Property Management 101 – Dress for Success
A professional image is expected to be maintained at all times by all staff, regardless of level. We should all adopt a high level of intelligence. You may not be a manager yet, but you need to dress appropriately in the most competent image of yourself.
Circumstances will dictate how to dress; however, we do have some guidelines below:
Professional business attire is the most conservative type of business attire. This is what you are expected to wear to the office if you work in accounting, finance, or other office workplaces. For women, this means a business suit or pantsuit or a dress with a jacket. For men, professional dress means a business suit or blazer, dress pants, a business shirt, and a tie.
Business casual attire is a relaxed take on professional business attire. It doesn’t mean you’re going to be casual! This is your office dress code if you work in a semi-conservative workplace, but some interviews and events may also call for a business casual style. Business causal is a collared shirt and/or a sweater and dress pants with cute shoes for women. Women may also wear a dress or skirt of moderate length (ie knee length or longer). For men, business attire is a polo shirt or collared shirt and/or sweater and business pants with dress shoes. No tie required.
Hair, makeup, and accessories should be conservative. Hair should not be brightly colored, natural or highlighted is best. Makeup should show off your natural features, showing what you already have. Tights are suitable for business people and can look professional if you choose a shade close to your skin color. Lastly, jewelry should be well chosen pieces that are not distracting or have vulgar slogans.
Once upon a time, the industry standard was set for what everyone wore to work. Once upon a time people really dressed for work. Not many people do now. I am still continually amazed by people who come up to me in their business to offer me a service, when it seems like they should be relaxing in a cafe.
Just because others dress casually at work doesn’t mean we should lower our standards. I believe that Casual dress = casual attitude. Stand out and dress to impress. Dress for success.
Showcase ourselves as the industry leader that we are and ensure diligence in the way we dress and act each day when representing the company, our chosen profession and ourselves. Remember that someone important may be watching!