One choice out of the many we make when getting dressed is when to wear color and when to wear neutrals. Different tones “say” different things. Wearing color in a professional setting may be the area of life in which you want to devote the most thought on how you will “come across” when wearing color versus wearing neutrals.
Remember that professional doesn’t have to mean working in a traditional, 9 to 5 office on the daily. It can be leading a volunteer group once a week, sitting on a non-profit board, meeting one-on-one with a client, or running errands as a local small business owner who may bump into potential clients. Here are some guidelines for helping you decide on and control your message.
What do you want to express?
Neutrals equal restrained, sophisticated, a bit unknowable, serious, calming and confident. Colors make you memorable, assertive, approachable, open, even playful and friendly.
Questions to consider:
What is your role and position?—and this can change slightly on a regular basis depending upon your daily tasks. Sitting at your desk most of the day? Meeting with potential clients? Meeting with long time clients? Are you leading the group? Are you receiving instructions? Are you the expert? Is your field ultra competitive? Or more collaborative?
ONe more thought:
Wearing mostly navy or black at work can look like a uniform and as seniority rises your unique personality and skill sets should stand out rather than blend into a uniformed background. Be memorable in a positive way as you move up through the ranks.
and start to look for this color everywhere
“Pantone’s Color of The Year, Viva Magenta, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative”—so says the Pantone website! Strength, bravery and newness—all sound good to me. Here are some simple ways to wear it.
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