Comments on Etiquette Bank: Dressing for Business - Are you overdoing it?

Sorry about the spelling error for the word 'havin...

2008-08-24T13:50:00.000+01:00

Sorry about the spelling error for the word 'having'.

Thank you for that message.Heving worked as a sale...

2008-08-24T13:45:00.000+01:00

Thank you for that message.Heving worked as a sales and marketing person before, I agree that no one clinches a deal lokking like she dressed in the dark. In marketing you 'sell' yourself first before seliing the product. After changing professions, I agree that in Nursing too the way you present yourself matters to a patient.Well, how would you like being injected by someone in her shots and all cleavage out, hair looking like it's windy outside and inside the building? Patients respect nurses who look smart and intelligent. This together with the way we speak and use our body language is very crucial in nursing. Recently my colleagues complained to the H.O.D Nursing that they want new uniforms b'se they don't really stand out on the ward as degree students and are treated like caregivers. My opinion was, how do they present themselves?No one has ever called me a carer. Dressing,speech and manners show what you're made of.
Immaculate- South Africa.

Tola is definitely right in my own opinion. Who de...

2008-08-20T23:11:00.000+01:00

Tola is definitely right in my own opinion. Who determines the way we all dress? The occassion should - business or social and so should the type of occassion. What is overdressing for a type of business meeting may be underdressing for another. Dressing therefore should match the occassion. What is however disturbing is the mismatch of the dressing. You will often find a man dressed in the full native african attire wearing a sandal and socks. Where does that come from? Sandal yes, but socks (red for that matter!!!). Or imagine a lady dressed again in african attire wearing gloves. What for?

One more thing. Why do africans have to dress in three piece suits in our burning weather or even the african three piece 'parachute'? This is ridiculous. Then they require AC everywhere they go - in the car, in the office and at home. Plus the cost of acquiring and maintaining these Air Conditioners. Why not dress light, smart and comfortable (and save money in the process? Preachers please take note.

The bottom-line is this: we should all strive to be cultural, modest (or as the occassion demands) and uninviting.

If you work in the beauty or fashion industry, the...

2008-08-15T14:22:00.000+01:00

If you work in the beauty or fashion industry, there is a certain way you have to be dressed. This may call for more makeup or jewelry (even pearls). Men and women in the US dress based on their work environment. E.g. Female executives wear suits with pearls and Manolo or Jimmy Choo shoes and carry Coach or Gucci bags.
I disagree that men should wear black shoes only for business. If the man has on a brown suit and a pair of nice (not croc skin) brown or even suede shoes that match/compliment the outfit, that is acceptable.
Yes, it is correct to keep the cleavage and tight skinned clothes out of the office.
I do feel you need to revise some of the suggestions you gave as the workplace attire has changed quite significantly and needs to be adapted to not only the Nigeria audience but globally. (I am of the opinion this publication is sent globally)
An important fact to keep in mind when dressing, is that first impression counts. Before people really get to know you, your attire/exterior is what they base their first impressions on, so make it work!