TV detectives. They’re everywhere these days, aren’t they? CSI, Scott & Bailey, The Bridge (my current favourite), The Killing, Silent Witness, New Tricks (oddly enjoyable)…the list goes on.
My theory for why they’re so popular is we all have a bit of the detective in us – an ability to see one minute detail which gives us a clue to a shed-load of information. So I was drawn to a recent article in The Times* about a new book – You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You by Dr Jennifer Baumgartner (yes, I had trouble pronouncing her surname too).
I’ve written a number of blogs about how image is a huge part of communicating your brand (including my last one), so here’s Dr B’s thoughts on the matter that you might want to consider when you’re pulling on your pants in the morning:
Labels
Dr B says: If you have an image that’s dripping with logos, you could be perceived as having an identity crisis, using someone else’s name to prove your worth. I say: When you know yourself and your personal brand you have a confidence that negates the need to piggyback other brands, so it’s true that too many logos make people suspect your self-assurance.
Cleavage (one for the ladies, unless your moobs have got out of hand gents)
Dr B says: Too much cleavage screams attention-seeking or a plea for approval, but getting it right can make you seem powerful. I say: There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your body but remember where the line is between looking professional and looking like a pole dancer!
Loose clothing
Dr B says: Baggy trousers or oversized clothing sends the message you’re not in control of your life. I say: From my experience it’s certainly true that, rightly or wrongly, that’s the connection we make. Ditto for people who are distinctly overweight.
White shirt
Dr B says: This is a conservative classic – a wardrobe workhorse that, no matter what level you’re dressing at, will always look appropriate. I say: That’s true although make a note of a) the cleavage rule – even a smart shirt looks cheap when it’s buttoned so low there’s a place to park your bike and b) wearing it with black trousers/skirt can be too reminiscent of a waiter/waitress (a job I’m sure we all did when we were teenagers trying to earn beer money).
Mini skirt
Dr B says: Are you clinging on to your lost youth? When we dress younger than our age we’re actually drawing attention to it. I say: It depends how mini the skirt and how well you can pull it off, but on the whole it’s best to avoid the ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ scenario.
Jeans
Dr B says: When we’ve got the blues we wear the blues and research suggests that when women feel depressed they are more likely to wear jeans. I say: I’m not so sure about this one – I’ve never seen someone in jeans and assumed they’re popping Prozac. However, I do believe that, if you are going to wear jeans for business, they should be countered by something much smarter on your top half so it’s not all casual (the equivalent of the red carpet rule for Hollywood starlets: you can show your boobs or your legs, but never both).
So what are the image clues you can rely on to learn about someone’s personal brand? I’d love to hear your thoughts with a comment below.
*Here’s an example: What clues to my brand did you get when I said I read The Times?
What Floats Your Boat?
Instantly improve your personal brand: SMILE!
Do something different with your personal brand
The stand-out CV
Holding a mirror to your personal brand: Part 3
Here in the children’s museum sector the issue of what to wear remains an interesting one – and even 14 months in I’m still trying to get the balance right.
As the National Children’s Museum one of our values is to be best practitioners of playful learning – however, I never once saw this as a cue to arriving dressed a Coco the Clown. On the other hand, quite a lot of our work involves holding meetings with potential partners, which means looking professional but without looking too formal.
As one of just three males on the senior management team, there’s also a few messages that need to come across about looking authoritative – but without resorting to pin striped suits and Oxford brogues.
So, the solution for me has been a staple wardrobe of TM Lewin shirts (5 for £100 buys you a quality shirt for each day of the week) coupled with some plain suit type trousers. And to add a bit of personality, I’ve become a professional tank top and cardigan wearer thanks to some thrifty merino wool numbers spotted in a few vintage shops.
The net result is something that looks professional, approachable and geeky modern without looking like I’m turning up for work with a cardy, pipe and slippers. And given that all this has to be backed into a ruck sack for my half way commute by bike then train, it all seems to work out quite well.
When the time comes to resort to a clown outfit I may have to re-examine the values associated with my own personal brand.
Let me know when the Coco the Clown outfit does eventually get added to your wardrobe – I’d like to see that!
Hi Times reader! Guess what book I’m reading at the moment?! Great psychological insight into how we express ourselves through what we wear. Once you get past the Americanism there’s lots to learn and use in both our lines of work.
When are we having that coffee?
[Cue Twilight Zone music] Spooky that you’re reading the book already. I saw the photo of the author and she was certainly dressed to impress.