SavvySugar

I'm Asking: What Do You Wear to Work on Fridays?

SavvySugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:40:16 -0700

Casual Friday is reinstituted at Dunder-Mifflin on last night's episode of The Office, now that Michael is back in charge. Angela hates it because she thinks everyone looks inappropriate, and is especially bent out of shape about Oscar's sandals. Michael's interpretation of casual Friday is a hoodie, t-shirt, and jeans, Pam and Phyllis show up in the same khaki pants and purple plaid shirt, Meredith rocks a skimpy tube dress (with no underwear), and Kelly shows off her street style in overalls, metallic boots, and a hat.

What's your typical work attire on Fridays?

Photo courtesy of NBC

Did You Ever Have to Follow a Dress Code You Despised?

SavvySugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0700

Dwight calls Dunder-Mifflin's new dress code a death sentence on last night's episode of The Office. He can no longer wear the short-sleeved button-downs that he wore with a tie every day, and he can't stop tugging at the long sleeves he's now forced to wear. Check out the clip below of Dwight having a fit and then tell me, was there ever a dress code that you despised?

How to Dress For Interview Success During the Recession

SavvySugar — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:30:19 -0700

If you asked your grandmother for interview fashion tips, she'd probably advise to "dress for the job you want, not the job you have," but the professionals seem to think now is the time to simply play it safe. Wearing casual or unusual clothes in times of economic success can be a positive because it gives the impression you're a risk-taker, but that's not what employers are looking for given the current market.

Sandy Ruddock, who is the founder of image consultants Public i, recommends plain dark suits and white shirts for men and a simple jacket, skirt and blouse combo for a woman. My general rule for interview attire is to dress one step up from the company's dress code (unless of course their dress code is extremely formal). So, if employees adhere to business casual guidelines, you should wear a suit for your interview.

I think it's most important to focus on the overall success of your interview and the things you shouldn't do, but it's clear first impressions go a long way. What would you wear if you had an interview right now?

Would You Show Some Skin to Get Ahead at Work?

SavvySugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:15:00 -0800

Source

Ask Savvy: What Should I Wear to a Job Interview?

SavvySugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:30:45 -0700

Q: Dear Savvy,

I have an advanced degree in Science and Engineering and am currently job hunting. I keep seeing and hearing conflicting reports about what to wear to my interviews. Any advice?

A: Office attire seems to be a common theme this week - the Project Runway contestants certainly had some interesting and varied ideas of what attire is appropriate for a college graduate entering the working world. Some of their creations may have passed once you've been established as an employee, but figuring out what to wear on an interview is more pressing because it's all about making your best first impression. See my tips for interview appropriate attire when you read more.

The general rule for interview attire is to dress one step up from the company's dress code (unless of course their dress code is formal). So, if employees adhere to business casual guidelines, than you should choose to wear a suit for your interview. Likewise, if you're interviewing in a casual office you'll want to dress one step up. I don't recommend wearing jeans to an interview, even if they are your dressy denim.

I find that a well-tailored (but not mini-length!) dress can be a great solution when you're interviewing in a casual office. If you're someone who is more comfortable in pants, then wear a freshly-pressed pair of pants that are more dressed up than jeans and a top that is conservative but not stiff. And if you're not sure of the dress code? Call the office's main number and ask the receptionist!

Do any of you have additional job interview attire advice? Please share!

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I'm Asking: Do You Recall Your First Day of Work Outfit?

SavvySugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:00:29 -0700

Your first day at a new job can resemble your first day of school - the familiar nervous butterflies and thoughtful wardrobe choices included. With more than half of you admitting that you judge your co-workers by how they dress, taking care in making a first impression at work would only make sense. Do you recall what you selected for your first day on the job?

Brilliant or Baffling: City Clips For Your Pants

SavvySugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:30:07 -0700

Savvy says: Brilliant!

Cityclips ($36) are a working girl's dream come true. We take care in building our work wardrobes and spend a pretty penny in doing so, and cityclips are the answer to saving our perfect-fit pants and hard earned cash.

Held together by magnets, the clips protect your pant-hem from fraying by lifting your pant leg when wearing your commuter flats. They are even available in various fabrics to closely match what you're wearing!

The item will eventually pay for itself by extending the life of your pants. What do you think of these; are they brilliant or baffling?

You Get What You Pay For: Where to Skimp and Splurge

SavvySugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:53 -0700

Is there anything in your wardrobe or household that you're confident will stand the test of time? An MSN Money article called "Should you skimp . . . or splurge?" doubts our ability to judge the value of quality things, and points out that our preference for disposable goods is related to credit cards. Dayana Yochim, a writer at The Motley Fool, brings up some interesting points.

Credit cards let us instantly satisfy our retail desires. Our grandparents had to delay that gratification. They figured that if they had to save for it, they'd better get the best they could. Now retailers want to catch that fleeting desire. We're looking at pricing before quality.

The article offers some suggestions on where to skimp by purchasing items that aren't the best of their kind, and where to splurge by investing money in items that will last.

Splurges: Mattress, eight-inch chef's knife, overcoat.
Skimp: Men's dress shirts (as long as the suit is well-tailored), women's shirts (especially the trendy stuff), accent chair, table linens.

Do you agree with the article's recommendations? Where do you usually skimp or splurge?

Do You Judge Your Co-Workers by How They Dress?

SavvySugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:30:23 -0700

Old adages may tell us to "dress for success" and "dress for the job you want, not the job you have," but 49 percent of you define your work dress code as "business casual." I happen to think business casual is perfectly appropriate for most professions and when it's not companies usually create a dress code; however, it seems pretty obvious that we all judge a book by its cover from time to time. Do you find yourself judging your co-workers based on their style?
Photo courtesy of NBC

Do You Dress More Casually on Fridays?

SavvySugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:05:24 -0700

Here at Sugar HQ we're lucky to dress as we please every day of the week, but I didn't always have it so good. My old office had me buttoned up day in and day out, though on Fridays most employees interpreted our business-casual dress code on the more casual side.

Men would wear khakis and a more colorful button-up shirt, and women might wear a sweater or a more comfortable dress than usual. There was nothing in our extensive code saying that we could tone it down on Fridays and we simply established the habit for ourselves. The majority of you have business-casual dress codes at the office, but does Friday mean you dress more casually?

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