Professionalism
A little fun fact about me… Right before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, I was killing it, doing presentations for companies talking about “Dressing for Success”. It all started at a Celtics game. I was introduced to someone high-up with a successful insurance company. When he found out that I was a Wardrobe Consultant he saw an opportunity. Over the years, his office’s attire had gone from professional to down right casual. Women were wearing leggings with UGGS. Men were wearing t-shirts and cargo shorts. And HR was struggling to figure out a way to carefully address the problem.
Insert me. They hired me in two ways. First, they sat me down with their two Receptionists to offer $500 each, worth of new professional clothing. Mostly focusing on a new requirement: Blazers. I got a feel for their personal style, color pallet and sizing and went to work. On their lunch break I presented several blazers, blouses and trousers that they could incorporate into their work attire. Second, I hosted a presentation titled, “Dressing for Success”, which discussed the DO’s and DONT’s of professional wardrobe. I made recommendations like, “It’s okay to wear UGGS into the office, but once you get to your desk, please change into dress shoes”. I recommended fabrics that don’t wrinkle as soon as you sit down. And I gave visual examples of what is unacceptable for professional dress in a work environment (which was basically everything they were all wearing).
The presentation was wildly successful and news spread quickly, that there was a woman that could come in and smooth over what normally is a difficult conversation with Human Resources. Just as I was starting to book presentations daily, the Pandemic hit and instantly ended it all. People were working from home and even if they were still in the office, no one wanted a stranger off the street coming in and possibly infecting their office. That’s okay. I pivot. And also, COVID-19 was actually really helpful in bringing me clients that were once working from home, but had to go back to the office and had gained a bunch of weight.
Today, I was in the State Capitol Building and a woman walked by in flip flops. I probably wouldn’t have noticed if I didn’t hear the smacking of, flip, flop, flip, flop. Absolute tragedy. God I pray she doesn’t read this, but you could even see her feet were dirty. What?! That’s disgusting. Your feet are dirty and you clearly didn’t shower this morning and you’re showing the entire world. Have some respect. Not only for yourself, but for others around you. Bottom barrel of professionalism.
Listen, I’m far from perfect. I’m currently wearing bike shorts, a t-shirt, sneakers and my hair is in a bun. But that’s because I’m spending my day running errands with my kid, which includes a lot of outdoor activity. Yesterday, I was working with a Client. I was dressed appropriately. Midi length dress and flats. Seasonably and professionally appropriate. It doesn’t have to be a three-piece suit, but you do need to respect a certain level of professionalism. Please.
My plaid pink and white suit is ZARA.