So are you the most stylish person in your office?

Ceril Campbell, celebrity stylist and image consultant

How much does your appearance and style account for your success? On what basis do your business clients, associates, colleagues, employers and employees judge you? Is it all about your dynamic personality and excellent performance in the workplace or is it about your image too?

You may say that your personal image has nothing to do with how your performance is rated, especially if you know you do your job well. But the more appropriate your style and image is to your current or aspired position in a company, the better the perception of you. You are an integral member of your company’s overall brand image and first impressions are paramount.

So what does your personal image say about your company’s corporate image?

It says everything. You and your work colleagues are the faces of the brand. You might feel you are invisible, (and therefore it doesn't matter what you wear) if you sit at a desk all day on the phone or at a computer screen. But you are still a collective part of a whole and should present a uniformity of image at all levels from receptionist to CEO or MD.

Dressing for the workplace is all about creating an image that is appropriate to your environment, your job specification and the brand image of your company. But however you dress, and whatever your job, your overall style needs to give off an aura of authority, knowledge and self-confidence so that your clients and associates feel comfortable and trusting in your presence.

So what does your image say about you and your company and do first impressions count?

Your hair, clothes, shoes, accessories and grooming will paint a picture not just of your personality, but also of your efficiency and position in the workplace. It can attract both positive and negative attention, as you may be seen to be someone other than the real you.

Whether you are male or female, in this fast moving world of media attention and glossy packaging, presentation and image can overtake substance. As we all now know, even our Prime Minister wears makeup costing £1000's a year for his public appearances, as visual impressions really do count. They could clinch you that all-important deal. Maybe, as a man, you don't need to go as far as Mr. Blair with the YSL Touche Eclat concealer and more, but good grooming will certainly help. And for women, why not make the most of your assets with subtle makeup to enhance some features and conceal others, but less is always more.

Is your hair well cut and does it suit your face shape? Girls, is your current hair colour best for your skin tones, and if it's going prematurely grey, is it making you appear older than you are? Somehow that doesn't seem to matter so much for men-in fact it can be quite distinguished-life really isn't fair is it?! While we are touching on age, is your hair cut in the best style for your age and does it make you look younger or older? Do you tidy and trim extraneous facial hair, we're not just talking your beard here….(I am directing this at the men, although women take note too)! and chaps, have you ever tried moisturiser? There is no reason why you can't cleanse, tone and moisturise regularly and even occasionally exfoliate just because you're a man!

Does your business suit really work for your body shape and the image you wish to give off? Men, you may feel that double breasted is stylish and is unequivocally your style of choice. But double rows of buttons create an illusion of extra width around your girth and I am sure you would prefer to look slimmer. Double-breasted suits were designed to be worn buttoned; reference Kenneth Clarke and his unbuttoned double-breasted suits, making him look untidy. Girls, do you have to wear a suit for work? Is it a sharp beautifully cut "power suit" (think New York City female bankers) or is your company dress code "black" and you choose to hide your femininity in shapeless black jackets and ill-fitting trousers so that your male colleagues will only notice your excellent work, not the woman behind it?

So back to the men. Do you think your suits really fit? Do the shoulders sit well on your shoulders, giving a good line? A good shoulder line is all-important. Jacket shoulder shape is the key to looking authoritative. Never use wire hangers to store your suit jackets, as they will gradually create the shoulders to become misshapen. If you have uneven or sloping shoulders, made-to-measure suits are your salvation. Do the proportions of your suit work for your body-shape? Are the sleeves and jacket length correct? Not too long or too short? Are your trousers long enough…and is the waist not only the right size but sitting in the right place….not too low and not too high-Simon Cowell style? Girls, does your skirt length work for your leg shape, your job specification(not too short or too sexy) and most importantly does the whole outfit work for your proportions?

All your clothes, accessories and grooming should be selected to improve your body and face shape with clever cut, colour and styling, creating an improved illusion of the real you, hiding your worst bits and accentuating your best.

Do you consider accessories unnecessary? For men, a good leather belt will "finish" a suit, stylish cufflinks will add to a shirt, and ties are very important as they say a huge amount about your personality, whilst your watch and your shoes say even more. It's not just about where you buy your shoes, but how you look after them. It doesn't matter if they were £50 or £1000 but they must be un-scuffed, clean, polished and most importantly regularly cared for at the shoe menders. By the way, just because your socks are mostly hidden under your trouser hems, don't forget they too can be seen when you sit down. For women, good quality accessories can make an inexpensive outfit look expensive. Great shoes and bags also mean that you can have a feeling thin or fat day without compromising on all the outfit!

Men's shirts, whether white, coloured, patterned or stripy should be well pressed. Coloured shirts are often more flattering to your facial skin tones than white. If you are a fair skinned man then try pale blues, pinks, lilacs, lemons, and if you have a sallow skin that tans easily, then you can try stronger pastels. Make sure your collar size is correct and there is a little sleeve cuff showing out of your jacket sleeves and that there aren't any buttons missing. The most noticeable part of the shirt is the collar. It must be the right size, sitting well inside your jacket neckline. Check for fraying edges, especially with your old favourite - maybe it's time for its retirement.

Do you always research your upcoming client meetings beforehand? Not just from the business angle but also in respect to what you feel would be appropriate to wear to create the most suitable image.

Your choices of suit and accessory combinations can change daily according to the weather, your mood and your business diary or even if it's a dress-down day. But with a personalised formula of styles, shapes and colours that work perfectly for you from top to toe, you can be sure that your image will not only be working best for you, but also your company's brand image too, making you the most stylish person in the office.

Ceril’s services include:
In-office advice for senior executives; half-day limousine shopping trips for wives or partners; personal shopping; personal style advice; wardrobe consultations; style advice in preparation for promotion, seminars on dressing for the workplace and more. Enquiries and further information on Ceril’s style, re-imaging and shopping services, email: ceril@cerilcampbell.com. Ceril can tailor make packages for personal consultations or to suit your company’s budget and requirements.

Prices on application

Visit Ceril's website at www.cerilcampbell.com

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