No tight pants, acres of cleavage: Clothes make a leader

Organisational culture and the nature of work determine to a large extent women's choice of dress. [Istockphoto]

Organisational culture and the nature of work determine to a large extent women's choice of dress. I agree with Genevieve Antoine Dariaux who said that to be elegant is first of all to know oneself, and to know oneself well requires a certain amount of reflection and intelligence. When one is inappropriately dressed for an occasion, it means either they did not reflect about themselves or they lack dress sense.

Edna Woolman Chase said "Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess". Little wonder why some women wear expensive clothes but look like scarecrows! A woman should always dress her body size and shape. Whatever you choose to wear, before you step out, ask yourself whether your skirt or trouser suit, dress or blouse is a good fit. What is a good fit? A good fit in terms of length is knee length or below the knee. Correct fitting also means your clothes should not be so tight that your panty line is visible. Correct fitting means you don't show any cleavage. It's demeaning for a woman to expose her breasts in public.

Women should not wear too many colours at once. Have a maximum of three colours for your clothes, shoes and handbag. Unlike men, women can play around with bright colours as long as the combination is carefully selected. When it comes to jewellry, the golden rule is that one must not wear more than five pieces of jewelry. This could mean a pair of earrings, a watch, ring, and chain. You don't have to wear all five pieces, and neither should you wear five rings! Moderation and a good mix is key. Also do match gold for gold and silver for silver.

A professional woman should carry a small to medium sized handbag. Women are now dragging suitcases into offices, which is not appropriate. Store your business cards in a decent card holder to avoid getting lipstick smudges on them.

A woman's hair should be clean, neatly shaped and styled professionally. Avoid wearing conspicuous rubber bands, and your hair shouldn't fall on your face. Your makeup should be applied tastefully.

Apply lipstick conservatively and avoid long false eyelashes to the office. Your nail polish should be neat and not chipped. Formal shoes for women are closed, or closed with open toes. Raise the heels 1-1/2 to 2 inches or as the occasion determines. The higher the heels, the more elegant the walk. But be careful to wear heels you can comfortably walk in. Avoid strong perfumes that waft a long distance. Finally, wear clothes that suit your body shape because impressions are important.

Today's business environment requires that we are aware of proper etiquette and courtesy. Different countries, regions, cultural and religious groups have their own social rules of engagement and taboos as regards dressing. Ignorance of these rules may sometimes lead to embarrassment, misunderstanding and conflict. It is therefore important for professionals to be equipped with knowledge of proper dress etiquette to mitigate any eventualities.

The writer is a trainer and consultant in communication, official protocol and etiquette at the Kenya School of Government