-follow the Rule of 14. Let the focus be on you and your skills, not

on what you’re wearing.

What to Wear, Continued

Remember the interviewer is not typically a member of your peer group, so what your friends may consider appropriate attire may not necessarily be acceptable to an employer.

Ask a parent or teacher for help if you have questions about appropriate dress.

Dressing for Interview SuccessDO’S

Make sure hair is clean and neatly arranged or combed

Shower; use deodorantShaveWear clean, polished shoesWear conservative and

appropriate clothes, neatly pressed and in good repair

Trim nails; if manicured, be conservative—clear polish is safest

Remove all piercings, except one set of earrings for females

DON’TSWear heavy makeupWear very long nails, bright nail

polish or nail designsUse lots of hair spray, wild hair

color or ornamentsWear flashy, tight, or revealing

clothingWear perfume or cologneWear sandalsWear t-shirts (especially with

slogans)Wear clothes that will wrinkle

easilyWear too much jewelry, especially

if it’s noisy

Adapted From Succeeding in the World of Work, 7th Edition,, published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Psychology of Color

Psychology of Color

People respond to colors unconsciously as well as involuntarily. Different colors get very different responses.

Advertising uses clothing color frequently to influence you.

Individuals actually consult with lawyers and others in the public eye about what to wear and what colors to wear for different situations.

Psychology of Colors!

Black – Control – High Rank– High Authority– Dominance– Competitiveness

Psychology of Colors

Blue – Trust– Loyalty– Likable– Expertise– Authority– Reliability

Psychology of Color

Grey– Success– Authority– Control

Psychology of Color

Brown– Stability– Security– Personal Warmth

Psychology of Color

Red– Vitality– Strength– Energy– Interest in Life– Involvement with People

Psychology of Color

Tweeds– Friendly

– Low Authority

Checks– Lively, Friendly

Plaids– Personal Trust

Dots– Happy

– Fun Loving

– “Life is too important to be taken seriously”

Stripes– Order & Control

– Orderliness

– Organized

Final Analysis?

Style appropriate for position– Suit– Shirt/Blouse and skirt or slacks– Blues or Grays– Neat– Organized– Clean, polished shoes

Business Attire Examples

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!

What could you guess about these employees from their attire and appearance?

What kind of work would you think they might they do?

Do they look like managers or people in authority? Why or why not?

Do they look like they would take their jobs seriously? Why or why not?

Do they appear successful? What gives you that impression?

Interview Apparel

Do you think he’d be taken seriously as a job candidate?

Why or why not?

Interview Apparel

What about this girl?

                                                                     

Rule of 14

You should be able to count no more than fourteen items that are visible to the eye. A coat and everything that might be seen if the coat were removed are included.

If you are not wearing a coat, your outfit should total less than 14 points.

Example of “points”

One piece, one-color dress 1

Suit or two-piece dress 1

Each additional color 1

Blouse 1

Patterned Blouse 2

Nylons 1

Patterned Nylons 2

Tights or Leggings 2

Plain Shoes 1

Decorative Shoes 2

Small Purse 1

Large Purse 2

Gloves 1

Coat 1

Matching Buttons 1

Metallic or designer buttons 2

Self-fabric belt 1

Leather, patterned belt 2

Scarf 1

Necklace 1-2

Small Earrings 1

Large Earrings 2

Pin 1-2

Bracelet 1-2

Ring (1 pt for each ring) 1

Watch 1

Glasses 1

Briefcase 1

Handout

Rule of 14 for Accessorizing

Fashion Classics

What Every Woman Should Own and Why

The Trench Coat– Burberry made the first ones for the military fighting in

the trenches, hence the name and design details like D-rings for holding grenades. Style-setter from Katherine Hepburn to Kate Moss adapted it as the "go anywhere in any weather" coat.

A Totebag– It's the female version of the briefcase, perfect for

stashing office files, gym clothes, shoes, makeup, and an evening clutch for going out after work.

The Little Black Dress– The wrap dress has been designer Diane von

Furstenberg's signature since the 1970s, famous for its comfortable yet flattering fit. It is at its most versatile in black, moving from office to an evening out with a quick change of jewelry.

The Pearl Choker– Instant class for any occasion—women have been

known to wear them playing tennis. Sixteen inches is the best length for most necklines, and white is the best color.

The Clutch– Grab this and you're ready for the night. Big

enough for the essentials, small enough to slip on a table top.

