colour me beautiful

June 2006 newsletter

Dress codes have relaxed greatly over the past decade. The skirt suits of the Eighties and trouser suits of the Nineties that were the formality in business, have been replaced by less strict rules. Everything is softer now, looks are broken up and accessorising is key. You’re freer to express yourself, but it’s also easy to make mistakes. In fact, many businesses have axed ‘dress down fridays’ all together as the concept became too confusing – many people thought they were dressing to tend to their gardens, rather than focus on their work!


First things first - remember you are going to your office to…work! You aren’t going to the beach nor having a barbecue in your neighbours’ back garden. Different jobs in different industries will often dictate what is right and appropriate. If in doubt, take a cue from your boss (if a woman, alternatively from the most senior woman in your place of work).

if you work in a formal environment where a suit is expected to be worn:

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Ditch the black suit – choose a different neutral colour from your palette – say a grey (if you have cool colours in your palette) or a medium brown (if you have warm colours in your palette).

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For tops, handbags and shoes, go as light or colourful as your palette and work environment allow you to.

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A jacket with bracelet sleeves is a cooler alternative and looks current.

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When in the office, there will be opportunities when you can take your jacket off.

-	Make sure that what you wear underneath doesn’t reveal too much skin.
-	Watch out for the type of sleeve best for you. From cap to 3/4 length, the cardinal rule is to never let the sleeve finish

•	Remember that natural fibre breathes whilst synthetic fabrics will only make you sweat more! Cotton and linens are great options for staying cool and are now treated so that they do not require as much ironing as they used to.
•	Tight fitting clothes will crease more easily in the heat; loosely fitted clothes are more comfortable and elegant.
•	You do have to wear tights. Go for a natural shade in as low a denier as you can afford (they really do make any legs look better). If it’s a very hot day, escape the tights tyranny and opt for a pair of cotton or linen trousers instead.
•	Elegant sling back shoes will offer some ventilation. Of course, you can always ditch the shoes and tights as soon as you are out of the door, and slip on those flip flops to allow your tootsies to breathe!

if you work in an informal environment where suits are only required for special occasions:

•	You’re lucky that you have the freedom to express your style personality – within reason of course! The less flesh on display the better. In a work environment you are under the scrutiny of your boss so make sure it is because of the work you are doing and not for what you are displaying!
•	This is the time to use your colour palette to its full potential. Don’t shy away from mixing colours you never thought would work.
•	If you are exposing your legs and/or feet in a no-tights ensemble, grooming is crucial! Legs need to be waxed and feet pedicured. In addition, you may want to apply some self tan (in which case you’ll need to plan an exfoliating session).

• Tinted moisturiser
• Mascara
• Lipgloss

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your best colours

•	Dresses are the perfect summertime look. Try a lightweight cardigan over a sundress; alternatively think about shirt dresses for a change – there are plenty around.
•	Layering is necessary when air conditioning is on high (you lucky thing). Cardigans, jackets and vests (a must underneath those low-cut pieces) can be discarded as soon as you have a chance to leave your desk and enjoy the sun.

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While men do not have to think about waxing and painting their toe nails, they do have some rules too:

in a formal environment:

•	Leave your heavy wool suits at home (don’t forget to have them dry- cleaned for the summer – but please don’t let them suffocate by keeping them in the plastic wrapper). Cool, lightweight wools or even suits which are washable are ideal for the hotter temperatures.

•	Go for as light a colour as your industry and palette will allow.
•	In no way, wear a short sleeve shirt under a suit! Just roll up your sleeves when you get a chance.

in an informal environment:

•	Remember you are not at the pub! You are in the office, so some sort of decorum is still necessary. A soft collared shirt or polo shirt is best, whilst still looking professional. T-shirts only work if the culture of your business allows for it.
•	Wear clothes that have been ironed. Throwing on a creased T-shirt will not help with your next pay rise.
•	If you wear sandals, don’t forget to cut your toenails and spend a little time on grooming

Click here for more information on colour me beautiful services for men

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