The life of a modern person is closely connected with his activities. Success in any business and especially in business depends on many factors. It is difficult to influence some of them. But there are those that simplify or complicate the movement along the career ladder. One of these factors is the overall image. This is the appearance of a person and everything that is directly connected with it: hairstyle, clothes, accessories.
The overall image - what is it?
It is hard to deny the importance of first impressions. It is believed that an opinion about a person develops in the first five seconds of communication. But during this time we can only say a few words. Our appearance speaks for itself - physique, accessories, clothing style, hairstyle, overall grooming - all this is an overall image.
The influence on others with the help of appearance can not be underestimated. Those planning to pursue a career should learn to look right in any setting. Matching the appearance of the situation is one of the components of the image that business people adhere to. A strict suit at work, a tuxedo or evening dress at the reception, always appropriate accessories and a suitable car for the status.
Components of overall image
As mentioned above, the overall image consists of many components. Another person is perceived as a whole image. Therefore, the technology of self-delivery requires the most informed and thought-out approach. Not a single element should be knocked out of the created image in order not to create dissonance.
The overall image includes a number of elements:
- Features of the human figure. It is well known that subconsciously we endow a stranger with certain traits of character, depending on the parameters of his body. Moreover, these characteristics may be completely untrue. If you are planning a public career, then you should think about how to bring the figure to an accepted standard.
- Clothing is one of the leading components - the correct formation of a business image depends on it.
- Hairstyle. This concept includes hair color, haircut, styling, cleanliness and a healthy look. The head should be washed, the roots stained, the haircut should be selected according to the type of face.
- Every element of the wardrobe. Accessories and surrounding items. They should be given special attention. Bag, watch, belt, jewelry should be of good quality and recognizable brands. The surrounding elements that create the overall image include a car, an office, and a direct office with furniture.
Features of the image of a business person
Any person, whether he wants it or not, creates his own image and thereby broadcasts to others his position and attitude towards the world. There are quite a few professions in which success and career advancement are directly dependent on appearance. More precisely, from the ability to properly submit yourself and create an overall image.
There are no important things in business. Everything that surrounds a person works either against him or against him. The overall image of a business person will differ from the image of an athlete or artist. It is distinguished by special thoughtfulness of all elements, the general restraint of the color scheme and discreet elegance. An important factor is the cost of the costume and accessories. The high cost of the image should not be evident, but at the same time be quite noticeable.
Business image of men
A man engaged in business or pursuing a public career must consciously form the correct appearance. He should take into account all the necessary components to always be on top.
There are a few general recommendations that make it easier to create a business image:
- Business clothing is a suit combined with a shirt and tie. It is very important to choose a jacket and trousers for a figure. They should be slightly loose and of optimum length. Legs should not open the ankle, but they cannot touch the ground. The sleeve of the jacket should be up to the bone of the wrist, so that the cuffs of the shirt are visible. Color should be selected based on the season. For fall-winter - dark, for spring-summer - light. Pure black and boiling white should be avoided - these shades are too specific.
- Business people wear a shirt with a long sleeve and a tie.
- Shoes should be in season, with a toe closed and always laced. Inadmissible sneakers, moccasins, sports slippers on flypapers, gym shoes.
- A business man should carefully monitor the condition of his hands and especially his nails, dirty nails in burrs are unacceptable. Of the jewelry on the hands, an engagement ring and high-quality expensive watches are acceptable.
- Hair should be well-groomed and neatly cut.
- For business documents and personal belongings, you should purchase a high-quality leather briefcase.
Business clothes for women and other features of the overall image of a business woman
It is much more difficult for women making a career to create a business image appropriate to the situation. Most often they have more choices, but this is often confusing. In addition, any lady wants to look quite feminine and at the same time feel comfortable in a work environment.
To fit into the working image, business clothes for women must meet the following parameters:
- You should maintain a calm color scheme: it is darker in winter and lighter in summer. Bright shades in clothes are permissible only in accessories, for example, a neckerchief.
- Clothing should not be visible. If in doubt, look at the wardrobe detail in the direction of bright light. Choose thick lined fabrics.
- Women do not have to wear a business suit, but you should pay attention to the general appearance of the outfit - it should be quite closed.
- In a working environment, bare shoulders, an open neckline, mini-skirts, too tight pants and other elements that make the image frivolous are unacceptable.
- Shoes should be selected with a closed toe and heel. Heel is not a mandatory attribute of the image of a business woman.
When creating a business overall image, a woman should pay enough attention not only to clothes, but to the image as a whole:
- Hair should be a natural color. If you use paint, then promptly tint the roots. It is permissible to wear loose hair up to the shoulders length, provided that they are decorated in a neat haircut, otherwise they should be collected.
- Neat and discreet make-up for a business lady is an indispensable element of the image.
- Jewelry should be medium-sized. It is unacceptable to wear gold and precious stones in the daytime, with the exception of an engagement ring. Ideal option - semiprecious stones and high-quality jewelry.