The Three-Piece Suit– A beautifully tailored jacket with matching

skirt and well-cut pants in a neutral color will get a woman anywhere she has to go. Black, navy and grey work equally well.

Black Pumps– The perfect shoes anchors every look. It's perfect with

jeans, suits, the little black dress, you name it. The White Shirt

The White Shirt– Tucked into jeans, peaking out of a suit jacket, the

white shirt goes with everything and every color, and always looks fresh.

Diamond Ear Studs– Whether worn with bikinis or ballgowns, the sparkle of

diamonds at the ears lights up any look. They come in every size to fit everyone's personal style…and budget.

Overcoming the “I Don’t Have Anything to Wear” Syndrome

Wardrobes that Work… for Teachers

Do you:Have “a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear”?Hate to go shopping?Love to go shopping, but still bring home items you end up not wearing?Want to update your look?Not know what your “look” even is?Think: I don’t have time to look fabulous!!

Closet Makeover

Block time over one or two weekends if possibleGet three boxes or garbage bags: Give Away, Repairs, and TrashRemove everything but clothes, shoes, and accessories from your closetNext, organize clothes by color, then type

Closet Makeover - continued

Organize shoes by color or type

As you see items you haven’t worn in a year or don’t like anymore, put them in one of the appropriate boxes or bags

Add a fourth box if necessary for keepsakes, but only if you just can’t bear to throw certain items away.

Closet Makeover - continued

Invite a friend for feedback and suggestionsStart trying on clothes and continue to sort Put outfits together and write them down in a notebook

Closet Makeover - continued

Analyze why you aren’t wearing certain pieces

Make a list of missing pieces and accessories to buy (does this include any event-specific items?)

Then vacuum and dust your newly organized closet—plan to repaint or get a new light fixture if needed

The Basics of Effective Shopping

Take your list (and a friend, if you like)

Wear a core item you want to build on (e.g. black pants, beige suit) so you can try on the pieces at the store

Wear a top that allows jackets and cardigans to be tried on over it

Wear comfortable shoes (or take others for trying on clothes) and carry a shoulder bag

Effective Shopping, Continued

Buy for fit, not the number on the tag—and consider alterationsBuy colors that flatter you—either blue-based or yellow-basedBuy to emphasize what you like about your body and to camouflage what you don’t

Buy what you love and that makes you feel great—not what’s “just OK” or on sale.Know the store’s return policies if you should change your mind about a purchase.If you leave without buying anything, that’s OK too! Don’t settle for less than great.

Effective Shopping, Continued

More on Effective Shopping

Build on one or two core colors

Buy the best quality you can afford for key pieces—consider cost per wearing

Discounters can have great deals--if you enjoy “hunting” be sure to check them frequently

In general, spend more on winter clothes than summer

Accessories make or break the look—have fun with them!

Updating Your Look: Keeping Current

Update hair and makeup on a regular basis

Take advantage of the perspective of a younger sister, daughter, or niece

Use full-length mirrors

Keep what works for you, but update something each year or season to keep things fresh

Scarf in a new color; new shape or height of shoe or heel; earrings; casual coat, sleeve or hemline length, new color of lipstick or application

Help! What is my “Look”?

Some general categories are:

Classic

Romantic

Creative

Casual / sportyWhat style does the majority of your wardrobe fall into now?

Do you want to change?

Determining Your Style

Think of the categoriesAre you a mix of several? Does your style preference change based on the event or activity?Look through fashion and other magazines and pull photos of what you likeTry on clothes that reflect theseRead resource books with more hands-on ideas and activities to help

Some Morning Time-Savers

Organized closet filled with ready-to-wear items you love Pre-determined, outfits speed up morning routinesIf you don’t do it already, pare down your makeup routine to the essentials—5 minutes maximum

Get a great haircut and use good products

Simplify breakfast

Keep accessories handy—even some in your bag

Smile and you’re out the door—pulled together and looking great!

More Morning Time-Savers

A special thanks to Jill Arnett of Glencoe/McGraw Hill Publishing. Jill

shared the original presentation with me and permitted me to take ownership. To the original has been added Psychology

of Color, Rule of 14, and Fashion Classics. You may use each of the six

sections as individual slide presentations in your classes.

If you would like this slide presentation, E-mail me at

satbfl@aol.comBe sure to include Michigan

in the subject line so that I do not delete you!