With the holiday season right around the corner you, may be brimming with the festive spirit. Remember, however, not to go overboard with festive attire in the office and at business-related social functions, says Sarah Collins, an image consultant based in Toronto.
“Leave the Christmas sweaters for the cottage or by the fireplace,” Collins says.
Whether it’s for an office meeting with clients or an after-work social function, Collins offers the following suggestions — for both men and women — on what to wear and what not to wear this holiday season:
> Go easy on the colours
While red and green are traditional hues of the season, you shouldn’t deviate too much from your standard day-to-day threads. You might have been saving a particular technicolour outfit just for the occasion, Collins says. But you don’t want to look like you just jumped off a Santa Claus parade float.
“There’s a difference between adding a splash of colour and going all out,” Collins says. “Consider a simple accent — a scarf or a piece of jewelry — but just have one hero in each outfit.”
> Keep modest
Even if you consider yourself a budding fashionista, remember your audience. Ladies, this is not the time to break out your plunging V-neck blouses or your leather micro-miniskirt.
Says Collins: “I wouldn’t take [holiday events] as a time to strut your fashion stuff.”
Even at a social function, Collins says, you should be projecting the most professional and polished look possible.
She suggests a blazer — for both men and women —because it is a happy medium between dressy and casual. For men, Collins adds, make sure everything is “neat, tucked and buckled.”
> Dress up
Most holiday functions nowadays are fairly specific on the kind of attire required. Meeting the dress code,” Collins says, “is a key make or break.”
If you’re unsure about a dress code, Collins says, such as “business casual,” always err on the side of being dressed more formally. It is better to be a bit over-dressed than underdressed.
> Ease up on scents
Avoid over indulging in perfumes or colognes, Collins says. You want to be attracting clients and prospects — not driving them away.
> Look forward
Think about dressing in a way that projects the image you want to convey for your future. This is particularly important for young advisors looking to advance their careers.
Hint for young advisors: Follow the lead of a more senior colleague whose shoes you hope to fill one day.