Cherry Hill, NJ

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

According to Barbara Pachter, a business etiquette expert and author of numerous books including GREET! EAT! TWEET! 52 Business Etiquette Postings To Avoid Pitfalls & Boost Your Career, "Many people forget that their clothing always needs to project professionalism, regardless of their company's policies."

Based on what she has seen in business and the recent stories from her seminar participants, Pachter created the following list of the Top 10 Business Clothing Faux Pas:

1. Dressing in clothes that are too big.  You look like a little kid in your big brother's or sister's clothing! Your clothing needs to fit.

2. Wearing skirts that are too short.  They draw attention to your legs. Is that where you want people to look? Plus, you can get labeled: A woman named Susan wore very short skirts and her coworkers referred to her as "Suzy Short Skirt."

3. Having short socks  Short socks or socks that fall down expose skin and hairy legs on men when they sit and/or cross their legs.

4. Showing cleavage.  Sexy is not a corporate look. Low-cut tops that expose cleavage draw attention to this body part and are not appropriate in the office.

5. Wearing a bikini when at a pool with business associates  Whether you are going on an award cruise or attending the company picnic, it's not the time to expose everything! This applies to both men and women.

6. Drawing attention to your clothing because of your color choices  Do you want to be remembered for what you said or what you wore? A man wore bright green pants and wanted Pachter's opinion. She replied that since his slacks were not typical corporate clothing, he would probably be labeled as "the man in green pants."

7. Wearing T-shirts, shirts or ties with inappropriate sayings, pictures or childish designs  A candidate wore a shirt with small teddy bears to an interview. He didn't get the job; the interviewers just kept talking about his shirt.

8. Ignoring your shoes.  People notice shoes. Your shoes should be clean, polished and in good condition.

9. Dressing inappropriately for business social events  The company holiday party, conferences or dinner at the boss's house are still business events and your clothing choices matter.

10. Ignoring your grooming Clothes need to be clean and pressed. Do not have chipped nail polish or nose hairs that need to be clipped. They become distractions.

Barbara Pachter is a speaker, coach and author of numerous business books, including The Power of Positive Confrontation ($15.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.) and When the Little Things Count ($13.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.).

She specializes in business etiquette and communication for companies worldwide. Her client list features major organizations, including Microsoft, Pfizer, Chrysler, Cisco and Genentech.

For a review copy of GREET! EAT! TWEET! 52 Business Etiquette Postings To Avoid Pitfalls & Boost Your Career, contact: Joyce Hoff, 856.751.6141, or joyce@pachter.com.

For a free copy of Pachter's communication e-newsletter, "Competitive Edge," your readers can call (856) 751-6141 (NJ) or go to www.pachter.com.

Barbara Pachter

President

Pachter and Associates

Cherry Hill, NJ

856-751-6141

Barbara Pachter

President

Pachter and Associates

Cherry Hill, NJ

856-751-6141

First Url: Barbara Pachter's website

Second Url: Barbara Pachter's Blog