- The aroma of perfume should be soft and unobtrusive.
- Hands of a business woman should be well-groomed, with a neat manicure. The decorative coating on the nails should be discreet.
- Choose your business accessories carefully.
The influence of physique on the image
One of the most important elements of overall image is bodily parameters. Unconsciously, we perceive and evaluate people based on their physique. A large person seems more significant and credible. However, an excessively large body is already beginning to rather frighten and cause distrust.
With proper selection of wardrobe, you can slightly smooth out the first impression. It is worth striving for averaged parameters. If you are overweight, you should contact specialists in nutrition and sports, this will help normalize it and will definitely improve your business image. The most trusted are people who are fit and athletic.
Perception of hairstyles and its impact on the image
Hair is one of the most important elements in the image of any person. The visual perception of the interlocutor often begins with the head. Hairstyle plays a crucial role in creating the necessary impression. It sets the main sound for the image and is either harmoniously combined or creates a strong dissonance.
The basic rules of a competent hairstyle for a business person:
- First of all, the hair should be clean. It is absolutely unacceptable to appear in a decent society with a greasy, bad-smelling head. This is a sign of a careless attitude not only to oneself, but also to others. If there is absolutely no time for hygiene procedures, use a dry shampoo.
- Hair should be either trimmed neatly or collected. Long hair, with all its beauty, creates a completely frivolous and inoperative image. You should carefully monitor the haircut and regularly visit the hairdresser.
- Gray hair can look very dignified, they add solidity and confidence. If you prefer to paint over or tint gray hair - regularly update the color on the roots.
The importance of the right accessories to create a business style
A business image consists of many elements. Of course, the main thing is clothes. But do not underestimate the importance of accessories. They make the image complete. Properly selected, they can greatly improve or permanently spoil the first impression.
Business accessories include:
- clock;
- a briefcase or folder for papers ;
- bag for other things;
- a pen;
- glasses;
- belt on trousers;
- headdress and scarf;
- cufflinks for men;
- jewelry for women.
Choosing certain accessories for your work outfit, pay attention primarily to quality and style. Things should be concise in appearance, and at the same time look quite expensive. Rhinestones and excessive brightness are unacceptable. Items made of yellow gold are considered a sign of bad taste. The exception is the engagement ring.
The belt and briefcase should be made of genuine leather in a uniform shade. It is advisable to have several sets of different colors corresponding to the season and clothes. The frame of the glasses should first of all look harmoniously on the face, medium-sized glasses are best fit into the business image.
Watches are one of the most important business accessories. Do not buy cheap fakes of expensive brands. You can buy a quality replica from a trusted manufacturer, but it is better to get the original. A watch is a status thing, and once you spend it, you will get quality for many years.
For jewelry, follow the rule - the less, the better. Earrings, bracelets, beads and rings should be present in a business attire very moderately. It is best to do with a couple of elements, for example, discreet silver metal earrings and a small string of pearls. For a daytime wardrobe, it is advisable to make sets of high-quality jewelry, and leave products from precious metals and stones for solemn receptions.
Errors in the formation of overall image
Even quite experienced business people can make mistakes when creating their overall image. These shortcomings can be perceived as cute features, but provided that they are few and not fatal.
The main mistakes in creating a business image:
- Misunderstanding of fashion trends. Business style, with all its considerable conservatism, is subject to fashion trends. For example, a few years ago it was difficult to imagine a businessman with an unshaven face, but the current realities are such that wearing a beard has become an element of style. However, trendy trends should be avoided. This is especially true for accessories and colors.
- Inconsistency of style elements. Strict business style does not allow sports relaxation or shocking brightness. Some exemptions are allowed in the afternoon or during a business trip. For example, a gross violation of business style would be a combination of a simple double-breasted suit made of smooth fabric and moccasins or sneakers. Sports bags, excessively large and bright jewelry, and unnatural hair color are also included here.
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards. Social norms require a person to be clean. Neat and well-groomed should be all parts of the body. Clothes should be changed as they become dirty, and linen, socks and shirts / blouses should be changed daily. At any time of the year, you must use deodorants or antiperspirants, but make sure that their smell does not mix with the aroma of perfume.
- Be careful when using perfumes. Remember that your business partners can react differently to odors, even allergies.
- For a business woman, a big mistake is to completely ignore or, conversely, excessive passion for makeup. Make-up should gently and accurately emphasize facial features, but at the same time look as natural as possible.
These are the main style mistakes, they create a dissonance of the image, and those around you will no longer be able to take such a person seriously. Look carefully at yourself in the mirror and take away everything that is too striking. An impeccable business reputation and business image are the key to a successful career.
Who does not need to artificially create a business image
For many people associated with the business sphere, there is no particular need for the formation of a business overall image. Sufficiently comfortable and practical clothing and suitable accessories.
These include:
- telephone consultants;
- remote employees;
- employees not directly related to working with clients;
- student interns.